Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler that is used to treat wrinkles, scars, and areas with lost facial volume. It can be used in a variety of locations, such as the lips, nose, and cheeks. The effects of this filler are generally long-lasting and can be observed for up to two years.
Candidacy for Radiesse
Patients who are in the age group of 35 to 60 years of age usually opt for this treatment, since signs of aging begin to show around age 35. The effects of Radiesse are almost immediate and show an 80% improvement in facial volume.
Patients who have concerns over foreign substances entering their body can rest easy, since Radiesse is completely biocompatible and causes no harm to the nearby tissues. It is a non-toxic and non-allergic substance.
How Does Radiesse Work?
Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in carboxymethylcellulose gel. Calcium and phosphate ions that are naturally occurring in the human body are the main components of calcium hydroxylapatite particles. The suspending gel is composed of compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, glycerine, and sterile water.
The CaHA microspheres form a supporting structure in the skin, and thin tissues are able to grow and form around them. The microspheres thereby act as filling agents, creating new volume, which removes wrinkles and depressions.
Over the course of time, the gel is absorbed by the surrounding tissues and the microspheres are absorbed by the body, leaving behind structures and connections formed by the thin tissues that have grown around them. This is why the treatment’s results last as long as they do.
The Radiesse Injection Procedure
The Radiesse injection procedure is minimally invasive and completely harmless. Radiesse is injected into the various facial areas that are in need of treatment. Because the injections are deep, local anesthesia is used to numb the region beforehand so that there is no pain. There is hardly any discomfort and patients barely feel anything.
The procedure is extremely simple and does not take more than 15 minutes to complete. There are three main steps for a Radiesse procedure. An overview of each step is mentioned below:
1. Dr. Martin identifies the various locations on the face and body where wrinkles and depressions have appeared. These areas are marked and then swabbed with antiseptic.
2. Depending upon the severity of the wrinkles, the doctor decides the dosage of the Radiesse that is to be injected at each location.
3. The Radiesse is carefully injected between the dermis and the subcutis layers of the skin.
There is some initial swelling after the procedure, but it is temporary in nature and disappears after a day or two. No recovery period will be needed, and patients can return to their daily schedule.
Since Radiesse is temporary in nature, it breaks down over time. Follow-up treatments will be available to maintain its beneficial effects on the skin.
Contact Our Office and Set Up Your Consultation
Patients interested in learning more about Radiesse treatments can contact the office of Dr. Kurtis Martin, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to set up a consultation. During your consultation with Dr. Martin, he will explain the procedure in greater detail and answer all of your questions.