Dissolving Radiesse with Saline Injections

Some doctors inject unsatisfactory lumps of fillers (if they are not of the hyaluronic acid type such as Juvederm and Restylane) by trying to break up the product into smaller particles and disperse them. The saline does not dissolve the filler, it just is the liquid used to try to break it apart.

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

Saline injections do not dissolve the Radiesse, but they along with massage can smooth it out, making it less noticeable. It is safe and certainly worth a try. I have found it most effective when done within 2 weeks of the initial injection.