Is Radiesse reversable under the eyes?

Question

I had restylane lift placed in my tear troughs but after a month I went to a followup with the injector to tell her I did not like jow it looked it still looks puffy like ot never smoothed out it just stayed hard. She said she could massage it out but she didnt see added radiesse. It obviously swelled up again really bad. I dont know why she did this but I'm so frustrated. She said radiesse can be reversed but I've read differently? Yes she does work in a plastuc surgeons office

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your questions. Those products made from Hyaluronic Acid can be dissolved (Restylane and Juvederm), but Radiesse cannot at this point. Apparently there is an agent to dissolve Radiesse which is not on the market yet, but might be released soon.Good luck,

Jose Barrera, MD · Answer

Currently radiesse does not have a reversible mixture. I would recommend considering an HA if you desire a reversible filler.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

First of all, Radiesse is not reversible, unlike any of the hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane.  Second, I would not recommend using Radiesse under the eyes, because it is a fairly firm filler and the under eye area does better with softer fillers because of the thin skin there.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you're unhappy with your Radiesse results, it can be improved with venus legacy treatments and 5/FU steroids. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Danka K. Michaels, MD · Answer

It is difficult. We could combine the hyaluronidase enzyme to try to dissolve the gel with any heat producing laser/RF. Or we could do series of RF over it to speed up the metabolism.

Stanley Kovak, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, Radiesse can not be reversed.  Many Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane can be dissolved but Radiesse is calcium based.  I personally would not put Raddiese in the under eye area because it tends to be a much more full product and if you don’t like the results, you can’t remove it.  In my hands, I’ve gotten the best results with Belotero or Restylane Silk under the eyes.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Radiesse is not a good choice to put under the eyes and it cannot be reversed but may be helped with injection of cortisone but that must be done very carefully in this area. Be sure to see a board certified dermatologist

Glenn Messina, MD · Answer

Radiesse is different from other common fillers like Restylane  which is a hyaluronic acid and Radiesse is a calcium based product. Hyaluronic acid based products can be reversed radiuses can not and will have to dissipate slowly over time