Can this fatty bulge above my lip be removed? (Photos)

Question

40 female. I got Radiesse 3/2025 for marionette lines and have since developed this fatty bulge above outer lip. Can it be removed?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In my opinion, this does not look like a typical fat pocket that should be treated with liposuction. Because it appeared after Radiesse, it may be a filler deposit, nodule, inflammatory reaction, or scar-like firmness rather than true fat. Radiesse is not dissolved the same way hyaluronic acid filler is, so the first step is figuring out exactly what the lump is.
For a small area around the lip, I would be very cautious about removal with liposuction because irregularity, contour dents, or lip distortion can be worse than the bulge. An exam, and sometimes ultrasound, can help identify whether there is product in that area. Depending on what is found, options may include observation, carefully placed steroid/5-FU injections for an inflammatory nodule, or very conservative excision by someone experienced with perioral anatomy if it is a defined lump. I would avoid adding more filler until the cause is clear.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Radiesse cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase like you can with HA fillers. There is a product called sodium thiosulfate to dissolve Radiesse, but the body will usually break most of it down by 12 to 18 months. If you had previous HA filler in this area, there may be some residual HA filler present and in that situation, hyaluronidase can be tried first as it will dissolve any remaining HA filler that is still in your lip.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it may be treatable, but the first step is figuring out what the bulge actually is.
After Radiesse, a fullness near the outer upper lip can be caused by:
Product placed too superficially or migrating
A small nodule or lump
Inflammation / tissue reaction
Less commonly, a change in how the surrounding tissue is sitting
Important Point About Radiesse
Unlike hyaluronic acid filler, Radiesse cannot simply be dissolved with hyaluronidase, so treatment depends on the cause.
Possible Treatment Options
Depending on exam findings, treatment may include:
Massage, if it is very early and soft
Steroid and/or 5-FU injections for a persistent lump or inflammatory nodule
Needle release or small excision in selected cases if the area is localized and does not improve
Sometimes just time, if it is still evolving
Because this is close to the lip, I would be cautious about any aggressive treatment without a proper in-person evaluation.
I’d recommend seeing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or experienced injector who regularly treats filler complications, especially Radiesse nodules or contour irregularities.
Good luck!

Can this fatty bulge above my lip be removed? (Photos)

Answers (3)

More Liposuction Questions

Residual fat or loose skin after liposuction? (Photos)

Would lipo help to remove hanging stomach area after weight loss? (Photo)

Laser liposuction - will it help with hang over tummy pouch? (Photos)

49, work out 5 times a week. What procedure could improve the way my body looks? (Photos)

Is Liposuction safe for a patient with a pacemaker?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS