A hard lump after Radiesse,

could it be a nodule?

This is Director Wi Young-jin of Beauty's Doctor.

Check this first before reading

Q. Are Radiesse nodules

caused by a poorly performed procedure?

A. It could be a technical issue, but

the filler's own physical properties

the injection layer, amount, and patient tissue response

work together.

It can't simply be reduced to 'bad injection technique.'

Q. If a nodule is felt, should it be dissolved right away?

A. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse

cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase.

Because the approach differs depending on timing,

an accurate assessment comes first.

“If a hard lump is felt after Radiesse

— Medical standards for preventing and treating nodules”

— Director Wi Young-jin (Beauty Stone Clinic, Hongdae)

What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is

calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA)

a semi-permanent filler that suspends micro-particles in a CMC gel.

Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, it has a dual effect of immediate volume

and later collagen stimulation.

But there's an important point here.

HA fillers can be dissolved if problems arise,

but Radiesse does not have that option.

So once a nodule forms

it is relatively difficult to manage,

which is why prevention is an even more important aspect of this filler.

The real cause of nodules

— it's not just a simple skill issue

Many people misunderstand this, but Radiesse nodules

cannot be explained by 'doctor skill' alone.

To be honest,

there are four major causes of nodules.

First, the injection depth is the issue.

Radiesse must be placed above the periosteum,

in the deep subcutaneous layer.

If it goes in too superficially, the particles clump together

and can be felt on the surface.

Especially in areas with thin skin, such as under the eyes or around the lips,

the rule is not to use Radiesse itself.

Second, excessive volume injection.

If too much is concentrated in one point, the gel clumps and

becomes a mass that the tissue cannot absorb.

Third, insufficient dispersion (molding) after injection.

Immediately after injection, Radiesse requires

careful manual spreading.

If this is done carelessly, it may settle unevenly

and turn into a nodule.

Fourth, the individual's tissue response.

As a foreign-body reaction to CaHA particles, the body around the filler

rarely produces excessive fibrous tissue.

Director Wi Young-jin's key summary

Radiesse nodules don't happen because of 'bad luck'.

Injection depth, volume per point, and molding right after the procedure —

if these three are controlled precisely, most cases can be prevented.

Because CaHA cannot be dissolved,

'responding after it forms' is less important than

'preventing it from happening'—prevention is far more important with this filler.

Treatment criteria by nodule type

Clumping felt within 2 weeks after the procedure

is mostly a natural process.

However, if the lump doesn't shrink even after one month

or becomes red and painful, prompt medical attention is needed.

What to check before the procedure

to prevent nodules

These are the items I always check when consulting on Radiesse.

1. Check the skin thickness of the injection area (avoid thin areas)

2. Previous procedure history (check for overlap with other fillers)

3. Dilution ratio (the incidence changes depending on the ratio)

4. Immediate post-procedure molding (spend half of the procedure time on molding)

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Can Radiesse nodules

disappear on their own?

Initial clumping is mostly naturally absorbed, but

nodules remaining after 1 month

need professional treatment.

Q2. How much does nodule treatment cost,

and how many sessions are needed?

Usually 2 to 3 sessions of injections at

2 to 4 week intervals.

Cost varies depending on the size and depth of the nodule.

Q3. If HA filler is used instead of Radiesse,

does that mean there's no need to worry about nodules?

HA fillers can also form nodules, but

they have a safety mechanism that allows them to be dissolved.

Radiesse, on the other hand, has a longer lasting period

and a stronger collagen-stimulating effect.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via KakaoTalk or phone.

This has been Wi Young-jin.

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