Radiesse^®

Radiesse^® is an effective solution for revising the contours of the face, filling in depressions, and reversing common signs of aging without the need for more invasive procedures. Radiesse^® is FDA approved for rejuvenating the face and hands. It is also used “off label” (not approved by the FDA for these areas) for treating the neck, décolleté, abdomen, arms, and legs.

Radiesse^® fillers consist of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a soft, water-based gel. The benefits of this are twofold: The gel carrier plumps the skin right away to decrease the depth of wrinkles and depressions on the surface; the CaHA microshperes stimulate the natural production of collagen over time for a longer-lasting result. Long after the filler is metabolized, the new collagen that’s been created remains in your skin for up to 12 to 18 months.

Radiesse^® is ideal for reducing moderate to severe facial wrinkles around the middle and lower thirds of the face, such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, sagging mouth corners, pre-jowl folds, and jawline irregularities. It is also used to add definition to the chin and cheekbones.

Most of your skin is made of collagen, a structural protein that helps it maintain a firm and supple texture. Your skin becomes thinner, more fragile, and more wrinkled as you age because it is producing less collagen while also being damaged by external factors like ultraviolet radiation and pollution. Some studies suggest that after the age of 20, a person’s collagen production decreases by one percent each year. The bones, fat, and muscle on the face also lose volume, causing facial contours to change.

Radiesse^® promotes the production of collagen using calcium-based microspheres. The active ingredient—calcium hydroxylapatite—is the same mineral that makes up our bones and teeth.

Our experienced and trained injectors use a fine needle or a cannula to introduce Radiesse^® directly below the skin during the procedure. Pre- and post-treatment instructions will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

Note that there may be some temporary side effects, including mild bruising and swelling. The results from Radiesse^® last for up to 12 to 18 months in most cases. In order to maintain the desired results, maintenance treatments will be needed.

There are a wide variety of other filler options that can be used in combination with or as an alternative to Radiesse^® for facial rejuvenation. The filler families of Juvederm^®, Restylane^®, the RHA Collection, and Belotero Balance^® are made with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase and thus are considered “reversible” fillers.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are metabolized faster than collagen-stimulating options like Radiesse^®, so they are often the choice for patients who are getting fillers for the first time.

Dermal fillers are meant for static wrinkles, but we offer neuromodulators for expression lines on your face. BOTOX^®, Dysport^®, Xeomin^®, and Jeuveau^® are injectables that soften fine lines and wrinkles like crow’s feet and forehead lines caused by active facial muscles that create wrinkles during facial expressions.