Radiesse caused swelling of lower cheek? Possible migration?

Question

I had radiesse injected in my cheeks on Feb 2017. 5 months later, the lower part of my left cheek is swollen. I thought I was sick, so I saw specialists. Antibiotics helped the swelling go down slightly so I thought it was an infection. US showed something moveable, CT with and without contrast showed nothing. Healthy as can be. I can still see the swelling and there is a slippery mass that is moveable deep in my buccal area. Can it be from radiesse? How long does it take to get rid of it?

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

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I'm sorry about these troubles. This certainly seems worrisome and since it responded to antibiotics, it suggests a possible infectious source. Make sure you follow up with the appropriate phyisicians. There's no way to dissolve Radiesse, but it goes away over time.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without pictures and needs an in-person evaluation. It is unlikely that Radiesse migrated from your cheeks to the buccal area. However, if you're unhappy with your Radiesse results, it can be improved with venus legacy treatments and 5/FU steroids. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Mira Mahajan, MD · Answer

Dear Hikerforlife,
Without seeing any photos, I would say perhaps it be injected to superficially?  Or it could be an inflammatory response to the Radiesse.  I would not touch or massage that area if it does not go away.  A steroid or 5FU injection may help after imaging.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

I doubt that it is the Radiesse but see a board certified dermatologist who is experienced in the use of this material. If the CT did not show anything then you may need an MRI to see wjhat is going on

Radiesse caused swelling of lower cheek? Possible migration?

Answers (5)