Why are my tear troughs still swollen 2 weeks after cheeks injection with Radiesse?

Question

I have been injected with Radiesse in the past for fullness of cheeks. I was injected two weeks ago to balance my cheeks, giving them a bit more symmetry. At the time of injection, the Radiesse seemed to 'travel' making my one tear trough puffy. That was two weeks ago and its hasn't gone down. My doctor said it was my lympathic system and the swelling should go away in time. Any ideas?

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

Ronald Moser, MD · Answer

Patients most commonly call with concerns about swelling after injections if not adequately warned.. All swelling will resolve on its own within time, most often within 2 weeks.  The area beneath the eyes is most sensitive to swelling in contrast to the mid-face or even lower face.  In most cases , Radiesse is not injected superficially, so it is usually uncommon for it to "travel" .

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s not unusual for your body to accumulate fluid after any
dermal filler injections. I could last
for a while and the swelling could appear outside of the treated area. Normally it goes away with time. If it bothers you a lot - try a lymphatic
massage and also ask your doctor if he’d consider prescribing you some oral medication
to manage the swelling.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

It is unusual for Radiesse to "travel" but i have seen it.  I dont think it is lynphatic drainage especially 2 weeks after the injections. I suggest a second opinion and make sure the doctor is a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon

Why are my tear troughs still swollen 2 weeks after cheeks injection with Radiesse?

Answers (4)