Radiesse, formerly known as Radiance, is an injectable product made up of calcium and phosphate, two naturally occurring substances found in your body. It is known as part of a new class of agents called Bio-Stimulants that stimulate your body to produce your own collagen in reaction to the substance thereby creating a natural and long-lasting result. Dr Mest is proud to serve on the Medical Education Faculty for Merz Aesthetics, the manufacturer of Radiesse, due to his long history and familiarity with the product.
Radiesse Q & A
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse, the trade name for Calcium Hydroxylapitate, consists of micro-spheres of calcium hydroxylapitate in a thick gel carrier. Over the next several months, the gel carrier is absorbed by the body and the micro-spheres produce collagen in response to them which leads to the long lasting and natural correction seen with this material. Over time the micro spheres are metabolized to calcium and phosphate. Thus, Radiesse is a long lasting but not permanent material that is very natural in both its response and breakdown. Due to the thickness of the material it is ideal for areas needing support such as the mid face as well as areas in need of facial contouring such as the jaw line. In addition, the gel carrier gives patients immediate results. Radiesse is available in a 1.5ml pre-filled syringe, which is much larger than other dermal filler products which makes it a cost-effective option.
Radiesse for is Men Too
Radiesse can help men add volume and look younger with natural results.
Made from natural minerals, Radiesse is strong enough for a man’s rugged skin. RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler is an injectable filler that works by immediately restoring facial volume to smooth out the signs of aging.
Once injected, not only does it immediately add volume but over time, RADIESSE Volumizing Filler begins to stimulate the production of the body’s natural collagen. Results improve over time and may last more than 12 months in many patients.
What are the benefits of Radiesse?
Radiesse provides an immediate result that is natural and relatively long-lasting. On average, most patients obtain around 12 months of correction with Radiesse treatments. Touch up treatments will make the Radiesse results last even longer. Since the Radiesse has the largest volume of material per syringe of any of the dermal fillers, it is ideal for treatment of larger areas. Since Radiesse is made up of bio-compatible material, no skin testing is required before treatment. The thickness of the gel carrier makes Radiesse ideal for support and facial re-contouring.
What areas can be treated with Radiesse?
Almost any area can be treated with Radiesse except for the red portion of the lips and under eye area. The robust consistency of the material makes it ideal for mid-face (cheek) volume enhancement as well as jaw line, nasal and chin contouring. Also, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and folds are easily treated with Radiesse.
What is a treatment with Radiesse like?
Now that Radiesse is mixed with the local anesthetic lidocaine prior to injection, most patients describe the procedure as involving some pressure but no real discomfort. The results are immediate. There may be some initial swelling beyond the final results that resolves over the next few days to a week. Ice post procedure for the next 1-2 days helps to minimize any swelling. Finally, as with any injection, bruising may occur. This can be minimized by the avoidance of anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil/Aleve/Aspirin for several days before your procedure. In addition, vitamin E, some herbal medications such as Ginko and Ginseng and Red wine may also increase the risk of bruising after the procedure. Please check with Dr. Mest before stopping any medication prior to your planned procedure. Avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive heat for 4 hours after the procedure will also help to decrease potential bruising.
