Radiesse has left me with duck/monkey mouth! It's been 5 months - what should I do? (Photo)

Question

I was injected with a full vial in my nasolabial folds for the 2nd time this year-and the results are disastrous!It's been 5months and it seems to get worse every day. Because the fillers were layered I'm scared it will never go away. Is it better to wait for 8months and to get something done or to try and do something about it now? The reason I say the latter is because I've heard it takes 6months for the product to break down and perhaps it could be broken down now before it turns to collagen?

Julia Ann Sullivan Miller, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you are unhappy with your radiesse treatment.  Unfortunately, the product lasts 12-18 months and there is no particular treatment that can reverse the effects.

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

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In most cases, Radiesse should not last more than a year, but it can last a bit longer with multiple treatment sessions.  There is not a method to remove or break down Radiesse, so your best option is just to wait it out until the product dissolves over time.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you are unhappy with your results there are options for treatment including steroid/5fu injections, skin tightening and lasers.   Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Yasser A. Elseweifi, DDS · Answer

Fortunately, Radiesse lasts 12-18 months and does not five permanent results. Unfortunately, it cannot be dissolved by Vitrase as it is made of Calcium hydroxyapatite. Hyaluronic acid fillers usually last for 6 months and can be removed by Vitrase injection. Consul with you doctor to confirm the type of filler used. Good luck.

Radiesse has left me with duck/monkey mouth! It's been 5 months - what should I do? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Radiesse Results- Consider Steroid/5fu, skin tightening, lasers

Answer: Radiesse Results- Consider Steroid/5fu, skin tightening, lasers

Answer: Radiesse in nasolabial fold

Answer: Radiesse in nasolabial fold

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Everything you need to know about Radiesse

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Radiesse has left me with duck/monkey mouth! It's been 5 months - what should I do? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Radiesse Results- Consider Steroid/5fu, skin tightening, lasers

Answer: Radiesse Results- Consider Steroid/5fu, skin tightening, lasers

Answer: Radiesse in nasolabial fold

Answer: Radiesse in nasolabial fold

Browse related questions

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.