5fu/kenalog for Radiesse Reduction?

Question

Hi, I had radiesse 5 1/2 months ago. I have had it flushed with saline 3 times, but there is some swelling/puffiness left. I am going to do some 5fu/low dose kenalog to reduce the remaining collagen. What are the risks and long term affects if this aside from atrophy? Is there still atrophy risk with very diluted kenalog, such as a kenalog 3 or 5?

Nadir Qazi, DO · Answer

To address this issue, you are considering using a combination of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and low-dose kenalog to reduce the remaining collagen. While this treatment can be effective, it is important to understand the potential risks and long-term effects.
Firstly, there is a risk of atrophy, which is the loss of fat tissue in the treated area. However, the risk of atrophy can be minimized by using a very dilute kenalog solution, such as kenalog 3 or 5.
Other potential risks include infection, bleeding, and scarring. It is important to have this treatment administered by a licensed and experienced dermatologist to minimize these risks.
In terms of long-term effects, there is a possibility that the treated area may become discolored or have a change in texture. However, these effects are typically temporary and will improve over time.
Overall, 5fu/kenalog can be an option for reducing the remaining collagen from Radiesse injections. However, we have found that extraction via a blunt cannula or even direct surgical excision could work best. Radiesse naturally dissolves over several months, sometimes the best option is to simply wait.it is important to discuss the potential risks and long-term effects with your dermatologist before proceeding with the treatment.
Thank you for your question, and I hope this information is helpful to you.

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

5fu/kenalog for Radiesse Reduction?

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5fu/kenalog for Radiesse Reduction?

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