Radiesse
Radiesse is an injectable treatment that fills and stimulates our body to produce collagen–the naturally occurring protein that gives our skin a plump and youthful appearance. It is commonly used to improve the effects of aging by filling lines and deep wrinkles, and restoring fullness in the cheek area and to the back of the hands. As we age, we develop moderate to deep lines, such as those that extend from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
We also lose a good deal of fat in our face and hands, sometimes making us look older than we are. Injecting Radiesse with a small needle below the skin is a common way to quickly restore fullness in the face and hands for a refreshed, healthy appearance. Plus, Radiesse continues to work over time by stimulating the body to produce its own natural collagen. Radiesse is made of synthetic microspheres known as Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) that are carried in a watery gel substance, CaHA is not harmful to the body and breaks down naturally over time, leaving the naturally occurring collagen that it helps to stimulate.
Ideal Candidates
Radiesse might be the ideal treatment for you if you have experienced age-related fat loss in the face and hands.
As with all medical procedures, excellent candidates are those in good overall health and who have informed, realistic expectations.
Preparation
An initial consultation with Dr. Minton is the first step to any procedure. There he will discuss your health history. Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided as they can increase the likelihood of bruising.
The Injection Procedure
Radiesse is fairly simple and relatively painless procedure. Dr. Minton uses a very thin needle to inject Radiesse beneath the skin. While the effects are visible in the first three months, they will continue to improve as the collagen continues to develop over 12 to months or longer. There is minimal to mild discomfort when receiving Radiesse injections. However, Dr. Minton may anesthetize the area using a topical cream before injection to help alleviate any discomfort. Radiesse is FDA approved to mix with lidocaine to help reduce any injection-related pain.
After The Procedure
The great thing about Radiesse is that there’s no downtime, though you should minimize strenuous activity and extended sun exposure for 24 hours after the treatment. Other than that, you can get back to your normal activities almost immediately. There may be some initial swelling and minor irritation but this should subside within 2 to 4 days. The results of Radiesse start to appear immediately after injection, particularly when it’s used to fill wrinkles.
More apparent results are visible in the first three months and will continue to improve over the next 12 months as the body continues to produce collagen in and around the site of the injections. Unlike some fillers that have dramatic results immediately, Radiesse is sometimes preferred because the results appear to develop naturally over time (i.e. it’s not apparent that you’ve had “something done”). Radiesse can last up to a year or more in some patients.
Radiesse
Frequently Asked Questions
Radiesse is a compound of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that are suspended in a watery gel–and organic compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, as well as glycerin and sterile water. CaHA occurs naturally in our bodies. It is not harmful and it breaks down naturally over time, leaving behind our bodies’ stimulated production of collagen in area where there has been fat loss.
Radiesse is a very safe treatment with very few risks or complications. Radiesse should not be used with some medications, which is why it’s important to give Dr. Minton information about any and all medications you are taking.
After the initial consultation, a Radiesse treatment only takes between 30 minutes to an hour. The need for additional treatments will be determined after 6 to 8 weeks, in order for the results to be apparent.
Radiesse is injected beneath the skin using a very fine needle, so while there is some initial discomfort, most patients describe it as minimal to mild. Dr. Minton can use ice or a topical anesthesia to help ease any injection-related discomfort. Radiesse is also FDA approved to mix with lidocaine, an anesthetic. Some tenderness, itching or swelling may occur after the treatment, but should clear up within 2 to 4 days.
The effects of Radiesse are temporary, but they can last up to 12 months or more depending on the patient. Dr. Minton may recommend a follow-up treatment to prolong the effects.
Sometimes additional treatments are needed to get the best results. However, because the treatment continues to improve over time as collagen is produced, it’s important to be patient. Dr. Minton can determine if additional treatments are needed in a follow-up appointment.
Unlike surgery, the effects of Radiesse are not permanent, so it is not considered an alternative to surgery, but Radiesse can prolong the need for surgery such as a permanent fat transfer or surgical face lift. Additionally, it can be used as a way to “preview” the results of more permanent procedures.
Have More Questions?
Our skilled, double-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Minton is available to discuss Radiesse in greater detail during a consultation at our Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery office in Savannah. Arrange your consultation by contacting us today. Follow Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery on Facebook to learn about special offers!
