Follow-up question: How to fix botched Radiesse? Does Sodium Thiosulfate work or steroid injection? (photos)

Question

Is it okay to use diluted steroid injections into the bone cheeks where Radiesse was placed? I do not care if it's going to "permanently damage my face fat" because I hear Radiesse can last up to 5 years or more.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In my experience, I have not seen results from Radiesse last more than 2 years. In most cases, I would say it lasts from 12-18 months.  I have not used Sodium Thiosulfate to dissolve Radiesse, but I know some doctors have used it with success.  I would not recommend using steroid injections to dissolve Radiesse because I do not think it would help.

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

DHH Med Spa · Answer

Radiesse actually lasts 1-2 years and honestly I see it lasting more at the 1 year mark. STS breaks up the product but does not dissolve it. It unfortunately is very difficult to answer this question based on the information given and not knowing the timing of the pictures posted. It is best to discuss your concerns in office at a consultation :)

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there,
Not sure when the Radiesse was injected and if you still have some swelling?
If not the Radiesse lasts about 12 to 18 months.  
I do not recommend using steroid. Perhaps some massaging and patience.

Follow up with your injector as well...
Best of luck

Follow-up question: How to fix botched Radiesse? Does Sodium Thiosulfate work or steroid injection? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Radiesse

Answer: Radiesse

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.

Follow-up question: How to fix botched Radiesse? Does Sodium Thiosulfate work or steroid injection? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Radiesse

Answer: Radiesse

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.