What Is Radiesse? Answering the FAQs

What is Radiesse?

Radiesse (pronounced ray-dee-ess) is a filler designed to plump the skin. It is used to plump up and smooth facial wrinkles, as well as to add volume to aging hands to smooth wrinkles and hide prominent veins and tendons.

You may also see a version called Radiesse Plus or Radiesse (+). This is just Radiesse with lidocaine included to minimize discomfort. 

How does Radiesse work?

As you age, your natural collagen breaks down, resulting in wrinkles, deep folds, and loose skin. Radiesse filler replaces your lost collagen with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier.

When injected, these biocompatible microspheres act as a scaffold and provide structure and lift to the face while smoothing wrinkles. The microspheres also stimulate the body to produce its own natural collagen, which helps the results last.

How long does Radiesse last?

Results can last a year or more. Eventually, the body will break down the CaHA microspheres, so results aren't permanent.

Treatment Areas

• Smile lines
• Marionette lines
• Pre-jowl folds, AKA the area on either side of the chin where skin can sag
• Corners of the mouth
• Chin wrinkles
• Wrinkles and prominent veins/tendons on the back of the hands

How is Radiesse different from other fillers?

Radiesse is the only filler with the calcium-based microspheres. Many other big-name fillers contain hyaluronic acid, including Juvéderm, Restylane, and Belotero Balance (manufactured by the same company as Radiesse).

Am I eligible for Radiesse?

Most adults are eligible for Radiesse, however:

According to the manufacturer, you should not get Radiesse if you:

• Are allergic to any part of the product or to lidocaine/similar medicines. You also shouldn't use it if you have a history of severe allergies or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Have a skin infection or inflammation (wait until healed)

Inform your doctor if you:

• Are taking blood thinners or medicines that can interfere with the clotting of blood, such as aspirin or Warfarin
• Have any diseases, injuries, or disabilities of the hand
• Have a history of forming large, raised scars
• Have had any other skin treatments, such as chemical peels

It's also important to inform future doctors if you have gotten Radiesse as the microspheres can be seen in X-rays and CT scans.

What are the possible side effects of Radiesse?

• Infection
• Herpes breakout if you have a history of herpes
• Temporary difficulty performing tasks with your hands if you get a hand treatment
• Nodules, bumps, or lumps on the back of the hand (can last up to one year)

• Redness, swelling and pain, itching, bumps, and bruising

One of the more serious risks is unintentional injection into a blood vessel. Though it is rare, the complications can be serious and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring.

Read all of the safety considerations for Radiesse here.

Sources

The information contained in this article is from Radiesse's website.