Radiesse is different from hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Restylane, RHA, or Juvederm. Radiesse works by stimulating your body to make collagen, which is a protein that provides skin with hydration, volume, and elasticity. The filler is made up of microspheres of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), a substance also found in bones, that are suspended in a gel. The Radiesse is combined with saline and lidocaine to make Hyperdilute Radiesse. The dilution reduces the thickness and facilitates its even spread, encouraging skin stimulation through more direct contact with tissues.
Similar to HA fillers, Radiesse works immediately to improve the treated area. But over time, the gel is fully absorbed and the body metabolizes the CaHA microspheres, leaving behind your own natural collagen, which lasts for approximately 12–24 months.
The Hyperdilute Radiesse has a mild volumizing effect immediately after injection, but over time produces biostimulation to improve the tone, texture, and even tighten skin. It is most commonly used in the face, neck, chest, and arms in patients who have skin laxity from photo-damage and the normal aging process. It can also be used in other areas of the body, such as thighs and buttocks.
Patients that have areas with skin laxity, crepe-like skin, and/or areas of cellulite.
-Does not have an allergy to any products used in treatment.
-Does not have infection, any recent antibiotic use.
-Are generally healthy.
-Does not have autoimmune disease.
-Does not have difficulty healing.
-Does not have a history of keloid scarring.
As with any filler injection, there can be a variable amount of bruising and swelling, which subside in 1-2 weeks. Although uncommon, if a bump is seen or felt after swelling and bruising have resolved, it can be addressed in clinic with a small injection and massage.
The appointment is typically 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on areas being treated. We place topical numbing on the skin prior to treatment to minimize discomfort. The Hyperdilute Radiesse also has a numbing medication, Lidocaine in it so it is a relatively comfortable procedure.
Most patients will require a series of treatments spaced one month apart. After the initial series we encourage patients to maintain the treatment once every 12 to 24 months. Results are typically seen between 2 to 4 months and continue to improve for up to 6 months, these results last about 12-24 months.
We do encourage massaging the treated area twice daily for the first week. Other than mild bruising, swelling, and minimal discomfort there is no real downtime and patients can resume normal activity after treatment.
To learn more about radiesse, schedule an appointment at West Sound Dermatology. Call our office or contact us online for any questions.
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