Radiesse

When it was first FDA-approved, Radiesse, or Radiance as it was called at the time, was indicated for treatment of vocal cord disorders.  Today, Radiesse has a wide variety of uses and is FDA-approved for facial rejuvenation, including correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds and correction of lipoatrophy, or facial fat loss.

Are you a candidate for Radiesse?

Radiesse effectively fills wrinkles and restores volume loss in both men and women and is primarily used to treat the following signs of facial aging:

• Nasolabial folds (creases from the nose to mouth)
• Marionette lines (wrinkles from the mouth to chin)
• Oral commissures (smile lines in the corners of the mouth)
• Jowls (sagging jawline contours)

Radiesse is also often used for cheek augmentation, to increase cheek projection and volume, and non-surgical nose job, to improve nasal contours and correct some deformities.

After discussing your cosmetic goals and evaluating your health and medical history, Dr. Ljung may recommend Radiesse if you desire long-term correction of facial wrinkles and volume loss.

How Radiesse injections work

Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, a biocompatible, biodegradable mineral component of teeth and bone, in a water-based gel carrier.  Lidocaine may also be added to the formulation in order to improve patient comfort during injections.

After treatment, Radiesse injections provide immediate volume restoration and plumping of depressed areas and stimulate collagen production in the areas injected, which usually include the face and sometimes the hands.  Radiesse results may last a year or longer, however occasional touch-up injections may be necessary.

To ensure the best results are achieved, it is important to avoid significant movement or massage for 24 hours after Radiesse injections, as well as makeup application and sun exposure.  You may also be directed to apply a cold compress to the injection site to reduce swelling.

Radiesse can also be seen in x-rays and CT scans, so it is important to notify your other healthcare providers that you have had Radiesse injections.

Radiesse side effects

Radiesse is a comparatively firm wrinkle-filling substance, so the formation of lumps or nodules is the most common Radiesse side effect.  For this reason, Radiesse is not recommended for lip augmentation.  Product migration and other complications, such as granuloma formation and infection, may also occur.

Like all other injectable fillers, Radiesse may temporarily cause mild post-injection bruising, swelling and redness.

Radiesse vs. Juvederm

When comparing Radiesse vs. Juvederm or other hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane, it is important to consider the problem you wish to correct or the area you wish to enhance.

For instance, while Juvederm is preferred for lip augmentation, Radiesse is typically preferred for cheek augmentation because Radiesse provides similar results to Juvederm but also lasts longer.  

Whether Radiesse or Juvederm is used for filling facial creases, such as the nasolabial folds, depends on the depth of the wrinkles—Juvederm is better for more superficial lines and Radiesse for deeper wrinkles.

Consult with Dr. Ljung to determine whether Radiesse, Juvederm or some other injectable filler is the best option for you.