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POSTED UNDER Radiesse REVIEWS

Skin Rash Months After Receiving Radiesse - Chevy Chase, MD

ORIGINAL POST

I developed a horrible infection after receiving...

MortifiedMarch 7, 2012
$700

I developed a horrible infection after receiving Radiesse in my nasolabial folds. I received Radiesse in September and 5 months later I still have a rash on one side that won't go away no matter what the dermatologists give me. I had to be on an antiviral medication for a month after the Radiesse because of the viral infection that took over the left side of my face. What a horrible experience. I hope no one else has to go through this.

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I had a terrible experience with Radiesse that is ongoing. Do not use this. It's absolutely not worth it. I have permanent scarring from the infection that was caused as a result of the Radiesse.

Replies (1)

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ShinyDesert
October 19, 2014
I had the SAME horrific experience, I was told I had Shingles by the plastic surgeon who injected me. After a month of not clearing up with high dose of antiviral and antibiotics, I had a culture done on the rash which was negative for Shingles. It has been almost 2 months since the horrible experience and still the rash remains. Painful both psychologically and physically. I wish I had never gotten this poison in my body!
UPDATED FROM Mortified

I've attached a picture of the initial infection. ...

MortifiedMarch 7, 2012
I've attached a picture of the initial infection. Now the bottom part is what remains. It reaches down closer to my chin now.

Replies (21)

Megan P
March 7, 2012

Oh my gosh, I am so sorry to hear what has happened. I'm assuming the infected area hurts too, is that correct?

Mortified
March 7, 2012
The area is really itchy, flaky, with irritated, tiny blisters (they look like acne but have clear fluid inside) and just generally ugly to look at. I'm going to have to add a photo of the initial infection. I just hope it starts to go away soon -- I haven't seen any signs of improvement though. I've tried a variety of medications on it but the only thing that keeps it "calm" is eucalyptus oil right now.
Megan P
March 8, 2012

Thank you for posting the photo...I can definitely see why you would be so alarmed and upset by this. Have you been to doctors other than the one who injected you to get opinions on what you can do to help clear up the infection?

Mortified
March 8, 2012
Yes, I've been to a few. I saw two dermatologists, my regular physician and even a naturopath. The massive red infection from the photo is now an itchy, red, dry area that breaks out. I've was told that it might take a year for the rash that I have to clear. I just hope it's not longer than that.
Megan P
March 8, 2012

My goodness...I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. Please keep us posted on how you are.

Not sure if it would be of interest, but here is a forum post from a person who experienced cellulitis after having Juvederm injections:

Cellulitis from Juvederm

Mortified
March 9, 2012
I just saw her picture! Wow that infection looks so similar to what I've had. It's awful. I have another doctor's appointment next week.
Megan P
March 9, 2012

I thought your pictures looked similar too! I'm glad you had an appointment coming up - please let us know how it goes!

Vigilance
March 19, 2012
Infection should not be lasting this long. It looks like the injector occluded a vessel and your description sounds as if the tissue in that region is not receiving bloodflow, which may be aiding chance of infection. I do not know if this has been mentioned in the past, but you may want to ask. I do know that the manufacturer offers consulting services with physicians.

Hope this helps and hope you have a swift recovery.
UPDATED FROM Mortified

2 Years Later

MortifiedJuly 27, 2014
It's been about 2 years since I developed the infection on the left side of my face from the Radiesse. I was left with scarring, which looks like I'd had bad acne at some point in time. But what's worse, is that I developed vitiligo around my eyes (I've lost all of the pigment in my lashes and around my eyes) and it is now spreading to my hands. I also developed respiratory problems a few months after the infection went away and was diagnosed with Adult Onset Asthma. I'd never had any allergies to anything prior to the injections. Now, I have a very sensitive and over reactive immune system. I seem to be allergic to just about everything. I feel like I let my vanity get the best of me and I made a terrible decision in getting Radiesse injected. I was a very healthy woman at the time and that was changed. What I wouldn't give to go back and make a different choice. I've spent the past couple of years trying to rebuild my immune system. This has not been easy.

Replies (4)

lizdmd
August 19, 2014
It looks like a vessel was blocked and the skin lost it's vascular supply causing necrosis of the tissue. If your skin blanches after an injection you should massage the material and if that doesn't bring back your natural color see a vascular surgeon.
Doggies
November 9, 2014
I'm going to pray for you...I had this horrible Radiesse Crap injected into my lower chin and I'm still swollen and bruised...I hate the doctor who did it...his name is Dr. Nick Strobbee in New Port Richey florida...When I went back to him to show him he was arrogant and in denial...he can go to hell....Carol. I am telling EVERYONE around this area about him.
mkmd
November 23, 2014
that was not an infection. it was an occlusion of the artery from the radiesse. so sorry it happened to you.
alamoana
August 8, 2015
I am so sorry, i can't imagine how hard it has been for you. Don't blame yourself or your "vanity," women are expected to torture themselves for beauty and also stay silent about it, so it appears effortless... If we admit to the effort, we are shamed as vain. This is the world we live in and has nothing to do with any personal faults on your behalf. It's pretty impressive that you would share this painful moment. Thank you. What have you found helped you to cope with it all?
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