Radiesse is one of the newest of the non-surgical procedures used to enhance facial features. It is called soft-tissue filler because it is used to "fill in" wrinkles, furrows and depressions in the face that makes us look older.

Injectable filler, Radiesse is made of Calcium hydroxyapatite and can be mixed with lidocaine to reduce pain. Radiesse is administered with topical or local anesthetic and injected deep into the dermis. The procedure is not very painful, and after it has been injected, Radiesse provides for an environment that stimulates and allows the body to produce natural collagen, a protein that keeps skin appearing young.

Though humans do produce collagen naturally, the protein breaks down with age. This lessens the flexibility and strength of aging skin, which in turn causes wrinkles. Radiesse treatment restores volume, making it ideal for the treatment of facial wrinkles and skin folds. In addition, it also is used to correct the loss of facial fat in people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a procedure called lipoatrophy.

Calcium hydroxyapatite, the material found in Radiesse, is similar to bone. Before being used for cosmetic purposes in paste form, calcium hydroxyapatite was used in solid form to correct bone defects and other malformations that involved moving soft tissues. In addition, it also has been used to repair paralyzed vocal cords and to treat incontinence.

As with any medical procedures, complications can occur with every Radiesse treatment. The extent and length of these complications vary. They include bruising, redness, swelling, infection, allergic reactions and scarring. Nodules also might form; generally, nodules have been reported if Radiesse is injected into the lips.

Radiesse is not a permanent solution, but the treatment is a procedure that can be used more than once. Though individual results might differ, the effects of this treatment can last a year or more. the longevity of the treatment depends on the individual’s unique circumstances. Age and skin type, as well as lifestyle, affect how well the patient responds to the treatment and the amount of time the effects last.

Radiesse is next generation cosmetic dermal filler that works somewhat differently than the advanced hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Radiesse is made of tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural water-based gel. It works with the body, below the skin's surface, to stimulate the production of collagen and encourage tissue regeneration.

It consists of tiny particles of Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) which naturally occurs in the body, making it safe and non-allergenic. Allergy testing is, therefore, not necessary. Radiesse is mainly used in dental, bone and vocal cord reconstruction. Radiesse is not harmful to the body and can be broken down by the body.

Radiesse has the advantage of lasting longer than the currently available soft-tissue fillers like Restylane and Hylaform.

Frequently asked questions?

How does Radiesse work?

Radiesse works by doing more than just filling in lines and wrinkles. Unlike other dermal fillers, Radiesse has been proven to stimulate natural collagen production in the body. This means that patients require fewer and less frequent touch up procedures to maintain their youthful appearance. While many dermal fillers require touch ups as frequently as every few months, most Radiesse patients need treatments once a year or less.

How is the procedure performed?

Radiesse treatments are performed by a dermatologist or doctor in either the practitioner's office or in some instances a spa. The injections are performed on an outpatient basis, and patients are able to return to regular day to day activities immediately after treatment. In some cases the doctor may apply a topical anesthetic prior to injection to reduce the mild pain some people experience during treatment. The whole procedure is minimally invasive and quick. In fact the whole procedure typically takes less than an hour.

What is the recovery like?

Due to the minimally invasive procedure, most Radiesse treatment recipients recover quickly, and they are able to resume daily activities immediately. Side effects are rare. When side effects do occur they are generally mild and clear up on their own in less than a week.

What makes Radiesse different from other fillers?

The distinctive feature of Radiesse is that it provides both immediate corrections along with longer lasting duration. Whereas other fillers, like Restylane and Hylaform may last up to 6 months, Radiesse may last up to 2 years, possibly longer. The aqueous gel delivers the immediate correction while the Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) creates a matrix for collagen production allowing for longer lasting results.

Is Radiesse safe?

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. Radiesse is a simple procedure.

Are there any side-effects?

Normal side effects are swelling for the first 2 days. Since Calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal component of bone (a substance already familiar to the body) and does not contain any animal products there is no allergy test required before treatment. In 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. The longest term studies with this product have been done. Test results suggest that Radiesse shows promise as a new agent for facial contouring with no serious side effects and reasonable efficacy and durability.

What are the advantages of Radiesse over other similar treatments?

One of the main benefits of Radiesse over other dermal fillers is that the effects can be seen immediately. Patients do not have to wait for weeks or even months for the effects of the procedure to be apparent. Patients also will need fewer touch up treatments to maintain their new youthful appearance than they would need with similar treatments. Radiesse injections also look and feel natural even over time.