What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction to Radiesse?

An allergic reaction to a Radiesse injection does not occur because it is not a reactive substance and is truly biocompatible.  There are, however, possible side effects that can occur.  These side effects include swelling, bruising, mild irritation and redness (that may look like an allergic reaction), and tenderness.  Rarely, if the Radiesse is injected into a blood vessel, it can cause significant problems with the skin in that area.  However, if the injector is performing the procedure properly, this should occur very rarely.  When doing this procedure, make sure to find an experienced physician who injects fillers on a regular basis.  If done correctly, the results should be excellent.

Allergic reactions to Radiesse are very rare.  Bruising, swelling, and rarely some lumps might be side effects, but not true allergies.

Radiesse is a soft tissue filler composed of resorbable calcium hydroxylapetite microspheres. After the material is injected into soft tissue,  deposition of the patient's own collagen occurs around these microspheres while the material itself is digested by naturally occuring enzymes.

In the article entitled "Adverse reactions to soft tissue fillers " published in the January 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, allergic reactions to Radiesse were not reported. 

With regard to known adverse effects,  there is a fairly high frequency of development of visible white nodules when Radiesse is injected into the lips and therefore this is not recommended.  There have been rare reports of foreign body type reactions which would present as firm localized nodules or persistant swelling in an area of injection.

If you have been treated with Radiesse and believe you are having a problem, discuss this with your doctor.  If you are contemplating treatment, be sure to find a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with lots of experience injecting soft tissue fillers.