Could saline injection help my break the Radiesse product? I need help! (Photo)

Question

5 month ago i had radiesse injected to bulid up the bridge of my nose.the following day i got infection and MD gave me antibiotics for it. now the product is not absorbing it build a hug hard bump on my nose and its not improving with time.i know radiesse cant be dissolved.i dont believe it will ever dissolve in my case. its not absorbing like it always does. could saline inection break the product and help it absorb? could it be surgically removed? im afraid off steroid injection. is it nodule?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, unlike in the case of hyaluronic acid-based fillers (where the enzyme, hyaluronidase, can be used to dissolve them),  there is no enzyme that can dissolve the calcium-based filler, Radiesse.Having said that, I have personally successfully used a series of saline injection treatments to break up Radiesse and to speed its reabsorption. Frankly, since physiologic saline, i.e. plain salt water, is used, there is really little risk to trying a few sessions (usually at least two or three separate treatment sessions).

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Radiesse is an FDA-Approved filler that we use very frequently in our office to sculpt the contours of the face. Since we are a national center of excellence for filler reversal, we also encounter patients from other doctors' offices who wish to have Radiesse fillers removed for one reason or another. In our office, we employ a directed technique to visualize the filler material, if possible on ultrasound, and then use non-surgical methods to dissolve the filler or granuloma tissue using intralesional injections. There are many methods using a combination of enzymes, intralesional modulators of scar tissue, and Kenalog to help reduce volume and remaining filler. These techniques require meticulous attention to detail and can be performed at intervals of two to three weeks to achieve longterm effect.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sandman29,I'm not sure that saline will have any effect. In my opinion you can get the best results with a surgical excision. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, radiesse cannot be dissolved. It is a form of Calcium Hydroxylapatite Gel. The only way to remove it would be surgical excision or time for it to dissolve on its own.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,Radiesse has been known to calcify if injected over the periosteum of a bone. If thats the case, then it would have to be surgically removed.Best,Dr.S.

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Could saline injection help my break the Radiesse product? I need help! (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Radiesse

Answer: Radiesse

Answer: Non - Surgical Rhinoplasty with Radiesse

Answer: Non - Surgical Rhinoplasty with 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.