Puffy Eye After Radiesse for Cheek Augmentation

Question

I am not able to tell if my PA put Radiesse too close to my eye to fill in my cheek.  It has been puffy with a small amount of bruising for over two weeks with no subsiding (well the bruising gets better and then comes back). It looks like I have a black eye.
The PA is not sure if there is some in the area either.  The other side of my face looks nothing like it and is beautiful.  She did say we filled the side with the puffy eye fuller than the other, so it may be pushing it up towards the eye. She did also do a lot of "shaping" and rubbed under the eye quite a bit. This has changed the shape of my eye and is kind of impeding my vision.
Is there anything I can do if there is Radiesse in the "wrong area" (area between the eye and nose)?  Does anyone know how long it will last if it is in this area? (Maybe it will dissolve faster?)  I'm trying to ice it but....it doesn't seem to make a difference.  Help!

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi tld,
There isn't a whole lot that can be done other than massage.  Radiesse lasts from 9 to 18 months. 
Unfortunately this is another example that injections in the face are a medical procedure and that it benefits patients to be treated by more experienced, cosmetically trained physicians. Hopefully your problem will resolve quickly.  Be well.
Dr. P

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

It is quite possible that the product was injected too superficial or to high in the cheek. It is also a possibility that you have a deeper hematoma or fluid collection which is making the tissue appear puffy. Without examining you or seeing pictures, it is difficult to know for sure. In any case, this is very rare and will resolve.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

As stated before, a highly qualified MD should be performing your Radiesse injections. If you think of paying a little more and being happy versus paying less and not being happy, it makes sense that your injector should be highly trained and have a high satisfaction rate.

William Ting, MD · Answer

You should always seek out a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for aesthetic filler injection. Cheek augmentation injection with fillers such as Radiesse or Perlane requires precision and artistry to ensure symmetry and maximal lift effect. Swelling after Radiesse is not all that uncommon, particularly when injected near the lower eyelids; however it should subside after few days unless the filler material gets inside the orbitial rim. Definitely look for a second opinion from an aesthetic physician right away.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Radiesse is a powerful and effective dermal filler that successfully corrects deep lines, wrinkles, and hollow areas of the face. As Radiesse is based from the ground substance of bone, it has a much longer longevity then hyaluronic acid fillers. For this reason, injections with Radiesse may have complications that last significantly longer than other fillers. This is an important reason on why these injections should only be done by MDs. Now that you have this complication, please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess the injury and determine what the next course of action, they may recommend cold compresses and massage, opening the area and respecting some of the Radiesse, or possibly injecting the area with another medication that may help through the strong inflammatory response

Puffy Eye After Radiesse for Cheek Augmentation

Answers (7)