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How Long Should 3 Syringes of Radiesse Last?

I had 3 syringes of Radiesse injected into my cheeks, undereyes, nasolabial folds and marionette lines on August 26, 2008. At first, I loved it. Within a few days it flattened. Now it's completely gone. According to the Radiesse website, the marionette line should stay full for 14 months. What happened?

Doctor Answers (8)

You probably need another 3 syringes of Radiesse to finish the job


3 syringes of Radiesse may cover the cheeks alone. 2 syringes covers the nasolabial grooves and 1 syringe covers the marionette grooves. That is a rough estimate of the amount of radiesse needed in many patients. It is time to go back and get the other syringes of radiesse done. I know it is a lot and it is expensive but it should last about a year or more when you get enough put in, otherwise you are just wasting your money by underfilling the areas. I normally do it in 2 or more sessions anyway. A rough estimate of cost is $850/syringe.

If you liked the initial swelling after radiesse then you will like the end result when you finish the job by getting the other syringes of radiesse.

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 28 reviews

You may need more


3 syringes may sound like a lot, but it isn't that much when you are treating an entire face. You may have needed 1 syringe or more on each cheek, a third syringe to do the marionettes, and a fourth for the nasolabial lines.

There is swelling initially which can make it look like you got more full than you really did. After 2-3 weeks all of the swelling and bruising should be gone, and you can really see what you look like. Radiesse usually does last 9-12 months. However, the aging process continues and you are continuing to lose collagen during that time.

It is also possbile that for some reason you break down Radiesse much faster than normal. I have had patients in whom Radiesse only lasts 2-3 months. I don't know why, but it can happen.

Jordana S. Gilman, MD
Atlanta Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

Results may Vary


Thank you for the question.  Without seeing any photos, it's difficult to state specifics in regards to your case.  However, I can tell you that while 3 syringes may seem like quite a lot, when treating deep lines, more may be needed.  It sounds like the fullness you were initially experiencing was actually the swelling associated with injections.  However, once the swelling resolved, the deep lines weren't quite as filled in as you were anticipating.  If that's the case, then I'd suggest that you return to your doctor for a reevaluation.  They may recommend a  touch up and re-injection.

Mytien Goldberg, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

How long does Radiesse last?


Most will enjoy correction for 4 to 6 months and see lessened correction at that time. After that, partial correction can last 6 months or longer.

Robert S. Bader, MD
Miami Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

How Long Should 3 Syringes of Radiesse Last?


Three syringes are an average amount for a face. After injection the face usually has some swelling for a few days then returns to the original injection volume.  Some patients tend to have a loss of volume at 6 months and after another round of injections the Radiesse will stay for about a year or longer.  Other times the patient just needs more filler in the early stages because the first three syringes under filled the areas.

Thomas Guillot, MD
Baton Rouge Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 6 reviews



Most patients with injectable fillers respond better with serial injections.  A one and done serial loading on a day is not as effective in my opinion and can lead to untoward sequlae.  Repeat injection preferably between 6 to 14 weeks will help maximize the effectiveness of your first treatment.

Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 77 reviews

Duration of Radiesse effect varies


Radiesse typically lasts 1 year or more. 3 syringes in you may not have been enough; it depends on your age and how fast your body metabolizes the filler.

The other thing I sometimes see is patients who lose weight and then require more filler sooner since the face shows the weight loss more than anywhere else. The radiesse that you had is providing a support network for your face, but sounds like you require additional radiesse or other filler to complete the job.

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Radiesse injections last 12 months


Radiesse usually lasts about 12 months.  By you stating that if flattened a few days after treatment, sound like the swelling subsided but you need more filler. Go back to your doctor and get some more if you are not completely satisfied.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 18 reviews
