Radiesse® FAQs
What is Radiesse®?
Radiesse® is an FDA approved filler product that is made of microspheres of calcium hydroxyapatite, a natural substance found in your bones. These products are used for volume replacement and for deep facial wrinkles; however, they are not recommended for use in the lips. The material has a long track-record of successful use in reconstructive surgery, ear-nose-throat surgery, maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, and urology. Radiesse® is slowly reabsorbed. This prolonged degradation makes Radiesse® a longer lasting filler than others, with expected results lasting a year or more. Years of clinical studies have proven that Radiesse® has many benefits as a simple and safe procedure that delivers a lasting improvement.
What is the Radiesse® procedure like?
On the day of your Radiesse treatment, we will cleanse the injection area(s) and based on your prior input, we will mark the targeted places to be treated, choosing strategic injection points designed to help you achieve the correction you desire. A topical anesthetic may be applied to increase your comfort. Radiesse® will then be placed precisely into your tissues in small amounts with a very tiny needle, being careful not to overfill the area. Radiesse® is a simple procedure and you may resume your normal routine immediately although you will be advised to apply ice to the treatment area to minimize swelling. You will also be instructed to avoid sun exposure and manipulation of the treatment area for a few days. Most patients experience at least one year of correction with Radiesse® before the product is gradually absorbed by your body and repeat injections are needed to retain your results.
What are the benefits of Radiesse?
At Fiala Aesthetics Medical Spa, Radiesse® is used to reduce unwanted wrinkles, restore facial volume, and stimulate the production of more collagen in your skin. Radiesse® is non-invasive and requires no downtime and it is among the best non-surgical treatments available to patients wishing to correct skin flaws associated with aging or to enhance cheek or chin contours.
Dr. Fiala uses Radiesse® to treat age-related conditions that include:
- Facial folds and lines
- Reduce lines between your nose and mouth
- Fill in the so-called “smile lines” and “frown lines”
- Restore or augment the natural contours of your cheeks
- Chin augmentation
- Nose shaping
Candidates for Radiesse® should be healthy adults between the age of 18 and 65. The effects of Radiesse® can be long-lasting so during your consultation with Dr. Fiala, he will discuss your options and together you can create a treatment plan based on the condition of your skin and your aesthetic goals.
How does Radiesse® compare to other fillers?
- Radiesse® has a higher molecular weight (which causes it to be thicker) than Juvéderm®, Perlane, and Restylane®
- Radiesse® is clinically proven to last a year or more in most patients
- Radiesse® is FDA approved to mix with lidocaine, which significantly reduces injection related pain
What are the side effects of Radiesse®?
The most common Radiesse® side effects are temporary, and include slight redness, discomfort, bruising, and swelling near your injection sites, which will subside in a few days. Other reported Radiesse® side effects, such as lumpiness or uneven results, are uncommon.