What could have caused my lumpy Radiesse results and is this common when injecting the hands? (photos)

Question

I had Radiesse injected into my hands about 3 months ago. I was hoping to smooth out the tendons in my hands but it resulted in lumps that can be easily seen through the skin. It also made tiny veins appear that were not previously apparent. I'm extremely disappointed and upset about the treatment. I would appreciate any thoughts on why this happened and if it is common.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Radiesse is the go to product for the hands to build volume and to help with biostimating collagen. When diluted 1:2 or 1:3 these infections should not cause any lumping. If you've had any lumping, go to your injector and have saline injected to beak up the lumping. I often have my patients sit on their hands following injections and that seems to do the job.  All the best from Boston!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It's understandable to feel concerned about unexpected results following a cosmetic procedure. Radiesse is a dermal filler commonly used to add volume and smooth out the appearance of aging hands. However, the appearance of lumps can occur for a few reasons:

Injection Technique: The formation of lumps may result from the injection technique. If the filler is not distributed evenly or is injected too superficially, it can lead to visible lumps.

Product Placement: Radiesse is a thicker filler, and when not placed deeply enough, it can create a lumpy appearance. Proper placement is crucial for achieving smooth results.

Volume Used: Excessive volume in one area can also lead to lumpiness. It's important to have the right amount injected to achieve natural-looking results.

Individual Anatomy: Everyone's anatomy is different, and factors like skin thickness and underlying structures can affect how fillers settle.

As for the appearance of tiny veins, this could be due to increased visibility after the volume change in the hands or simply an unrelated issue that coincidentally became noticeable after the treatment.

Lumps from Radiesse can sometimes be massaged out by a skilled practitioner. If the lumps persist, options such as using a dissolving agent or further treatment adjustments can be considered. I recommend consulting with your dermatologist or the professional who performed the procedure to discuss your concerns and explore possible solutions. It's important to address these issues with someone experienced in managing filler complications.

What could have caused my lumpy Radiesse results and is this common when injecting the hands? (photos)

Answers (2)