What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is a filler, used to eliminate deep lines in the face. It is injected under the skin, where it not only plumps up the lines, but also induces the skin to build new collagen around it. Hence, Radiesse has a long term effect on treating wrinkles.

How is Radiesse different from Restylane and Perlane?

Radiesse is simply made of a different ingredient, Calcium Hydroxy apatite. This is a naturally occurring substance, found in bones and teeth, and as such, doesn't cause allergic reactions and is easily tolerated by patients.

Restylane and Perlane are made of a different substance, Hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the human body as well, built of complex sugar molecules.

How do I know if I need Radiesse or Restylane/Perlane?

Restylane is best for use in areas of lines that are not very deep. Because it is not as dense as the other fillers, it can be used between the brows for the frown lines, and can also be injected to plump up the lip.

Perlane, which is a more dense filler but made of the same material as Restylane, is good to fill deeper lines in the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Radiesse can also be used in similar areas to Perlane, but in addition, Radiesse is a wonderful volume filler. Radiesse can correct the hollows that develop in the cheeks, recreate those lost cheekbones, help make the jowls look smooth and more. As such, it's a versatile and lasting filler and is very popular among my patients.

Ultimately, the dermatologist can advise best which filler is optimal for each patient.

How is Radiesse different from Sculptra?

Radiesse gives an immediate effect with just one treatment. Sculptra, made of a different material, has to be injected 2-3 times before a substantial improvement can be seen. This means that it takes longer to notice the effect as well as paying 2-3 times for the material needed, thus raising the cost.

How long does it last?

Radiesse lasts at least 1-1 1/2 years, although the company states that it can last up to 2 years. As such, it is a long lasting substance, which also induces production of natural collagen in the skin around itself, thus producing a long term effect of softening of the lines and hollows treated.

Is it painful to inject?

Not really! Radiesse is mixed with Lidocaine before use, and involves very little discomfort.

Are there any complications?

As with all injections, treatment can be followed by transient bruising and/or mild puffiness in the areas treated,, which disappear within a few days. Treatment of the hands can involve a longer period of swelling and lumpiness, which also disappear, leaving behind plump, youthful hands.

How is Radiesse used to treat the hands?

Radiesse can be used under the skin on the back of the hands to soften the look of boney, older looking hands with prominent veins. Upon injection of Radiesse, the back of the hand acquires a plump look, one characteristic of young people's hands.

Can Radiesse be combined with other fillers and treatments?

Yes, very much so! For example, Radiesse can be used to recreate the high cheekbones that tend to migrate south with age, while Restylane can be used to plump up the lips and eliminate dark circles under the eyes. Radiesse is also great in combination with laser treatments such as Refirme, used to tighten sagging skin, and also in combination with Botox or Dysport to smooth out lines on the upper face and forehead.