Radiesse Developed a Small Bag Under my Eye? (photo)

You have a festoon, which is a collection of fluid/swelling in the junction of upper cheek and lower eyelid area. This is a the area of the face that acts as a sponge and has tendency to collect fluid/swelling from any trauma to the upper face/eyelid area. This anatomical area may be okay for a while and a trauma, such as filler injection, can set it off.  It is also possible that something (?Radiesse) is still irritating the area, causing continued swelling.  Improvement is possible over next few months and avoiding salty diet but it may not go away.  Consult an oculoplastic surgeon for possible treatment options.

Radiesse is an FDA-Approved filler that we use very frequently in our office to sculpt the contours of the face. Since we are a national center of excellence for filler reversal, we also encounter patients from other doctors' offices who wish to have Radiesse fillers removed for one reason or another. In our office, we employ a directed technique to visualize the filler material, if possible on ultrasound, and then use non-surgical methods to dissolve the filler or granuloma tissue using intralesional injections. There are many methods using a combination of enzymes, intralesional modulators of scar tissue, and Kenalog to help reduce volume and remaining filler. These techniques require meticulous attention to detail and can be performed at intervals of two to three weeks to achieve longterm effect.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

    This look is most likely remnant filler.  Unfortunately, this cannot be dissolved like the HA fillers. Once it does dissolve, you could consider Restylane - a better choice for the tear trough.  Kenneth Hughes, Los Angeles

Hi Chit.  We think Dr. Persky was being very generous regarding the caution in using Radiesse around the eyes.  Most practitioners will not use Radiesse around the eyes.  

Because of the thickness of the product and the thin skin in the under eye area, the product is not a great match.  It is much more appropriate for cheeks where it can be placed deeper.

With that said, we have not heard of any way to remove it other than waiting.  The body will normally metabolize Radiesse over a period of about 1 year.  If the product has been placed very superficially then Ulthera and/or laser treatments may help, although we do not have proof of that.  It is only based on the concept that radiofrequency, ultrasound or light (laser) generate heat and my speed up the process of degrading the product.

Sorry we cannot be more help.

Hi Chit,

Unfortunately Radiesse cannot be dissolved with injections.  It must be used very cautiously around the eyes.  We have treated patients over the past two years with Ulthera (micro-focused ultrasound) and some patients have told us that it seems that their "filler went away after the treatment."  This was in patients in whom we were not trying to dissolve filler.  I believe that a few had felt that their Radiesse had been dissolved.  In your case it may be worthwhile to give Ulthera an attempt to help with the swelling.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P