How do collagen fillers show up on scans? Had an MRI recently after having Radiesse in my temples and jawline 20 months ago.

Question

The report stated 'The filler material has turned to collagen and is seen deep to the skin in the tissue between the skin and the bone in the jawline and temples. MRI appearance is typical of collagen fillers (water like appearance)' - I am wondering is this collagen showing up or the product itself? Can collagen from Radiesse and Sculptra show up on scans?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello,It is the product itself, and Radiesse is the product that may be visible on these tests.  The calcium microsphere particles may sometimes be visualized.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Based on what you're saying, the filler material is clearly visible on the MRI. I would suggest you review the MRI films with your doctor for further details. The imaging facility should be able to provide you with a disk for your records too.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Darab Hormozi, MD · Answer

Radiess contains Hydroxyapatite powder that can show up like bone on scans. Collagen itself has the same density of the subcutaneous tissue so it should not be too pronounced.  Make sure to tel your doctor about Radiess injection !!

Lisa Jenks, MD · Answer

The calcium particles that compose Radiesse stimulate collagen production.  It is these particles, not the collagen itself, that can be visible on radiographs such as an MRI.

Marek Kacki, MD · Answer

Recently injected Radiesse can be seen on plain x-ray because of radio-dense calcium content. 
CT scan also could easily detect calcium - containing filler for the same reason.
On MRI , however, calcium is not seen readily beacuse calcium has zero spin, no intrinsic MRI signal  and calcifications contain no water.
Your MRI reports layered collagen in the areas frequently injected with fillers. If you notice, the Radiologist suggested the possibility of either Radiesse or Sculptra, but not Juvederm, Belotero or Restylane, because these two are the only biostimulant fillers used in the US with the long term effect depending on collagen stimulation.Radiesse and Sculptra are completely different fillers - one containing calcium and one without. So,  your Radiologist commented on the effect of particular filler and not on its identity.  
Calcium containing Radiesse can be detected on ultrasound because calcium is quite echogenic; other fillers would present as low density structures.
In summary, X-ray, CT scan and ultrasound could detect calcium containing fillers. MRI may detect only the effect of very selected fillers. None of these tests could identify a biodegradable filler by its name.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many facial shaping procedures using dermal fillers, facial implants (cheek, chin), liposuction and/or facelifts for over 30 years.  HA fillers are radiolucent while Radiesse (Calcium based) is radio-opaque and shows up like bone.  I've never heard of an HA filler showing up on Scans but Radiesse does as will some of the permanent fillers that are made of PPM (a type of plastic bead).  Any amount of collagen that you body makes from Sculptra or any other filler most likely wouldn't show up on scans to a significant extent.Hope this helps.

How do collagen fillers show up on scans? Had an MRI recently after having Radiesse in my temples and jawline 20 months ago.

Answers (6)

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