Risks Of Removing Filler? Will It Affect Underlying Fat? (photo)

Question

I am very unhappy with Radiesse injections in my cheeks and am anxious to remove it. Is Hyaluronidase what should be used to dissolve the filler? Most importantly, I'm very concerned about losing underlying fat in my cheeks, is there a risk that I will have less than my natural fullness after this procedure? Thank you so much

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

HA products like Juvederm and Restylane can be removed with Hyaluronidase.  Radiesse cannot be removed.  Juvederm and Restylane are perfect "starter" fillers as they can easily be removed if you do not like the results.  Radiesse is great for cheeks and jawline and sometimes the nasolabial fold/crease, but should never be put around the eyes or in the lips.  Over time, the Radiesse will dissolve but may take around one year.

	 

	Good Luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jacque P. LeBeau, MD · Answer

Hyaluronidase will not remove Radiesse unfortunately.  Radiesse is a product with a different constitution than the hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Belotero, etc) which may be removed with hyaluronidase.

	I would recommend allowing the Radiesse to resolve on its own which will take 12-18 months.  It should not result in any loss of fat in the cheeks.

	Best Regards,

	Jacque P. LeBeau, MD

Channing R. Barnett, MD · Answer

There is a product called hyaluronidase which will dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm; however, it has no effect on Radiesse. For the sake of not making it worse, I would recommend just waiting for the Radiesse to go away which will take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Some people recommend massage or gentle pressure to the treated areas to expedite the process, but I do not agree as I think either or both can make it worse. I would just leave the areas alone.

Harold A. Lancer, MD · Answer

Possibly as a result of the filler injection will have already destroyed some fat cells.

Risks Of Removing Filler? Will It Affect Underlying Fat? (photo)

Answers (10)