Dermal filler treatments lead the way in aesthetic medicine. These minimally-invasive procedures are popular because they are proven safe, are convenient, and they provide immediate results. The purpose of dermal fillers is to fill in depressions, hollows, creases, and areas of tissue that have deflated over time. Most products are made with hyaluronic acid. Then there's Radiesse, a different kind of dermal filler designed for a specific function in the skin.
What Is Radiesse®?
Radiesse is an injectable soft tissue filler that is formulated to treat specific concerns. Made of calcium hydroxylapatite gel microspheres, this product both fills lines and creases and also stimulates collagen proliferation in the deeper layers of the skin. By developing new collagen as a part of its process, Radiesse can last for a prolonged period. Because the consistency of the gel and microspheres is thicker, Radiesse is ideal for more structural use in areas like the jawline, cheeks, deep creases, and the backs of the hands.
What Is Radiesse® Used To Treat?
Dr. Schuster may recommend Radiesse at our Baltimore office to treat deep lines and creases around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds). The product may also be appropriate for the correction of marionette lines that run from the corners of the mouth downward, giving a downturned appearance. The thickness of this filler may make it suitable for non-surgical rhinoplasty, jawline contouring, injectable chin augmentation, and other concerns. Due to its thicker consistency, Radiesse may not be well-suited for areas like the lips or highly moveable areas of the face.
How Long Does A Radiesse® Treatment Take?
A Radiesse treatment can take 15 to 45 minutes. Although the doctor uses a very fine needle and a gentle touch to administer Radiesse, some patients prefer to have a local anesthetic applied before receiving injections. Numbing cream can be applied, and it takes about 30 minutes to desensitize the skin. The time it takes to receive Radiesse is so minimal that patients often schedule their treatment during their lunch hour.
How Many Radiesse® Injections Will I Need?
Radiesse achieves immediate improvements as the microspheres create a structural matrix beneath the skin. The doctor administers a series of injections across the treatment area, creating instantly plumper, smoother, younger-looking skin. As the microspheres dissolve over many months, the body simultaneously lays down new collagen. The foundation of new collagen prolongs the effects of Radiesse for up to 18 months. Patients do not need a series of treatments to acheive outstanding results. Touch-ups can be scheduled when the signs of aging begin to recur.
How Can I Prepare For My Radiesse® Treatment?
Preparing for Radiesse treatment is easy. Once you know that you want to receive injectable treatment, your primary action step is to stop taking medications and supplements that thin the blood. Examples include aspirin, Ginko Biloba, some fish oils, vitamin E, and ibuprofen. If you have questions about products you should avoid, please feel free to contact our office. It is also beneficial to take excellent care of your skin each day before injectable treatment, washing with a gentle cleanser and removing makeup before bed. To ensure the best results with minimal irritation, you may also want to avoid excessive sun exposure in the days prior to your appointment.
Are There Alternatives To Radiesse®?
Yes. Radiesse is an excellent treatment option for specific concerns and may be used independently or alongside other injectable treatments. Depending on your goals, Dr. Schuster may recommend injectable wrinkle-reducing treatment using Botox or a Juvederm dermal filler product. If you are seeking longer-lasting cosmetic results, you may be a good candidate for facial fat transfer, a minimally-invasive technique in which the doctor removes a small amount of fatty tissue from one area of the body, separates out pure fat cells, and injects them into lines, creases, or areas where contouring could be improved. In our Maryland office, patients can expect to engage in a thoughtful discussion with the doctor about their concerns and treatment objectives. The information obtained through this consultation can guide our treatment recommendations.
What Are The Risks Associated With Radiesse®?
Radiesse may incur a few common side effects that are similar to other dermal fillers. These include minor discomfort after injections, redness, swelling, and bruising, all of which are temporary. There is also a slight risk of lumps or nodules forming under the skin and of an undesirable cosmetic outcome. To maximize results Radiesse is carefully inserted using a tiny needle and an artful technique that beautifully restores contours and the appearance of youthfulness.
Learn More About Radiesse Treatment In Baltimore, MD
We are strong believers in the value of injectable treatments, and we often use Radiesse in our Baltimore area office. If you would like to learn more about this dermal filler and your other options for non-surgical facial rejuvenation, contact us at 410-902-9800 and schedule your consultation.
