How common is it for people to have bad experiences with Radiesse?

Question

I just got injected with 1 syringe of radiesse divided in half for each cheek ( upper cheekbones) and everything looks fine so far on day 4. But I'm reading reviews and there are horror stories where people are getting bad reaction's and conplications much later like months after. This is so horrifying to me that I'm sick with fear about it. I've been praying that I don't have a bad reaction and that this product dissolves asap. Why would people get this done if it's so risky?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I use a significant amount of Radiesse and never have bad outcomes. Likely these type of reactions are from technique more than it is from the product itself. Radiesse is much less risky if used by a board certified dermatologist with expertise and skill in facial fillers. Best, Dr. Emer

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Complications with Radiesse are very uncommon. As long as the product is used in a safe manner, you should have a good result. It sounds like you're healing perfectly normally and have nothing to fear. If you do develop concerns please discuss with your physician injector. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Radiesse is not a risky filler and is FDA approved.  you have to remember that not all people are being injected by experienced doctors and Radiesse is not easy to inject. Be sure you see a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is experienced with the product

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

Like most FDA-approved dermal fillers, Radiesse has a great safety profile.  As with any filler, Radiesse injections carry the risk of bleeding, bruising, lumps, infection, and vascular or blood vessel occlusions.  While bruising is not uncommon, the other risks are rare.  Your being 4 days out from treatment is a pretty encouraging sign of a likely good outcome.  In all, any medical treatment including filler injections has risks, and for the most part, these are small.  If adverse events occur, I encourage you to work through them with your treating physician.  In the meantime, stop worrying, know that Radiesse dissolves over the course of a few months, and enjoy the results of your treatment.  Good luck!

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Radiesse is a very safe filler and you should do just FINE. I have injected literally THOUSANDS of syringes over the course of 9 years and NEVER had an issue. What can happen with Radiesse is that if an inexperienced injector places it to close to the surface it can leave ridges that will not go away for a very long time. Also if it is placed where it does NOT belong, like the tear trough, there have been issues. Also if it is injected inadvertently into a vessel, causing occlussion, that's a major issue but that is not specific to Radiesse. All dermal fillers have a very low incidence of adverse reactions but if you consider the number of filler injections done in the world every year the actual rate of encountering a problem is exceedingly small. The most important decision is to select an experienced injector.Enjoy your cheeks! In the future you could also consider a product called Bellafill.Lisa Vuich, MD

How common is it for people to have bad experiences with Radiesse?

Answers (5)