1 month post op Radiesse, there is a nodule and skin over the nose. It is red and peeling. Is this normal? (photos)

This is an example of poor judgement and lack of experience in using fillers in this area.  Radiesse can do very well in the nose, if injected properly and diluted appropriately.  My suggestion is to go to an expert to camoflage the area with a different filler.  You may need steroid or saline injections into the Radiesse area to help "break" it apart, unless you are willing for it to subside on its own (can take up to 1-2 years).  Botox in that area will help it from clumping up anymore as well.  I have tried radiofrequency treatments with sublative and thermage which has also helped in the past.  Massage and heat can help as well, but at this point are less likely to be beneficial.  You need to see an expert for an evaluation.  Good luck, Dr. Emer.

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

It is very important that you have regular follow up care with your injector during this time.  If your doctor recommended antibiotics then I think you should take your doctor's advice.  If you have reservations about taking the antibiotics then go back to see the doctor ASAP and let your doctor know that you are being non-compliant with the prescribed treatment.  Without examing you it is difficult to know if there is an infection.  If you did have an infection however, the area will typically get worse.  Infection will cause progressive redness, tenderness and inflammation.  The redness alone is a sign of inflammation.  Not all inflammation necessarily has gross infection.  Without knowing specific details about your case it is too difficult to give you more advice.  You do need to see your doctor however until this situation is known to be under control.  "This answer has been solicited without seeing this
patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek
in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate
care."