How Long Before Radiesse Gel Carrier Material Dissolves?

Question

I recently had radiesse and I can tell that the doctor placed the product too low in my cheekbones, which created a "bulldog" effect, with jowling and everything migrating southward. How long does the carrier material take to dissolve, and at that point will my face look somewhat like it did before? I will need to go in as soon this dissolves and try a different filler. How long will I have to wait?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If you are seeing swelling from the Radiesse, which can last several days or more, then by gravity it may sink lower than you expect.  If however it is the filler itself, it is irrelevant whether the vehicle or the calcium hydroxyappatite dissolves first as the volume of the product will be there for up to a year or more. There isn't anything that is typically injected that makes it dissolve.  Massaging may help but see your doctor first. Sometimes on physical examination one can determine if it is swelling or the product. Give it time and don't rush in to inject a different filler.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

With any injection, you are going to have some temporary swelling.  Everyone reacts differently.  Once the swelling resolves, you are looking at a sustained effect from the Radiesse from 9 to 12 months.  Radiesse is not a good starter filler since it can not be erased or melted.  A good starter filler or a filler from a new injector is an HA product like Juvederm which can be melted with Vitrase if you do not like the results.  If you have the same injector and have liked your results, then switching to Radiesse sometimes can be more cost-efective depending on the area that you are having injected.  

	 

	Good Luck.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Radiesse will last for 1-5 years depending on how deep it was placed. You should wait 6-12 months before doing anything else to this area.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

The carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier begins to dissolve after 2-3 months.  The calcium crystals still remain and stimulate collagen deposition for approximately one year. After about a year, the product dissolves completely.

	Since the injection was recent, you may have some residual swelling that may subside in a week or two.

	There are also described cases of swelling (non-infectious) happening after 2-3 weeks post-injection usually in the hands, that may require treatment with an anti-inflammatory medication, but then resolves.

	In either case, see your injecting physician and discuss with them what you are experiencing.

Shawn Allen, MD · Answer

It sounds like you feel like your injection was placed in a location that did not achieve the desired effect. You need to see your injecting doctor to discuss this matter. There may be ways to correct this.   Unlike the hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse is not able to be dissolved with hyaluronidase. However, deep massage may be able to disperse the material if done early enough. Otherwise, this product will usually last a year or so but does stimulate collagen growth that lasts years.  Your best best is to see your doctor or a local expert in fillers and discuss your options ASAP. Good luck

How Long Before Radiesse Gel Carrier Material Dissolves?

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Answer: How long does Radiesse gel carrier material last

Answer: How long does Radiesse gel carrier material last

Answer: Duration of Radiesse

Answer: Duration of Radiesse

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How Long Before Radiesse Gel Carrier Material Dissolves?

Answers (8)

Answer: How long does Radiesse gel carrier material last

Answer: How long does Radiesse gel carrier material last

Answer: Duration of Radiesse

Answer: Duration of Radiesse

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Radiesse

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.