What should I do about sever swelling to face after Radiesse and Restylane filler? (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

Thanks for your question and photo. Although it might seem alarming, swelling immediately following injectable fillers is completely normal. Based on your photo, it seems like you’re experiencing normal side effects that should subside over the next few days. If you’re still not happy with your results once the swelling as gone down, talk with your doctor about reversing your treatment. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have swelling after injection of fillers. This can take up 2 weeks to resolve. Your injector is correct that applying ice to the treated area for the first 24 hours will help decrease swelling. You then can apply warm compresses to help clear up the swelling. If you still have concerns please contact your injector. Best of Luck!

Swelling, even when significant, is a completely normal side effect of filler and nothing to worry about. Unfortunately you just need to give it time and could realistically take 7-10 days to completely subside. Cool compresses to the swollen areas can help as well as avoidance of excess salt and alcohol. Some doctors will prescribe Prednisone to help, if necessary but really the most common thing to do is to just wait it out.

Swelling is not at all unusual after injection with fillers. you are correct that ice should be applied the first 24 hours or so to decrease the swelling and then warm compresses to speed the clearing of the swelling.  It should subside over the next few days