Are lumps or uneven areas after Radiesse filler likely to dissolve/disappear? Face feels tight and sore (Photo)

I suggest waiting 2 weeks to determine the best outcome. If you are not happy with that result, please then speak to your physician about treatment options or invest in a more experienced cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.

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

If after 2 weeks, you still notice the swelling, bring it to the attention of your injector.  Unfortunately, there is no product to dissolve calcium hydroxylapatitie (Radiesse) as there is with the variety of fillers that contain hyaluronic acid but swelling is common in the first two weeks and may likely resolve by then.  Good luck.  

I always tell my patients to not love their filler
injections for 2 weeks. Swelling is very common and sometimes immediate. It can
last 3-7 days and a good idea is to use cold compresses. Cold compresses may be
used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling only if needed. This may be
applied for 3 minutes, 3 times per day, for up to 3 days. This is best done
with a bag of peas in a zip lock bag. Only apply light pressure to the area but
gentle massage might be necessary if the bump is from the filler material
itself. Get Arnica gel if you can find some and apply a few times a day as well
to help treat any swelling. Avoid any blood thinners. Bruising can also last
1-2 weeks. I don't recommend hyaluronidase this early and wait a few weeks
until the swelling has resolved. If it is persistent or you are worried, set up
a follow up appointment with your dermatologist.

Radiesse is a great and long-lasting dermal filler and facial volumizer.  However, it can be less forgiving if asymmetries occur or issues arise as there is no enzyme to dissolve it.  Rarely, small areas of inflammation (Granulomas) can occur where it is placed, but this doesn't generally occur right away.  I would do warm compresses to the area, gentle massage, and be in touch most importantly with your injector.  Your injector knows your situation best and how it was placed.  If it remains uneven you could have some more placed on the right side, or try some steroid injection into the left side where it is raised.  Many injectors are concerned about using Radiesse because it is less forgiving, but I've been placing it for 12 years with very high patient satisfaction.  Don't give up on your results yet, and contact your injector to go over your concerns.  Best regards.