1.5 cc (all together) of Radiesse injected into acne scars and lips. 1 week later results are gone, is this normal? (Photo)

RADIESSE®
works a bit differently from other dermal fillers in that the product is not
hyaluronic acid-based, but instead is formulated of calcium-based microspheres
that actually stimulate your body’s natural collagen production. This means
that many patients see very long-lasting results with RADIESSE® compared to
other fillers, so a lack of improvement after just a week is highly unusual. In
order for collagen production to occur, though, the product needs to be
injected into the fatty layers rather than superficially. I recommend seeking
out a more experienced injector for the best long-term results.

Our office specializes in acne scars and we continue to advocate the use of ablative lasers, sublative Ematrix, and Belotero intradermally. All of these may be good to excellent options for acne scars. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Hello and thanks for your question.  We would not advise injecting Radiesse in the lips or acne scars for exactly the reasons you note, it can be lumpy when injected superficially (toward the surface of the skin).  Radiesse, because it is a thick product, tends to be hard to mold and message.  For this reason, we do not like it in the lips or under acne scars.  We would rather stick to Hyaluronic acid based products.  For an example of Hyaluronic acid based products in the acne scars, click the link below.

Radiesse should not be injected into the lips as there are many complications that can occur as a result of this, and it is not the standard of care.  I suggest seeing a filler expert for your next treatments and even a more complete evaluation.  Radiesse should last 1-2 years in experienced hands.  Best, Dr. Emer.

It's not normal to lose the effect of fillers at 1 week. I also do not recommend Radiesse placement in the lip as it is known to cause nodules in that area. I recommend that you return to your injector for followup ASAP.I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Radiesse is a thick dermal filler that is meant to be injected into the fatty layers.  Acne scar and the lips do not have a fat layer and as such the Radiesse may be visible as white nodules.  Juvederm or Restylane would be the filler of choice for these areas.