Lumpy temple 9 days after Radiesse injection, is this normal? (Photo)

Radiesse is a stimulatory filler that is an excellent option for patients who desire a longer-lasting filler alternative to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. In our office, we use Radiesse to complement structural areas of the face and contour bony prominences. Our office also is a center of excellence for filler complication treatments and we see patients who have been treated by other doctors and have undesirable results from Radiesse or other long-lasting fillers. We have treatment options available for Radiesse filler nodules, granulomas, and soft tissue thickening. The first step would be to diagnose the nodularity and determine whether there is an option for surgical vs. non-surgical removal. Surgical excision is a possibility in some patients; whereas others with more diffuse fillers may benefit from intralesional therapy using scar modulators and enzymes and kenalog. Radiesse complications may be long-lasting and prompt action is key. Patients who have no access to an expert in the field should begin gentle massage of the areas of nodularity with Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily. RF and invasive lasers can actually do more damage by stimulating further collagen growth.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

It is not unusual to develop some temporary irregularity after a Radiesse treatment and this does normally improve over time.  The skin in the temple is fairly thin, so lumpiness is more likely to develop in this area than on the cheek.  You might try gently massaging the area to improve the irregularity but I do think it is worth waiting another week to see how it is at that time.

It appears your filler was placed too superficially. The problem you are facing is a possibility of having lumpy temple unless your injector intervenes as soon as possible. Radiesse can not be dissolved or removed; "molding" of Radiesse is more and more difficult with each passing day. I would suggest not to delay your visit! Good luck!

Radiesse bumps can be dependent on various factors: injector, technique used, and location injected.  Unlike lumps from HA filler, which can be dissolved with hyaluronidase or mobilized with massage, radiesse is harder to manipulate. Like you've already done, make sure your injector is aware of this issue and waiting for swelling and lumps to subside on their own.  You can try aggressive massage to help smooth the area, which is the least invasive. Alternatively, normal saline can be injected around the lumps and again massage. Adding additional radiesse is fill in the gaps is an option.  Also, a small cut can be made to extract the radiesse-although this may not be precise to give a smooth look. Usually the lumps will go down with time.