What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a dermal filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel. In addition to filling a region of volume loss, it stimulates new collagen production for immediate results that last a year or more. Calcium hydroxylapatite is identical in composition to the mineral portion of teeth and bone and thus it is biocompatibile (no allergy testing required) and biodegradable. It has a long history of safe use in otology (ears), laryngeal (vocal cords) and dental and orthopedic applications. It was approved as a facial filler in the United States 2006.
Why use this filler as opposed to others?
The choice of which filler to use to volumize depends on many factors including but not limited to what region is to be filled, how much volume correction is required, expected duration of effect, cost, and client and injector preferences. Sometimes it makes sense to use more than one type of filler at the same time.
How is it different from Sculptra?
Sculptra is Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLA). Sculptra works differently from other injectable products. With Sculptra, tiny particles of PLA are diluted in a suspension of sterile water, carefully implanted in the skin, and then molded. The particles of PLA stimulate the formation of new collagen in the skin, adding volume over time. Sculptra requires a series of three to five treatments every four to six weeks. Improvement in contour occurs gradually over two to six months and lasts for approximately 2 years. Tiny palpable papules may occur in the skin which concerns some clients.
With Radiesse, the volume correction occurs immediately.
Is it safe?
This dermal filling agent has an excellent safety profile. In the clinical trials, no granulomas were reported. Any side effects are short term and usually mild (mostly minor swelling and/or bruising, redness). An ache in the region of injection may occur which is adequately treated with tylenol
To establish the safety and longevity of Radiesse treatments, BioForm Medical has conducted clinical trials in Europe and North America and collected more clinical data than is available for any other dermal filler product. Through extensive clinical use published in peer-reviewed journals, Radiesse dermal filler treatments have proven to be safe and effective, and may last a year or more in many patients ( results may vary).
What should I expect?
An anesthetic (lidocaine) is commonly used. After cleansing the skin, the filler is injected in small amounts using a very fine needle. Most clients are carrying on relaxed conversation during the entire process. Periodically, Dr. Hatzos may pause and let you see your progress in a mirror, which helps alleviate the anxiety of wondering “Will it look natural?”. A cold pack may be applied to a region once the injection is completed. There will be some degree of swelling (minimal in some, modest in others) which resolves over a day or two in most cases. Occasionally minor swelling and redness will persist longer in a region but will resolve over time. This is particularly true if bruising occurs. The filler will feel firm at first, but will soften over the course of 2 weeks at which point it feels very natural.
Will I bruise?
This is difficult to predict in any one person. Light skinned, fair haired clients tend to bruise more easily. The use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen, etc…) or other agents which affect the clotting of blood will increase the risk and extent of bruising. If you have a tendency to bruise easily you may wish to discuss with us the use of Arnica which may help minimize the extent and duration of swelling and bruising. We have 5 day Arnica packs available for purchase ($10) at Renew.
How long will it last?
Radiesse has been shown to persist in the tissues for a year or more and does stimulate new collagen growth which can last even longer. At some point you will want a touch up injection (perhaps at the 6 to 9 month stage for example) to maintain the full volume correction you have enjoyed previously. Touch up injections do not necessarily involve the same amount of filler and thus may be less expensive than your original fill .
How much will it cost?
As with other fillers, Radiesse is sold by the syringe. There are several different syringe sizes available. In most cases a first injection will require 1 to 2 full size syringes at $425 per syringe. There are no other fees for the procedure.
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