Radiesse Problems Three Months After Injection

Question

Radiesse injected into cheeks with no issue. 1 week later injection at lower cheek bone, much smaller amount. Since 2nd injections, serious swelling and still the case three months later. Large nodules on both lower cheeks, felt from inside of mouth. Now have large pouches either side of my mouth and hollowness under the cheek and fullness at jawline. Question: Can nodules cause prolonged swelling? Will pouches/fullness disappear and skin return to normal? Thank you

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

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Dublin.  As you have been advised by the other practitioners, you must visit your injector.  Nodules, hard bumps and/or prolonged swelling are all potential Radiesse side effects that should be addressed by your injector directly.

	Better to know for sure what's happening than continue to guess.  Good luck.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

YOu have an unusual development after Radiesse injections and should see your doctor who injected it. There could be infection or granulomas that need treatment. It depends on which areas are swollen and which areas were exactly injected to determine if the nodules might be obstructing some venous outflow of blood return thereby causing swelling. See your doctor for an evaluation.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

The formation of NODULES after injection of long lasting filler like Radiesse can be due to injection technique, infection, granulomas.

	See your plastic surgeon who injected the material, aspiration of the large nodule may yield an answer, otherwise further workup may be needed. Meanwhile frequent massage, using your finger and a massager.

	External ultrasound may dissipate the Radiesse.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Radiesse can cause nodules. It can be a lump from the amount of filler or a local reaction to the filler. You should be checked out by your treating doctor.

Radiesse Problems Three Months After Injection

Answers (9)