Cosmetic Dermatology

Radiesse, is a non-surgical injectable product that can fill in facial folds and lines and increase volume in the face. Radiesse is commonly used to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines and to augment the chin and cheeks. Radiesse is also popular for treatment of the dark circles beneath the eyes. Radiesse has the potential for a long-lasting effect with studies showing results lasting in excess of a year. As such, patients who are treated with Radiesse often return yearly for repeat treatment.

Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxyl apatite (CaHA) suspended in gel (carboxymethylcellulose). Calcium hydroxy apatite is a normal constituent of bone and, as such, doesn’t not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response or require allergy testing. CaHA has been used in prosthetic implants for dental, facial and orthopedic surgery for humans for many years.

The goal of all dermal filler treatments is to correct facial wrinkles and fill hollows that occur as a result of aging, weight loss, scarring, or injury. Composite fillers are one attempt to solve a major shortcoming of dermal fillers: short-lived results. Most dermal fillers last about 4-6 months. In an attempt to increase the length of results, composite fillers, such as Radiesse combine a smooth carrier gel with tiny spheres of a durable material that is designed to increase the life of results. After injection, the gel is absorbed by the body, leaving the microspheres. As it absorbs the gel, the body fills in around the spheres with collagen, maintaining results as long as the spheres are in place. These fillers are good for nasolabial folds and deep hollows. Sometimes they are used for facial reshaping. Radiesse treatments for increasing the prominence of cheekbones are popular.

Men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations and looking to improve the appearance of the facial skin or augment the lips may be good candidates for Radiesse injections.

During a consultation for Radiesse, you will have a one-on-one discussion with the physician about your goals. Your face will be examined, your medical history taken and your options discussed. All aspects of the Radiesse procedure will be explained including the technique, the facility, the anesthesia, the recovery, the costs and the risks.

At The Woodruff Institute, minimizing discomfort is a priority. Most patients find that a topical numbing cream helps keep discomfort to a minimum. Our physicians also mix numbing medicine in the syringe of Radiesse, and thus, is numbing the skin while filling wrinkles. Nerve blocks are also used if patients prefer this type of numbing.

A local or topical anesthetic may first be administered. The skin is cleansed and then a very fine needle is used to inject the Radiesse beneath the skin.

The Radiesse procedure is a quick one taking approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Some mild discomfort or tenderness can occur, though this typically fades quickly.

Though recovery will vary from patient to patient, it is generally minimal after Radiesse treatment. Some mild swelling or redness may occur, though this typically fades within the first day or two. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Patients are usually able to return to work and other normal activities immediately after treatment. Some patients will experience bruising, so treatment with fillers should be avoided in the days before an event that will put you in the public eye.

There are few complications associated with Radiesse injections though side effects can occur and may include swelling, redness, edema, pain, itching, discoloration or tenderness. Lumpiness can occur when used in the lips, and because of this, we do not recommend Radiesse filling the lips.

Radiesse has the potential for long-last resulting, much longer than with other fillers. Though the duration of results will vary, studies have shown results lasting longer than a year.