On December 27, 2006 the FDA approved Radiesse for the treatment of facial folds and wrinkles. We now have three fillers to choose from to correct folds and wrinkles on the lower half of the face. We still use Botox to correct lines and wrinkles on the upper half of the face (see Botox vs. Restylane for an explanation).

What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is an injectable for facial folds and wrinkles. Radiesse is actually a two-part material. It is made of 1 - very small, smooth calcium hydroxylapitite (CaHA) microspheres, which are suspended in 2 - a water-based gel carrier. As Radiesse is injected, the gel and microspheres form a "scaffold", stimulating collagen production and encouraging tissue growth in and around the injection area.

Your wrinkles and folds are corrected by this two-part material, plus a third material...your bodies own collagen. The microspheres and the gel immediately act as a filler. Over two to three months the gel is absorbed leaving only the microspheres AND the collagen that your body has produced in response to the microspheres. The new collagen you form (and therefore the correction) lasts one to two years. The microspheres are finally metabolized after 2 to 3 years.

Calcium Hydroxylapitite microspheres?

Calcium Hydroxylapitite is a biocompatible (compatible with living systems), biodegradable (dissolves in the body) material. Calcium hydroxylapitite is identical in composition to the mineral portion of teeth and bone. Calcium Hydroxylapatite has a history of safe use in otology (ears), laryngeal (vocal chords), and dental and orthopedic applications.

How long does it last?

Radiesse typically lasts a year or more. No other FDA-approved filler makes that claim. Juvederm and Restylane last 6 to 12 months (although I have had patients get more than a year out of Restylane).

What other things do I need to know?

The Calcium Hydroxylapatite microspheres in Radiesse can be seen in X-rays and CT scans. It is very important that you inform your doctor and other health care professionals that you have Radiesse injected in your face. Even though Radiesse can be seen on X-rays and CT scans, there is not a high risk that it would cause your doctor concern, as long as he knows that you have had Radiesse injected in your face.

_______________________________________________________________________

Minars Dermatology | 4020 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, FL 33021 | (954)-987-7512

Copyright © 2012 Minars Dermatology. All rights reserved.

Last updated April 2, 2012.