Radiesse

Radiesse is a dermal filler used for the temporary correction of moderate to severe folds and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds. If can also be used for facial lipoatrophy, or facial fat loss, in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The Procedure

The Radiesse procedure is most often performed with a local anesthesia. Your Washington D.C. cosmetic surgeon will select one or more injection points for each location to be treated. The correct amount of Radiesse will be measured out and the substance will then be injected beneath the skin, under the dermis and subcutis layer. Washington D.C. patients may experience minimal discomfort from the needle injection.

Radiesse is different from hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm. Radiesse is comprised of calcium hydroxyl apatite (CHA) microspheres that are suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose gel. CHA has long been used as a bone filler for people with minor bone defects. Carboxymethylcellulose, also known as cellulose gum, is a common food thickener, so both compounds have a long history of safe use in the body.

After Radiesse is injected, your body begins to absorb the biocompatible materials. The cellulose gum is dissolved fairly quickly, but your body fills in around the microspheres so that you experience long-lasting correction. Eventually, though, even the CHA microspheres are absorbed, making Radiesse treatment fully reversible.

Depending on the extent of your treatment, the procedure can take anywhere from several to 15 minutes. You can return to work, go home, or continue your daily routine after undergoing these injections, but be sure to stay out of the sun. There may be minimal swelling and bruising, which usually subsides in two or three days. You may also experience some discomfort, which can be controlled with pain medication.

Enjoying the Results

The results are fully evident in about one week. In studies, about 80% of patients still saw full correction one year after injection of Radiesse , but results lasting two years or longer are not unheard of. Radiesse results in aesthetic improvement and provides an increase in skin thickness in the specific area treated. While this treatment will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, it will improve the appearance in the area that it was injected.

Is Radiesse Right for Me?

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Typical Radiesse candidates are between 35 and 60. Patients who undergo this treatment often see 80 percent improvement immediately after their procedure. Because Radiesse is temporary, you must undergo this treatment repeatedly to maintain long-term benefits.

If you are interested in Radiesse to restore you youthful appearance and you live in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the Nova Surgicare, PC Center for Oral and Facial Rejuvenation today.