It's different for everyone. In my case the biggest factor in the lumps was not the product, but the edema caused by trauma to the tissue, injecting it in and "massaging" it around (more like pounding on my face.) My tissue reacted with a lot of swelling. Steroids helped a LOT and very quickly.
Oh Nancy, that must be so scary. I am so sorry. It sounds to me like it has got to be either (a) an allergic reaction, or (b), edema in the tissue. I would think that a dose pack of steroids could not hurt anything and might help. They could reduce whatever edema is there and possibly stem any further allergic reactions. It sounds to me that you should seek out another, unrelated, well regarded, plastic surgeon in your area for a consult immediately. Do what you have to do to find someone reputable, even if you have to travel. My understanding is that, although very uncommon, sometimes Radiesse can be scraped out surgically, depending on the area where it was injected, though I doubt there are many surgeons who would like to go that route. I really hope you will get a professional consultation from someone who has a lot of experience with Radiesse. (I had a bad experience with it a year ago with a lot of swelling that did not go down. It turned out to be mostly edema from trauma to the tissue and I saw a big improvement with a simple course of steroids. I wish you the best. --Judy
No, the steroids didn't make me gain wt. It was only a 7 day course. And now, 9 months after the injections it is all gone. Wrinkles are back, only now I don't mind at all!
Dear Christina et al,
I'm so sorry that you had a horrible experience too. The doctor I went to for a second opinion (Illinois) said the only way to get it out is to cut it out...and I believe they would go in through the inside of the mouth, as the outside would leave a scar. Ouch. Please hang in there. It cannot possibly last forever. But I'm with Shannon...I think the stuff should be taken off the market.
I'm sorry your experience was so crummy. I'll tell you what -- I would give ANYTHING if it had simply not worked at all. Instead I now have a big lump on one side of my mouth and odd "joker" type points on the ends of my smile... Two people who saw me today asked what had happened to my face, one asking if I'd had oral surgery! I would gladly pay to have it UNDONE and to get my lines back.
Recent comments by j.a.k.