Can Steroid Injections Help Shrink Nodules Formed from a Radiesse Injection? (photo)

Radiesse is not my favorite filler for under the eyes for this very exact reason. it is too thick, it can create bumps that are visible as the skin under the eyes is very thin and if its not a good result ure stuck with the material for a while. I have removed radiesse from under the eyes with a small incision burried in the folds and it can be extruded. Im not sure if thats an option for you but its something worth considering as it can take several injections of steroids before its better. good luck! 

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

    Allow the Radiesse to be removed by the body in time.  In the future, Restylane to the tear troughs is a better choice.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

I do not prefer Radiesse under the eyes for exactly this reason. Restylane is better. I personally do not advise excision or steroid injections to the areas; Radiesse will dissipitate and there is always the risk of scarring from excision which cannot be ignored. Let me also add that, given the extent of your lower lid issues, you may have been better served by blepharoplasty. If you are unhappy with the current situation, it may be wise to see a board certified plastic surgeon to inquire about surgical options.

Radiesse nodules are very hard to get rid of - it is firm substance in the skin so an attempt with a steroid injection is more likely to affect the skin around the nodule rather than the nodule itself and this can cause visible atrophy or a depression in the skin. I like the idea (depending on how that nodule feels and moves) of blending with a hyaluronic filler such as Restylane (which is my personal favorite under the eye)  I worry that Juvederm may get too puffy or swollen if injected around that nodule. Also depending on location in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of that nodule and how it feels and moves - it may be possible to remove some of it via a small stab type incision over the nodule and gentle pressure and undermining to remove the substance. If the nodule feels very fixed or adherent to surrounding structures then this extrusion of the material might be difficult or impossible to do without too much trauma to the area.