Downtime when using Sodium thiosulfate to get rid of Radiesse lumps? Is there bruising, swelling or side effects? (Photo)

Radiesse is the brand name for Calcium Hydroxylapatite filler produced by Merz Aesthetics. It is used to soften wrinkles, fill hollow areas, and rejuvenate the skin on the face and hands. However, it has a reputation for being challenging to dissolve and remove.
The process of dissolving filler is quite common for several reasons:1. It may have been over-injected.2. It could have been administered by an inexperienced doctor, leading to asymmetries, hollows, or irregularities.3. The injected filler might be placed too close to the surface of the skin, resulting in lumps or excessive volume in certain areas.
The most commonly used fillers worldwide are Hyaluronic Acid fillers, which can be easily dissolved. There is no readily available dissolving agent for Calcium Hydroxylapatite that makes up Radiesse.
Step 1: Saline Solution InjectionWhen injected with a saline solution, Radiesse dilutes and becomes thinner.
Step 2: Sodium Thiosulfate InjectionSodium thiosulfate softens and eliminates lumps by "melting" Radiesse, allowing it to disperse and disappear. Sodium thiosulfate is a safe injection. For maximum effectiveness, it should be precisely placed in the areas where Radiesse was injected.
Injecting sodium thiosulfate into a lump is relatively easy, but it may take several injections to completely dissolve a lump. A thin layer of Radiesse usually requires only 1 or possibly 2 sessions of sodium thiosulfate injections.
If no difference is observed after injections, Radiesse might not be the main issue. Both injectables will thin out and eliminate Calcium Hydroxylapatite, so if there's no difference after several injection attempts, Radiesse may have already dissipated or melted.
With each injection, there may be slight swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site, and these typically resolve within 3-5 days.