Can Radiesse Cause Sinus Infection?

Question

I had Radiesse injected into my nasolabial folds last week. I've had Radiesse injections before, with no problems so far. This time, I felt it could have been injected too close to my nose. I came down with a bad case of Sinusitis 2 days later. I have been prescribed antibiotics. My Sinusitis is slowly improving, but my left cheek (where the left maxillary sinus should be), is still a bit puffy looking compared to the right one. Could this be due to the Radiesse?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Radiesse is highly unlikely to cause a sinus infection.  A misdirected injector could potentially inject the inferior turbinate or penetrate the maxillary sinus and this could cause irritation of the sinus cavity and lead to inflammation, although it is highly unlikely.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi SF.  Radiesse injections should have nothing to do with your sinus infection.  The product is not injected deeply enough in the body to have any correlation with a sinus cavity inection.

	The puffiness is possibly related if you feel that is the original swelling.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There should not be any direct correlation between the injections of Radiesse on your cheeks near your nose and the development of sinusitis. The air pockets in the bony maxilla connect with the nasal cavity via the turbinates of the inner wall of the nose in the mucosa. These passages do not connect with the cheek area in which you had Radiesse injected. If the sinuses don't clear up completely, an ENT doctor can evaluate you and possibly an X-ray may help determine that the Radiesse is no position to interfere with the sinuses.

Lisa Benest, MD · Answer

I have had patients with similar complaints after fillers in the cheek and infraorbital (under the eye) areas.  I honestly believe there is some connection, perhaps the filler pressing on some lymph drainage.  It is hard to tell exactly what is occurring.  In one case, we had use a hyaluronic acid filler.  The patient wanted it dissolved and the sinus trouble resolved shortly after.  With Radiesse you cannot dissolve the filler.  You may try some hot compresses and also taking some Arnica homeopathic pills (under the tongue).  This is sold in health food stores.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Radiesse injections into the nasolabial folds do not penetrate into the sinuses.  The sinuses are separated from the skin by bone. 

	Radiesse injections can cause temporary swelling as can a sinus infection.  Is it possible that you had a sinus infection brewing when you had the injections?

	Swelling from Radiesse injections should go down after 2-3 days.  I recommend seeing how you feel after the course of antibiotics is finished.  If the swelling persists please return to your doctor for an evaluation.

Can Radiesse Cause Sinus Infection?

Answers (8)

Answer: I Have Had Similar Complaints

Answer: I Have Had Similar Complaints

Answer: Radiesse does not cause sinus infections

Answer: Radiesse does not cause sinus infections

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Everything you need to know about Radiesse

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Can Radiesse Cause Sinus Infection?

Answers (8)

Answer: I Have Had Similar Complaints

Answer: I Have Had Similar Complaints

Answer: Radiesse does not cause sinus infections

Answer: Radiesse does not cause sinus infections

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Radiesse

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.