What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler used to plump the skin. When age or scarring causes fine lines, wrinkles or sagging, this filler can be injected below the skin to restore volume and smooth, youthful fullness. Each type of dermal filler is uniquely formulated to address specific concerns. Radiesse’s formula uses a water-based gel with calcium-based microspheres to recreate lost volume, with non-toxic and non-allergenic ingredients.
Radiesse is also designed to increase the production of your body’s natural collagen, meaning you’ll maintain your improved appearance for even longer before you need additional treatment.
While most people choose Radiesse for improving the appearance of the face, specifically the skin around the nose and mouth, it is also used to restore volume on the backs of hands and can sometimes be administered as an alternative to implant surgery in the nose, cheeks or chin.
How is Radiesse Treatment Performed?
Radiesse is injected directly into the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin, using a very fine needle to minimize bruising and skin irritation. Before we begin treatment, to further ensure comfort, a topical anesthetic or numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. After the filler is injected, you’ll immediately notice skin looks smooth, supple and youthful.
In addition to the immediate results, the ingredients in Radiesse also stimulate the production of collagen. Depending on the area being treated, the procedure is completed very quickly with minimal downtime.
Am I a Good Candidate for Radiesse?
Radiesse is recommended for adults between the ages of 35 and 60 with mild to moderate signs of aging who want to treat wrinkles, frown lines and smile lines or who wish to add volume to their face. During a cosmetic consultation, your provider can tell you if you are a good candidate.
While the ingredients of Radiesse are generally very easily tolerated by people with most skin types, you may not be an ideal candidate if you have an allergy to any component of Radiesse or to lidocaine and other numbing medications, history of severe allergic response (especially if your skin is hypersensitive), a bleeding disorder, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Results Can You Expect?
Results can be seen within one week and last for up to two years. The long-lasting effects of Radiesse is due to the increased production of collagen. As the body naturally begins to process out the dermal fillers, new collagen replaces the filler material, sustaining the smooth, youthful appearance of your skin. Everyone will have a different response to treatment, and your provider will want to continue monitoring your results and recommend retreatment as necessary.
Does Radiesse Have Any Side Effects?
The most common side effects are swelling, bruising and tenderness of the skin in the treated areas. Injections in the back of the hand can make it difficult to perform certain activities, and you may also have bumps or lumps in the back of your hand for up to one year. Immediately following treatment, you may want to use an ice pack or over-the-counter pain medications to relieve discomfort for the first day or two after treatment.
While extremely rare, there can be serious side effects you should tell your provider about as soon as possible. Injection into a blood vessel may occur, which can cause high levels of pain, paleness, changes in vision, scarring and an elevated risk for stroke. All treatments that involve injection into the skin have a risk for infection. Also after receiving injections, make sure to let any other healthcare providers know about your treatment as the ingredients of Radiesse can be seen on x-rays and CT scans.
