“Just Had Radiesse 3 Days Ago on Naso-labial Lines and Acne Scars. Still Swollen, but Improving! - Houston, TX”

I had radiesse on my naso-labial lines and a couple of acne scars 3 days ago. I am much better today, but I was EXTREMELY swollen for the first 2 days, and I also have bruising at the some injection sites. My face was really sore for the first couple of days, but today it is getting better.

Don't believe anyone who tells you that you can return to work or your everyday life right after the procedure. I was definitely not in any shape to face anyone for the first couple of days, I looked like I had been in a fight!! The left side of my face was not too bad, but for some reason, the right side was a lot more swollen. I am hoping that once the swelling completely subsides, that I won't be lopsided as I am now. If uneven swelling has happened to anyone else, I would love to hear how yours turned out!!

3 days out, I can't decide it was worth it or not. I can see a difference in my naso-labial lines, I feel like I do look younger/more refreshed. But although my depressed acne scars are now somewhat raised, they are still visible. I would probably not have these injected again. I do have one depression from a cortisone shot that looks much better right now, but who knows after the swelling completely subsides. I do have to say that initially after the procedure when I was the most swollen, the scars looked really good.

Bottom line- be prepared for pain, swelling, and a couple days of hiding & icing!! I know this might not be the case for everyone, but you should be prepared just in case. Also, I did not get a dental block, although it was offered. I just hate the feeling of having my mouth numb and slobbering all over myself. My doctor said that there was Lidocaine mixed with the Radiesse, but it still HURT BADLY. I have had botox (on my forehead and crows feet) a couple of times without any problems, but the pain was much worse with Radiesse.

Updated on 28 Jan 2011:
After all of the swelling went down, I was left with one major lump where an acne scar was injected. I ended up having it injected with saline a couple of times, and this seemed to help a little. My doctor recommended I use a back massager to massage the lump several times a day for ten minutes at a time. I did this for a couple of months. The lump went away after about 3 months. The rest of my scars looked great, but I wouldn't ever do Radiesse again because of the lump!!! It was on my chin and very obvious, and there was nothing I could do to get rid of it!