Dissolving Radiesse Filler

Radiesse® is a standout biostimulatory filler made of calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres—fantastic for sculpting cheeks, lifting a jawline, or plumping a derrière—yet impossible to “melt” with hyaluronidase the way hyaluronic‑acid fillers can. When an overfill, nodule, or misplacement occurs, letting it “fade with time” isn’t always sufficient. Unwanted lumps can feel tender, appear chalky under a flash of light, or simply disrupt symmetry.

At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery in Seattle, our medical director, Dr. Javad Sajan, a renowned plastic surgeon known for advanced restorative techniques, has developed a multi-step protocol that can safely break down unwanted Radiesse, restore smooth, natural contours, and minimize downtime.

Radiesse injections must be placed in the correct plane. Too superficial, and you may see chalky bumps; too deep, and the product may settle where volume is not desired. Other common reasons for removal include:

• Over‑correction that makes an area look swollen or masculinized
• Migration into nearby tissue after a vigorous workout, massage, or even a hot yoga session
• Texture change, such as firm nodules, after Radiesse buttocks injections
• Desire to switch to a reversible HA filler for future flexibility

Our protocol layers therapies so we can keep things minimally invasive whenever possible:

• Kenalog® (triamcinolone) micro‑injections: A corticosteroid that can calm inflammation and may shrink excess collagen.
• 5‑FU with Kenalog: Fluorouracil disrupts fibroblast activity; pairing it with Kenalog boosts efficiency for stubborn nodules.
• Subcision: A fine needle releases tethered tissue beneath the bump so the body can lay collagen evenly.
• Sodium Thiosulfate: A chelating agent that helps dissolve the calcium in Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) by forming soluble complexes. This process can reduce unwanted nodules or bumps and promote a smoother overall contour.

Technique	Typical Sessions	Downtime	Radiesse cost (removal)*	Average Success Rate
Kenalog micro‑injections	1–3	None (pin‑prick redness)	$350–$600/session	70‑80%
5‑FU + Kenalog combo	2–4	Mild bruising 2–3days	$400–$650/session	80‑85%
Subcision Sodium Thiosulfate:	1 1-4	3–5days of swelling 3-5 days of swelling	$750–$1,200/ session $600-$900/ session	90% 70-90%

Exact pricing is customized after ultrasound mapping, but these ranges provide a ballpark estimate of what to expect compared to the original filler investment.

We routinely treat out-of-state patients from California to New York. Our concierge team can:

• Arrange virtual pre-op assessments
• Provide hotel & recovery suite recommendations
• Coordinate same-day procedure and treatment visits

Every correction begins with listening. During the consultation, Dr. Sajan reviews photos of the original Radiesse injections, palpates the area, and—when a deeper product is suspected—orders an in‑office high‑resolution ultrasound, if needed. The scan can reveal filler depth, vascular proximity, and any hidden pockets. Once the game plan is set, we:

• Apply a compounded topical anesthetic, along with tiny wheals of lidocaine, to keep things comfortable.
• Administer the chosen therapy under sterile technique, with possible ultrasound guidance if needed.
• Provide post‑care instructions (skip saunas, vigorous facial massage, or glute workouts for 48 hours) and schedule a 6‑week follow‑up to assess progress or plan a touch‑up.

Most patients notice softening within days and progressive smoothing over the next several weeks as the body clears the fragmented calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres.

Ready to fix a filler faux‑pas? Call (206) 209‑0988, fill out our online contact form, or check our Price Simulator to schedule your consultation. We’re here to make “Radiesse near me” searches end with a smile—and results worth showing off.

Is Radiesse permanent?

Generally no. The calcium-based gel lasts approximately 12–18 months, with a longer duration in low-movement zones, but it can also stimulate collagen for a subtle, lasting lift.

Will Kenalog thin my skin?

When used at micro‑doses, the risk is extremely low. Total steroid volume is tracked to stay within safe dermatologic limits.

How soon can HA filler be added after removal?

Most patients can add hyaluronic filler—or even try Hyperdilute Radiesse for a skin-boosting glow—after 8–10 weeks, once tissue tone and ultrasound imaging confirm stability.

Does dissolving Radiesse hurt?

Our blend contains lidocaine, and the tiniest insulin syringes are used, so discomfort is brief, similar to a flu shot.

Can Radiesse for the buttocks be reversed the same way?

Yes. Radiesse buttocks injections respond well to the Kenalog/5‑FU combo; ultrasound‑guided subcision is sometimes added for larger nodules.

Will insurance cover the procedure?

Corrections are considered cosmetic; financing and pay-as-you-go plans are available through our patient care team.

How long between sessions?

Treatments are spaced four to six weeks apart to let the body remodel collagen gradually.

Is ultrasound necessary for everyone?

Not always, but it’s invaluable when the product is placed deep, near vital structures, or when a previous injector can’t recall how many syringes were used.