Soft Tissue Filler
Radiesse™
Radiesse™ (formerly Radiance FNT) is a new injectable product for lip enhancement and filling of facial folds and lines. The advantage of this product is the potential for a long-lasting effect (soft tissue studies show results lasting five years or longer).
Radiesse™ consists of calcium hydroxyl apatite suspended in gel (carboxymethylcellulose). Because calcium hydroxyl apatite is a normal constituent of bone, it should not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response. Additionally, the gel carrier does not require allergy testing such as required with collagen. Calcium hydroxyl apatite has been used in humans for many years in prosthetic implants in dental, facial, and orthopedic surgery.
Radiesse FAQs:
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse, formerly known as Radiance, is a non-surgical injectable product that can fill in facial folds and lines and enhance the lips. Radiance is commonly used to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines and to augmentation the chin, cheeks or lips. Radiance has the potential for a long-lasting effect with studies showing resulting lasting five years or longer.
What is Radiesse made of?
Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxyl apatite (CaHA) suspended in gel (carboxymethylcellulose). Calcium hydroxy apatite is a normal constituent of bone and, as such, doesn't not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response or require allergy testing. CaHA has been used in prosthetic implants for dental, facial and orthopedic surgery for humans for many years.
Who is a good candidate for Radiesse?
Men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations and looking to improve the appearance of the facial skin or augment the lips may be good candidates for Radiesse injections.
What happens during a consultation for Radiesse?
During a consultation for Radiesse, you will have a one-on-one discussion with the surgeon about your goals. Your face will be examined, your medical history taken and your options discussed. All aspects of the Radiesse procedure will be explained including the technique, the facility, the anesthesia, the recovery, the costs and the risks.
Where are Radiesse injections performed?
As a simple, non-surgical injection, Radiesse procedures are typically performed in a surgeon's office.
Is anesthesia used during the Radiesse injection?
The Radiesse treatment may involve a local or topical anesthetic.
How is the actual Radiesse injection performed?
A local or topical anesthetic may first be administered. The skin is cleansed and then a very fine needle is used to inject the Radiesse beneath the skin.
How long does a Radiesse procedure take to perform?
The Radiesse procedure is a quick one taking just fifteen to forty minutes to complete.
Is there any pain during the Radiesse procedure?
Some mild discomfort or tenderness can occur, though this typically fades quickly.
What is the recovery like after the Radiesse injection?
Though recovery will vary from patient to patient, it is generally minimal after Radiesse treatment. Some mild swelling or redness may occur, though this typically fades within the first day or two. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. Patients will notice an initial plumping of the skin during the first three months, and additional correction will continue to occur for up to twelve to twenty-four months as new tissue regenerates.
Will I need to take time off from work after my Radiesse treatment?
Patients are usually able to return to work and other normal activities immediately after treatment.
Are there any risks or complications associated with Radiesse injections?
There are few complications associated with Radiesse injections though side effects can occur and may include swelling, redness, edema, pain, itching, discoloration or tenderness. Lumpiness can occur when used in the lips.
Does insurance cover the cost of Radiesse injections?
Radiesse injections are typically not covered by insurance when performed for purely cosmetic purposes.
How long do the results of Radiesse last?
Radiesse has the potential for long-last resulting, much longer than with other fillers. Though the duration of results will vary, studies have shown results lasting five years or longer. |
