What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is the latest injectable substance that is newly available for cosmetic purposes to fill in wrinkles and lines. Radiesse is made up of microscopic calcium particles (hydroxylapatite) that are found in bone and suspended in gel. This is a safe material (one that is already in use for dental reconstruction, bone growth, and vocal cord injection) and one that has proven to be very compatible with the body. Unlike Collagen it does not require an allergy test, and lasts 7 to 12 months or more!

How long does Radiesse last?

Radiesse usually lasts 7 to 12 months. Newer studies done in 2004 show that injected Radiesse can potentially decrease about 30% after one year. To maintain the best results touch ups may be recommended after the first four months.

What are the side effects of Radiesse?

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 in Italy. Test results from Italy suggest that "Radiance" shows promise as a new agent for facial contouring with no serious side effects and reasonable efficacy and durability.

Is Radiesse FDA approved?

YES.  It is FDA approved for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial fold.

How does Radiesse compare to Collagen or other injectables?

The advantage of using Radiesse is the potential for long lasting effect. Radiesse will last approximately 7 to 12 months (about 2 - 4 times longer than collagen). Radiesse contains no animal products and therefore requires no allergy test prior to treatments. One cc of Radiesse can treat about twice as many areas as 1cc of traditional collagen. Radiesse is also often more natural appearing and feeling. Radiesse requires fewer injections per area but the Doctor will need to do dental blocks to numb the area, as the injections are more painful than Collagen.

Where can Radiesse be used?

Radiesse can be used to improve wrinkles in areas like the smile lines (or nasolabial folds) and marionette lines. It is usually used to improve lines and wrinkles on areas in the lower half of the face.

More information about Radiesse is available at :

www.radiancetreatment.com

If you have any questions regarding Radiance Injections, or wish to schedule a consultation, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.