Does Radiesse Make Your Face Puffy?

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It’s Me and You Clinic – Anti-Wrinkle, Dermal Filler and Skincare Clinic, Kingston, Surrey
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Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom KT2 6LX

Understanding Radiesse

What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is a dermal filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a biocompatible and biodegradable material naturally found in the human body.

It’s used to restore volume and definition to facial contours, reduce wrinkles and folds, and enhance the appearance of sagging skin.

Radiesse works by stimulating the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. This gradual collagen stimulation provides long-lasting results, as opposed to fillers that simply fill in the space.

The treatment involves injecting Radiesse into the targeted areas using a fine needle.

It can be used on various areas of the face, including cheeks, temples, jawline, and around the mouth.

Let me know if you’d like more details about a specific aspect of Radiesse!

How Radiesse Works

Radiesse is a dermal filler that’s gaining popularity for its ability to add volume and definition to facial features. It’s composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel carrier, which resembles the body’s natural bone structure.

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which are primarily water-based, Radiesse provides instant lift due to its unique composition. The microspheres stimulate collagen production over time, further enhancing volume and promoting skin rejuvenation. This dual action makes Radiesse suitable for addressing various concerns, including wrinkles, folds, and loss of facial contour.

The “puffiness” associated with Radiesse is often a temporary side effect that resolves within a few days or weeks. It’s primarily caused by swelling at the injection site as the body responds to the filler.

When properly administered by an experienced injector, Radiesse typically doesn’t lead to lasting puffiness. The gel is injected strategically into specific areas to target volume loss and define facial contours. However, individual responses can vary, and some people may experience more swelling than others.

It’s essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to determine if Radiesse is appropriate for your needs and desired outcomes. During the consultation, they will assess your skin type, facial structure, and goals to create a personalized treatment plan.

Potential for Puffiness After Treatment

Does radiesse make your face puffy?

Immediate Swelling

Radiesse is a dermal filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. It’s commonly used to add volume and contour to areas of the face, like cheeks, chin, and jawline.

Like all dermal fillers, Radiesse can cause temporary swelling after treatment. Here’s a breakdown:

**Potential for Puffiness:**

  1. Immediate Swelling: It’s normal to experience some immediate swelling right after the injections. This is due to the injection itself and the body’s natural inflammatory response.
  2. Duration of Swelling: Swelling typically peaks within 24-72 hours and gradually subsides over the following days or weeks.
  3. Individual Variation: The amount and duration of swelling can vary significantly from person to person based on factors like age, skin thickness, location of injection, and individual healing response.

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**Managing Swelling:**

  • Ice Packs: Applying ice packs to the treated area for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling.
  • Compression: Gently compressing the treated area with a bandage may also provide some relief.
  • Elevate Your Head:** Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help minimize swelling.
  • Avoid Heat and Strenuous Activity: Avoid hot showers, saunas, or strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment, as these activities can increase blood flow and potentially worsen swelling.

**When to Consult a Doctor:**

If you experience excessive swelling, redness, pain, or other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to contact your doctor immediately. They can assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

Longer-Term Puffiness

Puffiness after a Radiesse treatment is a common side effect, often temporary and usually resolves within a few days to a week.

This swelling occurs as the body reacts to the injected calcium hydroxylapatite particles. As the body absorbs the filler, it can cause localized inflammation, leading to puffiness.

However, in some cases, longer-term puffiness might occur, though this is less common.

Several factors can influence the likelihood of prolonged swelling:

  • Injection Technique: Overfilling or injecting too superficially can increase the risk of lingering puffiness.

  • Individual Variation: Some people’s bodies naturally react more intensely to filler injections, leading to longer-lasting swelling.

  • Underlying Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications may affect healing and contribute to prolonged puffiness.

  • Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure can exacerbate inflammation and delay healing, potentially prolonging puffiness.

If you experience persistent puffiness beyond a week or two after your Radiesse treatment, it’s crucial to contact your injector. They can assess the situation, address any potential complications, and recommend appropriate solutions.

Factors Influencing Puffiness

Puffiness after facial injectables like Radiesse is a common side effect, typically temporary and resolving within a few days to a week.

Several factors can influence the degree of puffiness experienced:

**Injection Technique:** Proper injection depth and technique are crucial. Injecting too superficially can increase the likelihood of swelling around the injection site.

**Product Viscosity:** Radiesse, a gel-like filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel carrier, has a thicker consistency than some other fillers. Thicker fillers tend to cause more immediate swelling compared to thinner fillers.

**Individual Response:** Every person’s body reacts differently to injectables. Some individuals are naturally more prone to bruising and swelling, while others experience minimal reaction.

**Area Treated:** Areas with thinner skin or closer proximity to lymphatic vessels may experience more noticeable puffiness. For example, the cheeks often show more swelling compared to areas like the jawline.

**Underlying Health Conditions:** Certain medical conditions like allergies or autoimmune disorders can increase inflammation and susceptibility to swelling after injections.

**Medications:** Some medications, particularly blood thinners, can increase bleeding and bruising, contributing to puffiness.

**Sun Exposure & Heat:** Sun exposure and heat can exacerbate inflammation and worsen swelling. Avoiding these factors in the days following treatment can help minimize puffiness.

**Hydration:** Proper hydration is essential for reducing swelling. Drinking plenty of water before and after treatment can aid in flushing out excess fluids.

**Elevation:** Elevating the treated area can also help reduce fluid buildup and minimize puffiness.

While temporary puffiness is common, persistent or excessive swelling beyond a week should be reported to your treating physician.

Addressing Facial Puffiness Concerns

Managing Swelling

Facial puffiness can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from simple water retention to underlying medical conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of common causes and ways to address them:

  1. Lifestyle Factors:

    • Poor Sleep:** Insufficient sleep can lead to fluid retention and puffiness.

    • Alcohol Consumption:** Alcohol can dehydrate the body, leading to water retention.

    • High Sodium Intake:** Excess salt in your diet can cause your body to retain water.


  2. Allergies and Sinus Issues: Inflammation from allergies or sinus infections can cause swelling in the face.

  3. Medications:** Certain medications, such as steroids, can lead to facial puffiness.

  4. Hormonal Fluctuations: Women may experience facial puffiness during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

Addressing Puffiness Caused by Radiesse:

Radiesse is a dermal filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel. It’s commonly used to add volume and contour to the face.

While rare, some individuals may experience temporary swelling or puffiness after Radiesse injections. This typically resolves within a few days or weeks as the body absorbs the product.

Managing Swelling:**

  • Apply Cold Compresses:** Applying cold compresses to the treated area can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

  • Elevate Your Head: Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can minimize fluid buildup in your face.

  • Avoid Alcohol and Salt:** Limit your alcohol intake and reduce your sodium consumption to prevent further water retention.


If you experience persistent or severe swelling after Radiesse treatment, consult with your doctor.

Communication with Your Practitioner

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Facial puffiness can be a concerning symptom for many individuals, and it’s important to address it effectively. While there are various potential causes of facial puffiness, understanding the specifics behind your individual case is crucial for finding the right solution.

Radiessse, a dermal filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel carrier, can indeed potentially cause temporary facial swelling as a side effect. This typically occurs due to the body’s natural inflammatory response to the injection process.

However, it’s important to note that this swelling usually subsides within a few days to weeks. If you experience prolonged or excessive puffiness after receiving Radiesse, it’s essential to communicate openly and honestly with your practitioner.

Open communication with your practitioner is paramount throughout the entire process. Before undergoing any treatment, discuss your concerns about potential side effects, including facial puffiness, in detail. Ask about the expected duration of swelling and what steps can be taken to minimize its occurrence or manage it effectively.

During your follow-up appointments, provide your practitioner with a comprehensive account of any changes you observe, including the presence or absence of facial puffiness. Don’t hesitate to raise any concerns or questions you may have regarding your recovery and overall results.

Remember, your practitioner is there to guide you through the process and ensure your safety and satisfaction. By maintaining open communication and actively participating in your treatment plan, you can help minimize potential side effects like facial puffiness and achieve the desired outcomes.

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