Radiesse for Nasolabial Folds. Hoffman Estates, IL

I'm 32 years old, and since I turned 30 my nasolabial folds have become pronounced, remaining visible and deep even when my face is neutral (but normally I'm smiling!). I have been interested in trying Radiesse for a long time, but it was out of my price range. I found a Groupon for Radiesse at the Chicago Institute of Plastic Surgery and had the procedure done yesterday with Dr. Patel.

Because I have sensitive skin prone to hives, I requested a consultation with Dr. Patel beforehand. He was courteous and professional and did a great job answering all my questions before we proceeded. The staff at his clinic, located inside a surgical medical institute, were all friendly and professional, as well. Because of my sensitive skin, Dr. Patel opted to just give me the Radiesse injection without numbing the area first (to reduce any reaction my skin might have to the numbing agent itself). Even without any numbing agent, the procedure was not too painful. The strange thing was that one side was more painful than the other, and of course it just feels strange feeling a needle pushing liquid into your face, but overall it was a fast procedure that I would only characterize as "uncomfortable." I was pleased with my experience with Dr. Patel and his staff.

Because I am only one day out from the procedure, it is hard to accurately weigh the pros and cons of the procedure, but I can share what I see so far: the Radiesse definitely fills the folds, but the area is still swollen unevenly, and I developed a bruise on the upper right corner of the fold, by my nose (Dr. Patel warned me this could happen). I can still smile, so I have a little bit of flexibility in the area, but one day after the surgery the area is still swollen, puffy, and stiff. I am hoping the swelling will go down in the coming days. Also, I have an uneven hard lump above where the bruise developed, almost up by my cheek - it looks odd, and I have tried massaging the area downward, as Dr. Patel had mentioned I could try doing. Time will tell if the procedure has a more natural-looking result. I am optimistic! The main con for me is the prohibitive cost; the procedure became affordable when purchased with a Groupon. And I would plan to set aside at least a few days after the procedure for hanging around home while your face recovers from the swelling/uneven puffiness.