Radiesse: Stories

After my divorce (25 yrs) my daughter surprised me with a gift certificate for a botox treatment. I had no prior experience with any type of cosmetic procedure. After receiving the botox injection (August 2009) the nurse pitched the Radiesse treatment, which was way beyond my financial resources. They then invited me to participate as a subject in their training program. I would receive the injections from the trainee, who would be supervised by the nurse present at my consultation. The procedure was valued at approximately $1500 and was scheduled for the next day.

I tried to do some research that evening and became familiar with possible after effects - bruising, swelling, etc. Since I've always had a high tolerance for pain, I was not concerned about any related pain. I read something that stated there was "potentially some unusual hair growth" but didn't pay much attention. At my age (58) a little extra hair on my head didn't seem like a problem.

The treatment itself lasted about 90 minutes and was much more painful than I anticipated. I experienced significant bruising and swelling which lasted 7-10 days.

In the days that followed, I started noticing a bizarre, almost freakish secretion of thin hairlike strands from various places on my face. Most noticeable around my eyes, and actually on the outer rim. If I just lightly touched an area such as the eyelid, a strand of this "stuff" would appear. There was no pain, however there was a very slight ticklish sensation (felt like an ant crawling on my face), which was followed by the secretion. I was able to watch the strand as it emerged using a magnification mirror. This subsided after a couple months, however recently has started up again.

Overall, I saw little if any improvement in the lines, sagging, etc. This issue with the secretions is driving me crazy! That ticklish sensation cannot be ignored, and I find myself constantly wiping/brushing my face. I recall watching someone at a party who was known to be a cocaine addict and he was constantly wiping his face and/or head in the same way. This is how I'm afraid I look to others! Otherwise, I have noticed a significant increase in facial hair and distortion/sagging in some areas of my face, particularly around my lips, jowels and eyes which appears to be permanent.

I definitely look worse than before the procedure. I would never do this again - not for free, not even if they paid me.