Can I get Radiesse removed from my jawline?

Question

Hi, I got radiesse injected into my jawline 3.5 months ago. The injector suggested it and I didn’t know how hard it was to dissolve. It has made my face looks boxy and full, which is what i did not want. I am left feeling depressed daily. I don’t even want to look at myself or take pictures. We tried to do the saline solution and massage but it didn’t help. I read about sodium thiosulfate and other techniques. What can I do? I would do anything to get it out. Thank you

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that this has happened to you and understand your feelings. I am not surprised by the lack of success with the saline and massage. But, please don't despair. I have had success with treating unwanted Radiesse and even with unwanted permanent fillers using a variety of intralesional anti-inflammatory agents in varying concentrations and amounts. Just make sure to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

David Branch, MD · Answer

Independent980549, I am sorry that you had this experience with Radiesse. As you mentioned there is recent literature about sodium thiosulfate, however I have not yet personally used this in practice. Per a study performed in December 2020, sodium thiosulfate did not degrade Radiesse, though reduced the volume secondary to dispersion. therefore, it may be beneficial to address overcorrection, product misplacement, or the need to reduce a nodule. Of note, the study did show a risk of tissue necrosis (death of skin) and hemorrhage (bleeding) with injection of sodium thiosulfate. Otherwise, I would wait until the product is metabolized. Best of luck and hope this helps.

Can I get Radiesse removed from my jawline?

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Can I get Radiesse removed from my jawline?

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Everything you need to know about Radiesse

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