Radiesse ®

BENEFITS

Radiesse® is an anti-aging dermal filler that is formulated to fill in wrinkle lines and volumize the skin. The treatment works to restore a natural, youthful look that lasts by stimulating the body to produce new collagen. 

Radiesse® injections consist of small, smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that are suspended in a water-based gel carrier. The formula stimulates the body to produce new collagen, and thereby corrects facial wrinkles. Though the body will absorb the gel carrier over time, collagen will start to grow and infiltrate the area in the meantime, thus replacing the gel with the body's own collagen. Radiesse® continues to stimulate the body to produce new collagen until the microspheres are naturally absorbed into the body.

DESCRIPTION OF TREATMENT

Prior to a Radiesse® treatment, the area to be injected will be cleansed, usually with alcohol swabs, and no anesthetic is necessary. Clients can request a topical anesthetic cream for comfort. The physician may request that specific expressions be made to identify facial muscle contractions and mark near the injection sites with temporary ink. Several quick injections will then be made in the region to be treated.

A typical Radiesse® treatment approximately lasts less than 1 hour, and clients usually return to normal activities directly after the injections. Many clients report visible results that last for a year or more.

SIDE EFFECTS

Effects associated with Radiesse® are usually temporary and include some swelling, bruising or redness shortly after the injections. Following all treatments, clients are recommended to consult with the provider about post-treatment actions. It is suggested by the manufacture to: 

Apply cold compresses after treatment to reduce swelling, and avoid touching the treated area within 6 hours following treatment, so that the skin is not accidentally injured while the area is numb. After that, the area can be gently washed with soap and water. 

Until there is no redness or swelling, avoid exposure of the treated area to intense heat, sun lamps or sunbathing. 

If there are any previous occurrences of facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence. Speak to the physician about medications that may minimize a recurrence. Avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, and high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week after treatment. These agents may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site.

SAFETY

Radiesse® was FDA approved in December 2006 for aesthetic purposes. Be sure to do the research and only use a certified physician or RN that is trained and experienced in Radiesse® injections.

AVERAGE COST

The average cost of Radiesse® can range from $600-$1200 per individual treatment. These prices are greatly affected by the location of the provider and the area, or areas treated.