Radiesse®

What is Radiesse^®?

Although Radiesse^® is a filler similar to Juvéderm^®, Restylane^® Lyft, Belotero Balance^®, and the RHA^® Collection by Revance, it differs from all of these injectable options in a significant way. Most available fillers use a sugar molecule known as hyaluronic acid as their base. Hyaluronic acid can be linked to create smooth, easily injected gels that encourage hydration.

Radiesse^® employs a different strategy. Instead of hyaluronic acid, it uses a mineral called calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). When in a solid form, CaHA helps to give bones their rigidity and strength. As a gel, CaHA fills in hollow areas beneath the surface of the skin. This pushes the surface outward, making it ideal for smoothing areas where the skin has sunk into creases or increasing the size and altering the shape of specific features.

The volume enhancement is visible right away, but Radiesse^® also employs a second strategy. The CaHA particles form a sort of scaffold that encourages production of both collagen and elastin. The gel itself will eventually break down, but a supportive network built of new collagen fibers will take its place. This firm structure will continue to give the treatment area shape and fullness.

The most common uses are for reducing nasolabial folds and similar lines on the lower portion of the face, restoring a youthful look to hands that have grown skeletal-looking due to volume loss, and augmenting the buttocks.

What is an Ideal Candidate for Radiesse^®?

Radiesse^® is intended for adults who want to address age-related volume loss without surgery. The best patients are those who know what to expect from their treatment and who maintain a positive outlook.

Radiesse^® Treatment Details

Very minimal preparation is required prior to injectable treatments. We will go over anything you should know at a personalized consultation, as well as answer questions you have about volume-adding injectables. We will also discuss topical anesthetics to make the treatment more comfortable if desired.

Radiesse® is injected with precision. Dr. Ellen Turner typically uses cannulas to inject the CaHA gel beneath the skin, always with an eye for the initial results, as well as the long-term effects of renewed collagen production. A cannula is a small, blunt tube that is safer than a needle and avoids complications such as bruising, hematoma formation, or injection of the filler into nerves or vessels. Using a cannula is also much less painful than using a needle. The entire process can take from about 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the areas being treated.

Expect some slight bruising, as well as potential redness, swelling, or itching. All of these are known minor side effects that resolve quickly. No special care is needed, although patients who have butt augmentation may prefer to sleep on their side or stomach at first.

How Much Does Radiesse® Cost?

Cost is best discussed during your consultation, when the specifics of your unique treatment can be determined.

More Collagen-Boosting Options

Sculptra® is another collagen-stimulating injectable available at the Dermatology Office. It works in much the same way as Radiesse® and can also be used to enhance the buttocks.

Microneedling can encourage collagen production on a smaller scale in the skin. This treatment can improve fine lines and wrinkles, firm up lax tissue, and reduce texture and tone irregularities. Many exfoliating strategies, from lasers to chemical peels, also prompt collagen creation.