Does radiesse have fewer side effects than other injectables? a friend who's had different fillers over the last several years said she had less swelling and bruising with radiesse than any others. is that normally the case? or was she just lucky?

As : As far as bruising and swelling, it really depends on the patient and the injector, not the filler. I believe there is less chance of bruising with the more superficial injectables(juvederm and restylane). Everyone reacts differently to injections, whether it is pain, swelling or bruising. A well experienced & gentle injector will create less pain and swelling. As far as bleeding and bruising, it is, basically, luck. Every time i remove a needle from a patient and it doesn't bleed, I am pleasantly surprised. Sometimes it is a drop, sometimes, a good bit more. As far as side effects, Radiesse (dermal fillers) is the safest, in my opinion. The big issue is with the injector. If your doctor is very experienced with the product, it is the best-again in my opinion. It is my favorite for naso-labial folds and marionette line treatments. I won't use it any where else and it should not be used in the lips.

Lucky!: Radiesse (dermal fillers) has more potential side effects and is not reversible as ha fillers.

Swelling : Swelling and especially bruising can happen with any filler. Good technique by the injector and avoidance of blood thinners by the patient can improve the chances of a good outcome.