Radiesse lumps? Is it really possible these lumps will never go away?

Question

I had radiesse injected 5 weeks ago for lines around my mouth. it actually made it worse & now I also have visible lumps on each side of my mouth. I read sometimes these lumps can be permanent!!! I dont want more injections right now as I would rather give it time but just want to know.. is it really possible these lumps will never go away? My injector, who is very experienced, said he has never had a patient with visible lumps before and says mine is swelling. It is def not swelling. Thanks

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

First let me say that I am sorry you are experiencing this. But, I must emphasize that Radiesse, a calcium based volumizing filler, is intended for recontouring and reshaping the face and filling deep folds. It is NOT intended for use in fine lines, especially, around the mouth, where the repetitive movement of the perioral muscles is likely to lead to the kinds of lumps and bumps that you are describing. Fine fillers, which are intended to elevate and smooth etched-in lines and possess little tendency to give rise to the unwanted, bluish Tyndall Effect, are preferable for this region. These include Belotero Balance (which I would use in my NY office) and Aliaxin FL, (which I would use in my Israel satellite facility, where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved fillers are available). Right now, you would do well to return to your current physician for treatment of your problem. Since Radiesse is a calcium-based volumizing filler (and not hyaluronic acid-based), it cannot be easily removed or dissolved. I have had success in the past in hastening its removal by using a combination of subcision and saline injections, as well as the injection of triamcinolone/hyaluronidase. Once this is done, going forward, you might be wise to consider seeking a second opinion from a board certified aesthetic physician with expertise in treating this region, and make certain to ask to see his/her before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

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

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

lumps usually occur from Radiesse from too superficial or uneven placement.  Injections of cortisone should help and they are not permanent. Be sure you are seeing a board  certified dermatologist

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many facial shaping procedures using dermal fillers, facial implants (cheek, chin), liposuction and/or facelifts for over 30 years.  The lumps are bumps are the result of clumps of the dermal filler placed in that location.  Radiesse is a shaping filler that's meant to be placed within the fatty layers of the face which tapers before the thin lower eyelid skin or the lips ( which have no fat layer).  Placing shaping fillers in this region can lead to noticeable lumps and bumps.  The lumps and bumps are not permanent and will slowly reduce as the Radiesse dissolves (over the next 12 months).  Unlike the HA dermal fillers, Radiesse can't be dissolved with Hyaluronidase.  Only time will reduce the Radiesse.  The more thin the skin, the greater the chance of Radiesse creating unwanted lumps and bumps.  I use Radiesse to shape the chin and jaw line.   Hope this helps.

Radiesse lumps? Is it really possible these lumps will never go away?

Answers (4)

Answer: Radiesse injected 5 weeks ago for lines around my mouth. it actually made it worse & now I also have visible lumps on each side

Answer: Radiesse injected 5 weeks ago for lines around my mouth. it actually made it worse & now I also have visible lumps on each side

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Everything you need to know about Radiesse

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Radiesse lumps? Is it really possible these lumps will never go away?

Answers (4)

Answer: Radiesse injected 5 weeks ago for lines around my mouth. it actually made it worse & now I also have visible lumps on each side

Answer: Radiesse injected 5 weeks ago for lines around my mouth. it actually made it worse & now I also have visible lumps on each side

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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.