POSTED UNDER Radiesse Reviews
Half of my Face Rotted Off! - Redding, CA~Say NO to Radiesse!
UPDATED FROM Injector1
4 years post
4 years later
$20,000
Just a tiny bit of pitting left after 4 years. I wear it like a badge of courage. This experience has been a blessing in countless ways. If this happens to you, DO NOT give up! Trust me, this is an opportunity to grow from within, and there is technology today can really help. Be patient...
Injector1's provider
UPDATED FROM Injector1
4 years post
Forgiveness...
Today marks the 4th anniversary of my injury.
I realized this morning that I am not angry at the injector who treated me that day. She didn't do this on purpose, and she probably learned as much as I learned that day. She probably suffered too. I feel badly for not doing the personal work to forgive her and reach out to her until today. I did reach out to her today, and hope she understands why I have not reached out until now. Forgiveness doesn't always go two ways, but hopefully it will in this case.
I have not yet forgiven Merz for dropping me like trash when I got injured. I chose not to pursue legal action, but I have not forgotten how rude and heartless the company was 4 years ago today. Perhaps if they followed up with me just once, I would be able to let it go. So far, nothing. I will not use any of their products on my patients going forward.
When I look in the mirror I still see physical scars from that fateful day 4 years ago. The funny thing is, no one else seems to see them. I consider them a badge of courage. This incident truly made me stronger, and I am proud of those pits and scars.
This week was interesting, as I found my poor, injured face plastered to some physician's website in Florida. He must have copied my photo from this site. He used my sad, pathetic face as an example, and didn't bother to block my eyes. I have mixed feelings about this. I posted here to spread awareness of what can happen, and what signs for injectors to look for, but I didn't ever dream I'd be copied and pasted without permission. Without permission, I cannot be sure the content out there is accurate or being used for prevention. I respectfully ask any and all people who want to use my photos to please contact me first on this site and let me know how the photo will be used, and tell me the context. I am all for spreading awareness, but don't want to be the poster lady for someone's personal gain.
Thank you for reading. For all of those who have been injured due to a vascular injury post injection, my advise to you is to be patient... sometimes it takes as long as 4 years (or more) to fully heal and reflect. Someday you may find that your soul grew throughout the experience, and it was actually a blessing. I have definitely become a better cosmetic injector, and a more compassionate nurse. Sometimes G-d gives us wonderful gifts, but not necessarily wrapped in pretty packaging.
Warmly,
J
I realized this morning that I am not angry at the injector who treated me that day. She didn't do this on purpose, and she probably learned as much as I learned that day. She probably suffered too. I feel badly for not doing the personal work to forgive her and reach out to her until today. I did reach out to her today, and hope she understands why I have not reached out until now. Forgiveness doesn't always go two ways, but hopefully it will in this case.
I have not yet forgiven Merz for dropping me like trash when I got injured. I chose not to pursue legal action, but I have not forgotten how rude and heartless the company was 4 years ago today. Perhaps if they followed up with me just once, I would be able to let it go. So far, nothing. I will not use any of their products on my patients going forward.
When I look in the mirror I still see physical scars from that fateful day 4 years ago. The funny thing is, no one else seems to see them. I consider them a badge of courage. This incident truly made me stronger, and I am proud of those pits and scars.
This week was interesting, as I found my poor, injured face plastered to some physician's website in Florida. He must have copied my photo from this site. He used my sad, pathetic face as an example, and didn't bother to block my eyes. I have mixed feelings about this. I posted here to spread awareness of what can happen, and what signs for injectors to look for, but I didn't ever dream I'd be copied and pasted without permission. Without permission, I cannot be sure the content out there is accurate or being used for prevention. I respectfully ask any and all people who want to use my photos to please contact me first on this site and let me know how the photo will be used, and tell me the context. I am all for spreading awareness, but don't want to be the poster lady for someone's personal gain.
Thank you for reading. For all of those who have been injured due to a vascular injury post injection, my advise to you is to be patient... sometimes it takes as long as 4 years (or more) to fully heal and reflect. Someday you may find that your soul grew throughout the experience, and it was actually a blessing. I have definitely become a better cosmetic injector, and a more compassionate nurse. Sometimes G-d gives us wonderful gifts, but not necessarily wrapped in pretty packaging.
Warmly,
J
Replies (5)
February 11, 2014
Reading your update today made my heart happy. You have touched more people than you know through the sharing of your experience. I feel incredible gratitude to you for your openness. I, too, feel my experience has been an undeniable blessing. Your healing, internal and external, is remarkable. Thank you for your outreach and encouragement. Love and Peace always.
February 14, 2014
Ahhhh, Bentley & IceAge, it is great to hear from you. I want to thank you for the incredible support over the years. I feel as if I know you. I would also like you to know that I admire your strength, Bentley. You are absolutely inspiring. Please reach out to me and let me know how your healing process is going. Much love and warmth,
J
February 14, 2014
sorry for your experience, but to me its mind blowing a nurse is legal allowed in Cali, to do facial injections. No offense. I would NEVER EVER let any nurse do that to any patient....especially not to yourself. " Raidesse Training Nurse? " ( u mean Radiesse ) is that even a legal title in for a Registered Nurse? California? im seriously curious. I know Cali is so insane, they even let LPN'S or you guys call em LVN's be "trained" to inject filler. Its insane to me. I mean next thing u know, we'll have nurse in facial surgery or something!
My advice, ONLY have facial injections ( Radiesse, Restylane, done, by medical doctor / dermatologist who is board certified by the American board of plastic surgery and has at least 5-10 years experience with fillers!
Having said that, sorry you went through this, glad you are recovering well!!!
February 14, 2014
Thank you Shawn. I have recovered well. Actually, I am a BSN, RN nurse injector. I work with my husband, who is an otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon. My background is in the OR, I was a surgical assistant. This gave me a strong foundation of facial anatomy, which is vital to being a successful cosmetic injector. I know it doesn't sound safe, but many of us have been injecting since this stuff came on the market. I'm in my 15th year of this business, and have never harmed a patient through injectables or laser. I have my husband down the hallway, and he sees every patient and delegates the procedures. My point is, it can work but many years of experience in the OR, and many years of experience injecting are extremely helpful. In California, you have to be at least an ADN (Associate Degree Nurse). You cannot be an LVN to use lasers or injectables. You need to be overseen by a physician, and the physician has to own at least 51% of the company. The physician needs to be available all of the time, but not necessarily on site all of the time. I am in school now to get my doctorate degree in nursing (DNP) and am nearly finished with my Masters in Nursing (MSN). I agree with you that education is vital. I am also fortunate enough to be a trainer, one of 125 nurses around the country who travels and teaches techniques and safety. So, I know your post is well-intentioned. I just want to give you awareness that there are many RNs around our country who are extremely capable, safe, and talented. There are many professionals, however, who are picking it up just to make some extra cash for their offices, and aren't bothering to get properly trained. These people have various degrees, including physicians. The people who really scare me are the confident-types who just start pumping it into people's faces, regardless of the risks, training, or results. Yes, the person who injected me was an RN, hired by the Radiesse company to travel to my office to show me the latest cheek filler technique. She came with as much experience as me, so I trusted her. I really feel badly for her because it must have been extremely difficult to go through what she went through. I think the two of us learned a powerful lesson that day, though. Now, when I see any blanching at all, I initiate the protocol for an ischemic event. I don't second-guess my gut feeling. That was my biggest mistake that day. Her mistake was not listening to me, and not erring on the safe side. I forgive her, and forgive myself. Still, my husband was just down the hall, and he helped a lot too... but by then it was too late. Anyway, thank you for your kind words and know that there are exceptions to every rule. ;-) Take care, Julie
February 14, 2014
Julie,
Thank you so much dear for ur kind and detailed reply, it actually educated me a little more about this. You are a rare case tho, that happens to have lots of experince and education. And I agreed with everything u said and I learned more :) ur btw very pretty :)
Happy V Day to you! Take Care, Shawn
February 23, 2014
I believe that nurses can inject in most states (if not all). My opinion is that is okay as long as the nurse is well-educated about facial anatomy, the products used, injection techniques, and is overseen by a physician who is suitably trained as well. I think it also helps to have a surgical background.
March 2, 2014
So glad you are better. Having been through a filler nightmare, I can relate to you feeling guilty about your children having a depressed mom during this time. I thought I was permanently disfigured, and still have insecurities over it. Thankfully, I am better inside and out and moving on. Ladies, please tread carefully with fillers. I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy.
March 25, 2014
Thank you for your kind words, Clare. I'm sorry you went through a similar situation. We sometimes forget that when a complication happens, there are more people harmed than just the patients. Sending you continued healing thoughts. It is a process, isn't it?
March 8, 2014
I'm so sorry you went through this. You're beautiful and have lovely eyes, by the way. Personally, I would absolutely never let anyone inject filler into me other than a plastic surgeon who is experienced doing injections.
March 8, 2014
Thank you, deenerbug (cute name). Yes, experience with facial anatomy is important, and facial plastic surgeons have that. Still, there are other factors such as gentle hands, slow injections, artistic skill, and definitely years of experience. I guess the best way to find a qualified, safe injector is to ask your friends. Word-of-mouth is important. I hire nurses in our office, but I look for nurses with a surgical background. I believe a surgical background for aesthetic nurses truly helps them comprehend ways to be sure each procedure is as safe as possible. Continuing, education is also very important in this field. Now there are certifications to study for and attain. Thank you so much for you post! Julie
March 25, 2014
I was so happy to read that after all your suffering, you were at able to at least fix a large part of the damage that the nurse inflicted on your face. I can't even begin to understand your suffering all those years, but I am so happy that you emerged from your situation as a survivor who continues to give hope to others. Good for you!!!
UPDATED FROM Injector1
3 years post
How I Resolved My Scarring from Radiesse:
I am often asked on here how I resolved the extensive scarring from the ischemic event caused by Radiesse after their injector trainer blocked my blood flow to my cheek. The first 3 months required many wet-to-dry dressings, antibiotics, nitro paste (extremely painful), anti viral medications, aquaphore, xeroform dressings, and anti anxiety medicine. It is tough to relax when you don't know if you'll always look like a monster. I also would recommend hyperbaric oxygen treatments early on, but I didn't have this done due to time restraints.
After the first 3 months, I tried several things to address several problems over the last 3 years. My injury left me with hyper pigmentation, permanent hypo pigmentation, redness, and permanent pitting. Ironically, I used filler products for pitting, such as Juvederm and Sculptra. For the redness, I used a vascular laser (VP532 from a VersaPulse C). It's a dinosaur laser, but it works so well. For hyper pigmentation and pitting I also used both Fraxel Re:Store and Syneron's Sublative lasers. I also tried to break up the scar tissue with needles and microcannulas under my dermis. Finally, I used Obagi's hydroquinone cream to even out the color. It has cost thousands of dollars, even at cost, but I'm very happy with the results. The pitting and hypo pigmentation will be permanent, but I have managed to reduce it quite a bit with the above treatments. I hope this blog can help others move on after a similar injury.
Finally, I recommend healing your mind as well as your skin. This injury is both physical and psychological. It truly runs deep. It helped me to go to work and "face" my injury. I work as a cosmetic injector, so this gave me an opportunity to talk about the reasons it is important to have a knowledgeable injector who cares about what happens. It was extremely hard to do this, but it truly made me stronger and my patients appreciated the honesty and education. If this has happened to you, you may need to get professional help so the depression doesn't take you down. I went about life as usual, and even went forward with our planned mother/daughter Bat (B'not) Mitzvah 3 months after the injury with my bright red scar. Just know that there will be beautiful healing, but it will take a while. You are beautiful because your soul is beautiful, and your skin will eventually catch up. Take care, J.
After the first 3 months, I tried several things to address several problems over the last 3 years. My injury left me with hyper pigmentation, permanent hypo pigmentation, redness, and permanent pitting. Ironically, I used filler products for pitting, such as Juvederm and Sculptra. For the redness, I used a vascular laser (VP532 from a VersaPulse C). It's a dinosaur laser, but it works so well. For hyper pigmentation and pitting I also used both Fraxel Re:Store and Syneron's Sublative lasers. I also tried to break up the scar tissue with needles and microcannulas under my dermis. Finally, I used Obagi's hydroquinone cream to even out the color. It has cost thousands of dollars, even at cost, but I'm very happy with the results. The pitting and hypo pigmentation will be permanent, but I have managed to reduce it quite a bit with the above treatments. I hope this blog can help others move on after a similar injury.
Finally, I recommend healing your mind as well as your skin. This injury is both physical and psychological. It truly runs deep. It helped me to go to work and "face" my injury. I work as a cosmetic injector, so this gave me an opportunity to talk about the reasons it is important to have a knowledgeable injector who cares about what happens. It was extremely hard to do this, but it truly made me stronger and my patients appreciated the honesty and education. If this has happened to you, you may need to get professional help so the depression doesn't take you down. I went about life as usual, and even went forward with our planned mother/daughter Bat (B'not) Mitzvah 3 months after the injury with my bright red scar. Just know that there will be beautiful healing, but it will take a while. You are beautiful because your soul is beautiful, and your skin will eventually catch up. Take care, J.
Replies (5)
November 29, 2013
It's the Radiesse. I had a wonderful doctor do the injecting and am still having issues. Swelling, irritation... I'm still on antibiotics. #&1/2/ weeks and counting. Other fillers ca be disolved...NOT RADIESSE. Look at your options before you inject. Please !
December 10, 2013
I agree, Adon. My husband/physician and I injected Radiesse for years and had some patients get some weird lumps that the physician and I had to work out and manipulate. It was strange sometimes, and unpredictable. Now that Voluma is out, there is no reason to reach for Radiesse, which is a calcium product. Voluma is FDA approved for the cheek "liquid lift" and the results are amazing. The best thing, it CAN be reversed with Vitrase if something goes wrong. YAY!!!
December 2, 2013
Oh my goodness, I'm in such shock with everything that you experienced! However, I'm so thankful for your bravery to post this horrible experience that happened to you as I was actually thinking about having this filler injected! I promise you that the desire to do it is no longer a desire but more of a fear! I definitely don't want to attempt it or take a chance of enduring the emotional and physical pain that you had to deal with! You seem like such a wonderful sweet person who isn't dwelling on this but is now teaching others with the knowledge that you've learned along the way. I can't believe that the company didn't take any responsibility for this and apparently have no issue with knowingly endangering others lives! I really wish that you sued the britches right off of them because they definitely need to be held accountable and you should be compensated! I had a very well known surgeon do the wrong back surgery on me and left me with chronic pain and severe damage from doing the wrong surgery, but oddly enough, two different attorneys I had dropped the case after taking it on, but I think they were paid off personally! I know it made me bitter for years because my girls were little and he took away my ability to even hold them! I'm past that and no longer bitter, thanks to turning it over to The Almighty, and you can count on it that those who wrong others and continue to do so will be dealt with when that time comes. It's sad that some people have no problem hurting their fellow man! I wish you the best in all that you do and may you continue to have many blessings in this journey of life!
December 10, 2013
Oh no, your back story is so tragic. I used to work as a surgical nurse and surgical assistant for a neurosurgeon. I saw some stuff, let me tell you. I feel so badly for you. I hope that some day you can have your back healed by a very talented surgeon. Your children are fortunate to have you in their lives because it is clear how much you love them. Thank you again for your kind words. I'm glad I didn't sue... not because the company doesn't deserve it, but because I had such wonderful mental healing as well as physical healing. To me, that's all I wanted. Money doesn't heal, doesn't love, and doesn't teach. People do that. I surrounded myself with healing people, and it was miraculous. Peace, love, and healing to you.
December 2, 2013
And I also wanted to add that your skin looks beautiful, but you're beautiful inside and out! You showed what a wonderful heart that you have and those whom are in your life are very lucky to have such a wonderful beautiful person! I'm so glad that you're emotionally and mentally healing as that's such a big part of this journey! One must have emotional and mental stability in order to overcome, regardless the injury or situation that they are dealing with! I hope that you'll.continue to do an update on here as I'm sure that you've touched many hearts : )
December 3, 2013
I am very sorry that this had happened to you !!! Was this an allergic reaction?
December 3, 2013
Hello Manyanya,
No, it wasn't an allergic reaction! From what I'm gathering, it was a combination of the Radiesse and how the tech that injected it! "injector1" has a very in depth explanation of everything, which I highly recommend everyone to read it from beginning to end, including comments! It can save you or someone you know from the agony that this poor woman had to deal with! Thankfully she's come a long ways since then! She is such a beautiful woman inside and out and I wouldn't want anyone to ever go through her experience!
Happy Holiday everyone : )
December 10, 2013
Imamama2cuties2 is right. The injector blocked the flow of a facial artery, causing the tissues to die from not getting enough oxygen. They say this happens once in about 5,000 procedures. That is fine, as long as the injector knows how to recognize it and correct it right away. Injector education is HUGE. That is why I'm posting here. I really want all of you to go to injectors who are highly educated about possible complications and HOW TO TREAT THEM IMMEDIATELY!!! I just can't stress how important that is. Radiesse cannot be dissolved like HAs can be. HAs are Juvederm, Voluma, and Restylane, for the most part. imamama2cuties2, you are so kind. I really appreciate your thoughtful words. Take care and Happy Holidays to you too.
December 10, 2013
Really sad to hear this. I had small amount of acne on my face that I could not make go away. And my doc, Dr.Jain did the laser beam acne treatment which totally helped my acne. My face is clear and smooth. There was hardly any pain. it takes about 15 minutes- fast and easy. I had my treatment from fairview clinic, Toronto.
December 26, 2013
Jacqueline, so happy you had such a great experience. I have used a lot of laser on my face and scar too. It really, really helps! We are fortunate to live in an age of such wonderful technology. :-)
Thank you for your post,
J
Replies (5)