Had Radiesse 6 months ago. What can I do to improve my face after Radiesse injections? (photo)

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

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated.  Because Radiesse can not be dissolved you will need to camouflage your current results with better placed dermal fillers.  This can be additional Radiesse or one of the HA fillers like Voluma or Lyft.   I would recommend treatment into the apple of the cheeks and any remaining filler placed deeply into your smile lines.  Hope this helps.

Let me start by saying that I am sorry that you are experiencing this problem. Unfortunately, while the photo is helpful, there is no substitute for an in-person examination for determining what would actually be best for you. In the meantime, you really need to clarify in your own mind exactly what feelings about your appearance are evoked by your current, post-Radiesse appearance when you look in the mirror. For example, do you feel you are looking sad, angry, tired or saggy. Such information will help your new injector (hopefully a board certified aesthetic physician with sufficient experience and expertise in the use of fillers for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation) to create a specific treatment plan to meet your needs. The photo suggests that you might benefit from refining the marionette lines; defining the vermilion border, particularly of the upper lip; possibly addressing some volume deficit posteriorly in the region in front of the ears; adding some filler along the smile lines; and addressing the jowls along the jawline. The bottom line: you need to be sure you are consulting with an experienced injector and it would be wise to ask to see his/her before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.