RADIESSE® Cosmetic Filler
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RADIESSE® (formerly marketed as Radiance) is a cosmetic dermal filler that is used throughout the world to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, lines, and facial folds. In addition to the long-lasting results it provides as a cosmetic filler, RADIESSE® is also FDA-approved in the United States to treat oral and maxillofacial defects, vocal cord deficiencies, and is used in the treatment of facial lipoatrophy (facial wasting) in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
What is RADIESSE®?
RADIESSE® (or Radiance) is a next-generation cosmetic filler used in the treatment of deep lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth – including smile lines, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds. Similar to the makeup of ArteFill®, RADIESSE® cosmetic filler has small microspheres (particles) suspended in a gel-like solution. There is no need for an allergy test prior to RADIESSE® filler injections since the microspheres are comprised of calcium hydroxylapatite, a substance naturally found in the body.
For the first three months after RADIESSE® treatment, it acts as a cosmetic filler, plumping up the skin and diminishing age lines. Then, RADIESSE® microspheres stimulate natural collagen growth, actually causing new tissue development for extended results (up to two years). In addition, RADIESSE® is useful in the treatment of facial lipoatrophy (a stigmatizing effect of HIV), vocal cord deficiencies, oral and maxillofacial defects, as well as scars and chin dimples.
Candidates for RADIESSE® Treatment
Candidates for RADIESSE® cosmetic filler treatment include patients showing obvious signs of facial aging. RADIESSE® candidates commonly seek treatment for prominent smile lines, marionette lines, and other facial wrinkles. RADIESSE® can also be used as an alternative to implant surgery, providing augmentation to a patient’s nose, cheeks, or chin. Patients suffering vocal cord insufficiency or oral and maxillofacial defects (such as periodontal and cystic defects) can also benefit from RADIESSE® treatment. Because RADIESSE® cosmetic filler is made of a natural substance that occurs in the body, no allergy testing is needed.
General RADIESSE® Treatment Requirements
Candidates for RADIESSE® cosmetic treatment are generally between the ages of 35 and 60 and experiencing mild to moderate facial aging. Patients experiencing extreme signs of aging may be better suited for a face lift or other surgical options. Other candidates for RADIESSE® treatment include patients suffering vocal cord insufficiency or oral and maxillofacial defects. RADIESSE® is also an effective treatment for facial lipoatrophy (facial wasting) in patients with HIV. No allergy testing is required before RADIESSE® treatment.
What areas can be treated with RADIESSE®?
RADIESSE® cosmetic filler is a versatile treatment that can address many facial aesthetic and corrective needs. RADIESSE® fills and volumizes to restore a natural, youthful look. RADIESSE® is an effective treatment for:
- Nasolabial Folds
- Marionette Lines
- Smile Lines
- Frown Lines
- Lip Augmentation
- Bridge or Nasal Augmentation
- Cheek Enhancement
- Chin Reshaping
- Jaw Line Contouring
- Vocal Cord Correction
- Nasal Obstruction
- Facial Lipoatrophy
Is RADIESSE® right for me?
RADIESSE® is a useful treatment for anyone with deep wrinkles around the mouth or cheeks. It can also be used for people with scarring or skin depressions, as well as for those who want to enhance the size and shape of their lips. If you would like to know more about RADIESSE® treatment for any of the uses listed above, DocShop can help you locate a skilled facial plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist who can answer your questions.
RADIESSE® Compared to Restylane® and Other Fillers
RADIESSE®, compared to Restylane® and other cosmetic fillers, has longer-lasting results. The effects of RADIESSE® injections tend to last one to two years. Restylane® treatments usually need to be re-administered after about six months. Collagen injections usually only last about three months but may last up to six months. In addition, RADIESSE® treatments offer the following advantages over Restylane® or collagen injections:
RADIESSE® results last, on average, more than one year. RADIESSE® stimulates new natural collagen production. RADIESSE® treatments require less frequent injections and touchups. RADIESSE® treatments, however, are generally more expensive than other dermal fillers. Learn more about RADIESSE® cost and financing options.
Medical and Health Considerations
Through years of clinical studies and independent research, RADIESSE® has been proven to be safe and effective. There is no need for an allergy test prior to RADIESSE® filler injections since the microspheres are comprised of calcium hydroxylapatite, a substance naturally found in the body.
RADIESSE® Cost and Financing Information
Because varying dosages of RADIESSE® cosmetic filler are used to treat different areas of the face, it is difficult to provide an accurate cost estimate without a doctor examination. Generally, the cost of RADIESSE® ranges from $650 to $800 per syringe. Although this price range is higher than that of other cosmetic fillers (such as Sculptra® and Restylane®), RADIESSE® offers longer-lasting results, requiring less frequent treatments, thus saving the patient money in the end. Learn more about RADIESSE® cost and financing.
The RADIESSE® Treatment Process
The RADIESSE® treatment process is a simple outpatient procedure generally performed using a local anesthetic. Treatment time takes up to 15 minutes, depending upon the extent of the treatment. The doctor selects one or more injection points for each location to be treated. Local anesthesia and an antiseptic are applied. The RADIESSE® cosmetic filler is then injected beneath the skin, under the dermis and subcutis layer. Although patients should see immediate results, the final product is evident within one week. Results last up to two years.
Preparing for RADIESSE® Treatment
During your RADIESSE® consultation, your doctor will examine your skin and discuss how the treatment can correct facial lines and wrinkles. Treatment time takes up to 15 minutes, depending upon the extent of correction required. Because RADIESSE® is made up of elements that occur naturally in the body, no pre-treatment skin testing is required. RADIESSE® patients can receive treatment the same day. Find out if you are a candidate for RADIESSE®.
The RADIESSE® Injection Process
RADIESSE® injections are administered through a safe and simple procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the injection site or sites. Generally performed in a doctor's office, RADIESSE® injections are administered under the skin in a continuous stream into the appropriate facial planes needed for correction and augmentation.
How Does RADIESSE® Work?
RADIESSE® treatment works in two distinct ways. For the first three months, RADIESSE® injections act as a cosmetic filler, plumping up the skin and diminishing the appearance of fine facial lines. Then the unique RADIESSE® microspheres stimulate collagen production and encourage new tissue growth in and around the injection area. Over time, the patient's body absorbs the gel carrier, while collagen continues to grow at the injection site, replacing the gel with the patient's own natural tissue.
Are Results Immediate?
RADIESSE® results are both immediate and long-lasting. Patients can expect to see results of their RADIESSE® treatment immediately. RADIESSE® treatments require little to no downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities soon after treatment. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions and details of what to expect during and after your treatment. RADIESSE® also works below the skin's surface, stimulating the production of collagen and tissue regeneration to provide results that last up to two years.
RADIESSE® Retreatment
Results from RADIESSE® treatment, although long-lasting, are not permanent. Patients may choose to undergo retreatments in order to maintain their rejuvenated look. Individuals seeking permanent correction of facial wrinkles and folds may wish to consider face lift surgery as an alternative.
Risks and Benefits of RADIESSE® Injections
Although all elective cosmetic procedures are accompanied by some risk, the risks associated with RADIESSE® cosmetic filler are minimal. Usually, injectable fillers carry the risk of allergic reaction. However, because RADIESSE® is made of a substance that occurs naturally in the body, there is virtually no risk of allergy. The greatest risk associated with Radiesse™ occurs when patients allow non-licensed practitioners to administer the treatment. This risk can be avoided by checking the credentials of your doctor or using DocShop to locate a board-certified practitioner near you. Learn more about the risks and benefits of RADIESSE® cosmetic filler.
RADIESSE® FAQs
What is RADIESSE® made of?
RADIESSE® is an injectable hydrogel that contains tiny particles of calcium hydroxylapatite (a substance that occurs naturally in human bones and teeth). RADIESSE® is a stable material that is not easily broken down by the body, and it is therefore long-lasting. It is not tested on animals, and includes no animal products.
How does RADIESSE® work?
RADIESSE® is injected just below the surface of the skin, plumping up and smoothing the area, and improving appearance. The hydrogel that RADIESSE® is made of carries the particles of calcium hydroxylapatite and holds them in place under the skin, creating a dermal filler. The effects of RADIESSE® are immediately apparent.
Is pre-testing required?
Because the material found in RADIESSE® is also found in the human body, RADIESSE® causes no allergic reaction and pre-testing is not required. This is one of the advantages of RADIESSE® over other dermal fillers.
How is RADIESSE® different from other fillers?
RADIESSE® is different from other fillers in that it requires no allergy testing; this is because the calcium hydroxylapatites contained in RADIESSE® are naturally occurring in the human body. RADIESSE® is not tested on animals and does not contain any products made from animals. Patients who are interested in lip augmentation may find that RADIESSE® is their best choice among lip fillers for the above reasons.
Is RADIESSE® FDA approved?
RADIESSE® is FDA approved as an injectable filler. It has been used safely for years on thousands of patients for cosmetic, dental, and orthopedic purposes.
Are multiple RADIESSE® treatments necessary?
Only one treatment is usually necessary for RADIESSE® injections. Since the effects are immediately apparent, a patient will be able to tell whether he or she would like to receive further treatment. RADIESSE® is long-lasting, and the treated skin is soft and natural to the touch. A patient may, however, desire touch-up treatments in individual cases, or decide to combine RADIESSE® treatment with another injectable filler such as Restylane®.
Is there any downtime following RADIESSE® injections?
There will be some slight swelling after your RADIESSE® treatment. It will last from one to two days, typically. (Applying ice to the treated area will help the swelling go down more quickly.) After resting for several hours, you should be able to resume all of your normal activities. However, a patient who has received RADIESSE® injections should minimize for 48 hours any activities that cause the facial muscles to move excessively or dramatically, such as drinking through straws, laughing, yelling, chewing gum or very chewy foods, and so forth.
Locate a Physician in Your Area through DocShop
In addition to educational information on cosmetic surgery, skin treatments, and other medical procedures, DocShop also provides an easy-to-use search tool to help you find qualified physicians in your area. Find a cosmetic dermatologist that offers Radiesse™ cosmetic filler treatments.
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