What are my options to remove filler in my face I've had for 15 years?

Question

I have had filler in my face for 15 years. The last filler in my cheek I found out was Radiesse. Since my thyroid cancer my skin has been super sensitive and rejecting the filler so I went to try and have it removed. Now it is everywhere and feels more like rubber it’s super painful. I cannot find anyone to surgically remove it in Utah. What are my options

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

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

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Radiesse is not dissolved using Hylenex (an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic based fillers).  I would suggest trying either a small local injection of steroids (such as Kenalog 10) or even possibly pills such as Prednisone (provided your oncologist is consulted first- if still a concern).  
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

What are my options to remove filler in my face I've had for 15 years?

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What are my options to remove filler in my face I've had for 15 years?

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