Will clumped Radiesse be metabolized by the body eventually? Or does it need to be removed? (Photo)

Question

I had Radiesse 9 months ago and it feels so hard under my skin, specially on my right side, were more product was injected, it feels like a golf ball, I went to a dermatologist and she told me it probably wasn't diluted. I haven't seen the product gradually going down in this 9 months, could it stay forever if not removed?

Falguni Patel, MD, FACOG · Answer

Find out how much was used and the manner in which it was injected. This may help. Eventually the lump may soften and be replaced with your body's own collagen over time. Radiesse works by replacing immediate volume and building collagen in the area it was injected to combat the aging process.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience. It’s not uncommon, and I’m glad you're seeking clarity.

Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite-based filler that typically provides structure and stimulates collagen. It is not permanent, but its longevity and texture can vary depending on how it was injected. When used undiluted or in larger boluses—especially in areas with thinner tissue—it can feel firmer or even form nodules or palpable lumps, particularly if it wasn't massaged or distributed evenly at the time of injection.

To address your questions:

Will the lump eventually go away on its own?
In many cases, yes—Radiesse is gradually metabolized over 12 to 18 months. However, the process can be much slower (and more uncomfortable) if the product has clumped, especially in areas where more was injected. If you've had no reduction in 9 months, fibrosis or a persistent granulomatous response may have occurred around the product, which may not fully resolve on its own.

Does it need to be removed?
If it's painful, cosmetically bothersome, or continues to feel like a hard "golf ball," you do have options:

Intralesional corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and soften the area.

Needling or subcision might help break up the product if fibrotic.

Surgical excision is a last resort, reserved for rare, stubborn nodules that persist beyond 18–24 months without change.

Unfortunately, Radiesse is not dissolvable like hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g., Juvederm or Restylane), so reversal is less straightforward, but manageable with the right approach.

It’s wise to seek evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist or facial aesthetic specialist who is familiar with complications from non-HA fillers. A personalized assessment will determine the safest and most effective next step.

Stefan Weiss, MD · Answer

It is possible that a granuloma forms and it needs to be removed. Sometimes injections of kenalog can help. Radiesse does tend to break down in 12-18 months so you can also wait and see. I would work with the dermatologist that you saw to develop a plan.

Will clumped Radiesse be metabolized by the body eventually? Or does it need to be removed? (Photo)

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Will clumped Radiesse be metabolized by the body eventually? Or does it need to be removed? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Radiesse

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.