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Radiesse

Radiesse is a made of calcium-based microspheres that are suspended in a water-based gel. When injected under the skin, Radiesse restores facial volume and fills in deeper facial wrinkles and lines. Radiesse is often recommended for patients who want to fill in nasolabial lines or add fullness to their cheeks.

Most dermal fillers work by adding instant volume to the skin, in this way smoothing out creases and filling in hollows. But a unique category of dermal fillers that can do all that while also simultaneously increasing your skin’s natural collagen production.

Radiesse® is the only Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) dermal filler approved by the FDA for the lower face and hands. As such, it is a truly unique dermal filler with equally unique benefits. Not only does it offer immediate lifting and skin tightening, but it also leads to gradual skin improvement over time. Another plus with this treatment is that it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

If you are a resident of San Diego or the surrounding areas, start your Radiesse® treatment by scheduling a consultation with us today.

WHAT IS RADIESSE®?

Radiesse® is the first and only FDA-approved calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) dermal filler. It is intended for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds in the lower face as well as correcting volume loss in the back of the hands. This product can also restore volume in the cheeks and improve jawline contour.

Dermal fillers are a type of injectable that help volumize the skin. Most are categorized into volume replacers or bio-stimulators. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are popular volume replacers that replenish or add volume to the skin. Sculptra, on the other hand, is a bio-stimulator that triggers the skin’s natural collagen production. Radiesse® is unique because it combines the benefits of both volume replacement and collagen bio-stimulation.

There are currently two forms of this injectable on the market: Radiesse® and Radiesse® (+). The latter contains diluted lidocaine (an anesthetic) to reduce discomfort during treatment. However, the benefits of Radiesse® (+) seem to go beyond greater comfort. Diluted forms of this product are used to improve skin texture and tightness because it spreads more easily than the original Radiesse®.

Smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a yellow top, sitting outdoors and looking at the camera, showcases natural Radiesse filler results in San Diego.

HOW DOES RADIESSE® WORK?

Radiesse® is a biodegradable filler consisting of 30% CaHA microspheres and 70% gel carrier. The gel helps distribute CaHA microspheres while also providing immediate volume and lift. As the gel gradually dissolves, it leaves behind the CaHA to work as scaffolding for collagen production. The CaHA activates fibroblasts to produce more collagen.

Radiesse® is administered either with a fine needle or a small, blunt-tip cannula. It is injected just beneath the skin or into the deep dermis, depending on what concern is being treated. Immediately after treatment, patients notice instant smoothing and plumping of the skin. After about two to four weeks, they start to notice improved elasticity, firmness and volume that can last for months or even years.

Because the ingredients in this product are biodegradable, the results are temporary, lasting one to three years depending on the treatment area.

RADIESSE® BENEFITS

As a nonsurgical and convenient way to address some of the first signs of aging, Radiesse® comes with many benefits:

Quick, in-office treatment
Immediate and natural-looking results
Stimulates natural collagen production
No downtime and minimal preparation required
Non-toxic and hypoallergenic

Another benefit of Radiesse® is its versatility. This treatment can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, especially in the lower face:

Smile and laugh lines
Nasolabial folds
Chin dimples
Hollow cheeks
Sagging skin or skin laxity
Smoker’s lines
Thinning skin on hands

Is Radiesse® Right for Me?

Radiesse® is a versatile injectable that is suitable for most adults over the age of 21 looking to correct the early signs of aging in the lower face or hands, improve facial contours or rejuvenate their appearance without surgery or downtime. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a bleeding disorder or have a history of severe allergies to some of the product’s ingredients, you should avoid getting this treatment.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

A typical Radiesse® treatment is a quick, in-office procedure that takes about 15 minutes. Your provider will first cleanse your skin and may apply a numbing cream to keep you comfortable. They will then inject a small amount of product just beneath your skin or directly into the dermis. You may feel a slight pinch if the product does not contain added lidocaine, but each injection takes just a few seconds to complete, and the process is well-tolerated by most patients. Once your procedure is complete, you should be able to resume your usual routine.

Radiesse® Results & Recovery

Radiesse® requires no recovery or extended downtime. You may notice slight redness or swelling at the injection sites, but this is normal and should subside quickly. We recommend not touching or rubbing the treated areas, limiting strenuous activity and keeping your head elevated for the first 24 hours after your treatment, but other than these minor aftercare instructions, you’re free to go home or back to work and resume all normal activities.

Radiesse® combines the best of dermal fillers and bio-stimulators, so you’ll experience both immediate and progressive results. Treated areas will look visibly plumper and smoother after your appointment, while the appearance of lines, wrinkles and facial folds will diminish in the following weeks as collagen production increases. The effects of Radiesse® are natural-looking and durable, typically lasting for 12 to 18 months depending on the concerns and areas treated.

Radiesse® Frequently Asked Questions

Is Radiesse® Reversible?

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse cannot be dissolved with an enzyme if you’re unhappy with the results. However, the effects are temporary and will gradually fade over 12 to 18 months as your body naturally metabolizes the product. If adjustment is needed, additional treatments can help refine results, or you can wait for the filler to naturally diminish. This is why choosing an experienced injector is crucial for achieving desired outcomes.

Can Radiesse® Be Used With Other Treatments?

Yes, Radiesse can be effectively combined with other aesthetic treatments like Botox, lasers or chemical peels for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Many patients combine Radiesse with neurotoxins to address both volume loss and dynamic wrinkles. The timing and sequence of treatments will be carefully planned during consultation. Our San Diego team can create a customized treatment plan that incorporates multiple modalities for optimal results.

Is There Any Preparation or Downtime?

Tell your provider if you are taking any medications or supplements, if you have any chronic health conditions, or if your skin tends to scar poorly. You may be advised to avoid blood-thinning medicines and supplements in the week leading up to your treatment. You may also need to avoid retinoids, skin peels and tanning before your treatment. After treatment, there is no downtime, and you can resume your daily routine as usual.

Is Radiesse® Safe?

Radiesse® is considered to be a safe dermal filler, especially because it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. The ingredients in this product are also compatible with your body’s natural tissues, which means it is unlikely your body will reject it or experience adverse reactions. All in all, Radiesse® has a proven safety profile and has been approved by the FDA since 2006.

Will My Results Look Natural?

When administered by skilled injectors, Radiesse provides natural-looking results that develop gradually and enhance your features without appearing overdone. The calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres integrate smoothly with your tissues and stimulate collagen production for progressive improvements. Proper injection technique and a conservative approach help maintain facial harmony and movement. Our experienced San Diego team prioritizes subtle enhancement that complements your natural beauty.

Can Radiesse Be Used for Lip Enhancement?

Radiesse is not FDA-approved for lip enhancement and is generally not recommended for this delicate area. The thicker consistency and calcium-based formula make it better suited for deeper facial structures rather than the thin, mobile tissue of the lips. For lip enhancement, we typically recommend hyaluronic acid fillers that provide a more appropriate texture and reversibility for this sensitive area.

Are There Any Side Effects With Radiesse®?

Although Radiesse® is generally safe with no reported severe adverse events, mild side effects can happen. Common side effects include swelling, itching, pain, bruising and redness. Severe side effects, such as occlusion of a nearby blood vessel, are most likely to happen when the product is administered by an inexperienced or improperly trained injector.

How Long Do Radiesse® Results Last?

When used to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and to improve skin texture on the hands and face, the results from this treatment can last up to a year. When used to improve facial contours, the results may last up to 18 months. To maintain your results for longer, you may wish to consider scheduling maintenance injections once a year.

How Often Will I Need Touch-Ups?

Most patients enjoy their Radiesse® results for 12 to 18 months before considering touch-up treatments. The frequency depends on your metabolism, lifestyle factors and treatment areas. Some patients may need maintenance sooner, while others find their results last even longer, for up to three years. The collagen-stimulating effects provide sustained improvements beyond the initial filler duration. We’ll discuss your expected treatment schedule during consultation.

Request Your Radiesse® Consultation Today

We believe in defining your own approach to aging, not letting aging define you. At Umansky Plastic Surgery, Drs. William Umansky and Jeffrey Umansky offer high-quality plastic surgery procedures and the most effective nonsurgical treatments available.

To find out whether Radiesse® is right for your aesthetic journey, please call 858-281-4560 or contact us here to book an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!