Radiesse is a natural dermal filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (a natural mineral compound) that is combined with glycerine and cellulose to produce a soft and pliable gel-like material. Radiesse has been used in the body for multiple applications including cheek and chin implants and most recently for correcting deep wrinkles. Radiesse can be injected into the dermis of the skin to create a natural “scaffold” on which new collagen is laid down by the body. The result is a long-lasting implant comprised of the calcium microspheres and the body’s own natural tissue.
Radiesse is designed to give a longer-lasting correction to deep folds that remains soft and takes on the characteristics of the surrounding tissue. New soft tissue produced by the body gradually replaces the individual components in Radiesse over time. Although the original injected components gradually dissolve over two to three months, the benefits and youthful appearance produced by Radiesse injections can last 2-5 years.
Typical Radiesse treatments include: smoothing and contouring smile lines or nasolabial folds, marionette lines, acne scars, facial defects or recessions, frown lines, restoring volume in and around the cheeks, and providing modest enhancement or correcting asymmetrical features. Most patients treated with Radiesse should look for a correction that lasts around two years although some patients’ treatment will last three years or longer.
Safety
Radiesse has a long history of safe use as an implant material in a wide range of applications. Comprised of calcium and phosphate ions, calcium hydroxylapatite is durable and biocompatible; it also does not calcify or ossify in soft tissue. Thus, the long-term outcome is a soft, flexible implant. Because the adjacent tissues become
Because the material used in Radiesse is a safe and compatible mineral combination that is similar to the calcium hydroxyapatite found in your bones, there is little risk of allergic reaction and no pretesting is necessary to use Radiesse. Radiesse is FDA approved for vocal cord paralysis and urinary incontinence. All other uses are considered off label.
Possible Side-Effects
A mild localized anesthetic is normally used to minimize or usually eliminate the pain associated with this type of treatment. The numbing effects will wear off in 15 minutes to as long as a couple of hours depending on the anesthetic used by your physician. There is no pain reported afterwards. Some bruising and swelling may occur. Swelling will usually resolve within 24-48hrs and the bruising will usually clear up within 4-5 days. Although rare, c lumping, lumping, or granuloma formation can result when Radiesse is injected into the lips.