What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler made up of calcium hydroxylapatite a lab-made form of the substance that naturally occurs in the body. It is part of what makes up bones and teeth. The water-based gel is injected into the skin to diminishes the signs of aging by immediately restoring dermal volumes. Radiesse is used for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as laugh lines, as well as correcting volume loss in the back of the hand. Once injected, the dermal filler works with your body to stimulate the production of your own natural collagen for results that last a year or more in many patients. It is non animal based and is free from animal protein.
How does Radiesse work?
Radiesse® is injected into the skin and immediately provides the volume and lift required to diminish the signs of aging with a biodegradable gel and calcium-based microspheres. What makes Radiesse unique is that it acts as a scaffold under the skin, stimulating and providing a structure where your own natural collagen can grow. This process continues for several months, extending the initial effects of Radiesse. Best of all, the natural-looking results are clinically proven to last a year or more.
Which areas does Radiesse treat?
Radiesse is used to correct moderate to deep wrinkles and folds on the face. It is used to provide shape for the mid and lower face. It is also used to replace volume in the back of the hands to reduce the appearance of prominent veins and tendons.
How many treatments are required?
On average, a series of one to three treatment sessions over the course of a few months may be needed. The number of injections at each session will vary, depending on the degree of correction needed and the treatment plan determine by you and your provider.
How soon will I see results?
Radiesse provides immediate results, but your skin will also continue to improve as collagen is stimulated over time. Your skin will become tighter, firmer and fuller in the weeks and months following your treatment.
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How long does Radiesse last?
Radiesse treatment results differ from person to person. Results can last over one year. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect. Your provider will discuss the right treatment plan for you.
How is Radiesse different from fillers?
Traditional fillers are liquid or gel substances, such as hyaluronic acid. They work by adding volume to smooth out wrinkles, lines and folds, with immediate results. They do not directly stimulate the body to replace collagen.
Radiesse is biodegradable and biocompatible, and works deep under the skin to gradually replace lost collagen to correct skin creases, wrinkles, and folds for skin aging. Results continue to emerge over weeks to months, and can last over one year.
Radiesse for Men
The aging of male skin can vary from females due to hormonal and environmental differences. Various factors take their toll on the skin’s main structural component, collagen. As a consequence, the skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles and folds being to form. Radiesse is a great choice for men who are looking for natural results without compromising masculinity. It can immediately reduce facial wrinkles and continue to provide structure over time, lasting a year or more.
Who should not use Radiesse?
Your medical history will be reviewed to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. It should not be used if :
- You have had a severe reaction (hypersensitivity) to any of the components of Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite, sterile water, carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin)
- You have a bleeding disorder
- You are pregnant and/or breast feeding
- Active skin infection or inflammation in or near the treatment area
What are the Risks?
- Common injection procedure reactions are mainly short-term (eg <7days) bruising, swelling and redness.
- There is a very small risk of infection.
- It may be possible to feel Radiesse under the skin initially following your injections. This may be appreciated as a firmness under the skin. This feeling will dissipate over the next few weeks.
- The microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite in Radiesse are visible on CT scans and may be visible on plain radiographs. Inform your care provider about the areas that you have had Radiesse injected so that they can take this into consideration when interpreting your studies.
What to expect after your Radiesse treatment:
- You may notice some minor swelling, bruising, and/or redness at the injection This typically resolves within 2-3 days. Cool/cold compresses may be used immediately after the treatment to reduce swelling.
- Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for at least 4 hours following treatment.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity/workouts for 24 hours following your treatment.
- Avoid facial massages, facials, laser or light based therapy for 1 week.
- Until the redness and swelling have completely resolved, avoid exposure of the area to intense heat (sauna, hot tub, steam room, tanning bed/sunbathing).
- If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that any stimulation of the area could contribute to another occurrence. If you are predisposed to cold sores, you will be provided with a prescription for an anti-viral medication to help prevent the risk of a breakout.
- Avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high-doses of Omega 3, Vitamin E, or Tumeric. These agents may increase bruising and or bleeding at the injection site.
- If you experience any red, warm, or itchy skin, contact the office directly.
*** If you experience extreme pain, mottled (red/white blotches) skin or darkening (grey or dusky blue) skin that doesn’t look like bruising, you need to contact the office directly immediately.
