Radiesse FAQ'S

What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a dermal filler used to enhance facial features. It is called a soft-tissue filler because it is used to "fill in" wrinkles, furrows and depressions in the face that make us look older. It can also be used to reshape the nose and reduce eye bags, making you look younger and refreshed instantly. Radiesse is made of unique, patented, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a water-based gel carrier. When injected into the skin, these microspheres initially perform as a filler - they immediately provide facial volume for a soft, natural look. The transformation is noticeable right away. Over time, your body will gradually absorb the gel carrier, but the very tiny, smooth microspheres remain. Once injected, Radiesse starts a process called neocollagenesis, or the creation of new collagen. It stimulates collagen production in your own body and encourages collagen growth around the injection site.

How long does Radiesse last?
Treatment results last 12 to 18 months or more for many patients. Individual results may vary, depending on age, skin type, lifestyle, and metabolic rate, so be sure to discuss your expectations with your provider.

Is Radiesse safe?
In years of rigorous clinical testing and use by physicians in hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide, Radiesse has been proven to be safe and effective. Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite, a biocompatible substance that’s identical to what’s naturally found in the body. The material is identical in composition to the mineral portion of teeth and bone, thus it is inherently safe. The material has been used for other medical applications such as reconstructive surgery, ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgery, maxillofacial surgery, dentistry and urology. After injection, Radiesse will not migrate to other parts of the body. Over time, it degrades naturally into calcium and phosphate ions that are safely metabolized by the body’s own processes. Radiesse does not contain any animal- or human-derived components and it has a minimal risk of allergic reaction. Allergy testing is, therefore, not necessary.

How do Radiesse treatments work?
Radiesse is a simple procedure. With input from the patient, we will decide which areas to treat. Using local anesthesia, we will then inject Radiesse, being careful not to overfill the area and leave an unnatural look.

Will I need a skin test?
Radiesse is made of a synthetic, biocompatible substance that’s identical to what’s naturally found in the body. Because Radiesse does not contain any animal- or human-derived components, there’s virtually no risk of an allergic reaction. That means you do not need to undergo skin allergy testing prior to treatment.

Are there any side-effects?
Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting. The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injection site reactions such as: redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures, there is a risk of infection. Bruising can occur with any injection and can last up to a few weeks, depending on how you heal. In very rare cases a patient may experience tiny calcium deposits that may rise to the surface of the skin and appear like small white bumps. If this occurs the deposits can easily be excised and removed.

Where can Radiesse be used?
Radiesse can be used to "fill in" wrinkles, furrows and depressions around the nose and mouth, including the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and smile lines. It can also be used to reshape the nose, reduce eye bags, and fill the cheeks, making you look younger and refreshed instantly.

How painful is the procedure?
Injections may cause some discomfort during and after the injection. A numbing cream can be applied for about 30 to 60 minutes prior to the procedure. In addition, an ice pack may also be applied just before the procedure. Lidocaine can also be injected into the area if necessary. Tylenol can greatly reduce the discomfort.

What can I expect after the procedure?
Many of our patients go back to work after the procedure. You may have swelling and bruising, as discussed above. You may take Tylenol for pain but not aspirin or ibuprofen which may increase bruising. Ice will help decrease swelling and the risk of bruising.

Will Radiesse become hard or noticeable to the touch?
No. Radiesse stays soft and will take on the characteristics of the surrounding tissue.

Is Radiesse permanent?
No. Treatment results last a long time, but they are not permanent. The tiny, calcium-based microspheres in Radiesse eventually break down into calcium and phosphate ions. These ions are safely and naturally absorbed into your body, leaving your own newly produced collagen in place.

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