Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology

The Ideal Solution:
Finding a safe and lasting way to reverse the effects of aging on the face has been a long standing search of medical science. The ideal approach would fill in the lines and creases that normally develop, and restore fullness to the lips and cheeks. It would be safe and totally compatible with the body. And it would last for many years. Until now, no treatment has met those high standards. Introducing Radiesse, the first truly safe and enduring way to restore vitality to the face.

Synthetic Purity, Natural Appearance:
Radiesse is unlike any other product for facial enhancement. It is as remarkable for what it isn't, as for what it is. Radiesse is not silicone or polymetylmethylacrylate beads, materials that are permanent and cannot be removed should problems occur. Radiesse is not a human or animal product, which can cause inflammation and reaction. Nor is it a bovine collagen or a muscle relaxant, both of which produce only temporary results.

Rather, Radiesse is a pure, synthetic compound with a record of safety that extends more than 25 years. It is comprised of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite, combined with an aqueous gel. The key element of Radiesse is identical to the chemical structure of calcium naturally present in the human body. Throughout its life, Radiesse remains soft and flexible and also exceptionally compatible with the body.

Prior to its introduction, the Radiesse formula was extensively tested in the United States and Europe. No reactions or rejections have been reported to date.

When injected, the cream-like texture of Radiesse feels soft and natural. Unlike temporary treatments that must be repeated, Radiesse provides years of rejuvenation. It is gradually replaced by the body's own tissue, and slowly dissolves away in approximately seven years.

Look Forward With Radiesse:
Choosing Radiesse alleviates the concerns you may have with other facial enhancements. Because Radiesse is a synthetic material and not comprised of any human or animal tissue, you cannot contract a disease from its injection. The natural compatibility of Radiesse with the body also means that no allergy testing is required, and treatment can take place immediately. And finally, you need not be concerned about any inflammation or reaction. In fact, with Radiesse all you should anticipate are years of satisfaction from a renewed and restored appearance.

Radiesse: Frequently Asked Questions

What problems does it address?

Typical Radiesse treatments include smoothing or eliminating larger wrinkles such as smile lines, nasolabial folds, wrinkles at the corner of the mouth, and frown lines. It is used to fill acne scars, facial defects such as pits, and depressions under and around “sunken” or “hollow” looking eyes – “framing” them nicely and creating a less tired look. Radiesse works particularly well for restoring or creating lift, volume and contour in and around the cheeks, brow, chin, and jawline, providing shape, definition and fullness to create a more attractive overall facial structure. It can even correct crooked features!

What is it?

Categorized as an injectible “filler”, Radiesse is a white, cream-like substance that is dense and moldable. It’s made of tiny, perfectly round particles of a synthetic material called Calcium Hydroxylapatite combined with a water-based gel carrier. Calcium Hydroxylapatite is identical to the chemical structure of the calcium present in human teeth and bones, and is therefore naturally compatible with the body.

How does it work?

Injected more deeply than Restylane, Radiesse works by naturally integrating with the body’s tissues, taking on the characteristics of its surrounding area. If it’s injected into the fleshier parts of the face, it remains soft and flexible, adding contours and fullness that look and feel natural. If it’s injected closer to bone it becomes harder, adding underlying structure to the cheekbones and jawline. This process is so subtle and seamless that many patients think the Radiesse has disappeared because they can no longer “feel” it! But what actually happens is this: While the gel carrier gets absorbed relatively quickly, the body’s cells form a tissue matrix around the Calcium Hydroxylapatite, surrounding and encapsulating the tiny particles, therefore maintaining the “filling” effect naturally. This is why the sensitivity and feeling in treated areas are not affected. Finally, after a 3 –5 year period, the tissue matrix is fully metabolized back into the body. 

Is it safe?

Yes. Injectable Collagen is safe, clinically proven, effective, and has brought lasting results to thousands of women and men nationwide.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Patients should avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, high doses of vitamin E, or alcohol. These substances may increase the chances of bruising and bleeding at the injection site. 

How long will it take?

The procedure should take about 30 – 40 minutes, depending on how many sites are being treated.

Is it painful?

A mild localized anesthetic or a topical numbing cream is normally used to minimize or eliminate the slight pinching sensation created when the syringe enters the skin. There is usually no pain reported afterwards. 

Are there any side effects?

Bruising occurs about 10% of the time, and can last anywhere from three days to two weeks. There will be some temporary redness which generally last about 3 – 5 days. There will also be some swelling that usually lasts about 24 – 48 hours, though in rare cases it can last as long as 5 – 7 days. Cold compresses will help with any swelling or redness, and bruising can be covered up with a concealer cosmetic. Occasionally, a lump may occur, but it can be treated easily and quickly eliminated. 

How long is downtime

Recovery usually lasts the rest of the treatment day and throughout that night as well. While it is perfectly fine to resume normal activities quickly, it is recommended that the treated area not be touched, and that extreme facial movements such as strenuous laughing or shouting, chewing gum or using a straw be avoided for 48 hours. 

What should my expectations be?

The results of your Radiesse treatment will be obvious, and in many cases dramatic, depending on where it was applied and what for. Expect to see wrinkles, lines, and folds either eliminated or greatly reduced. Defects and pits will have disappeared or be far less noticeable. Depressions around the eyes will be filled out, giving a younger, more alert appearance. Higher cheekbones, a more attractively contoured jawline and fuller, more shapely lips are realistic results. Lopsided or crooked features will either be completely corrected, or have a more balanced, symmetrical look. 

How soon will I see results?

Radiesse’s effects are seen immediately, and reach maximum effect in about 2 – 4 weeks.

Will it look natural?

Yes, as long as the provider didn’t “overcorrect” and create a look that’s lumpy or uneven or doesn’t complement the patient’s natural facial structure. Generally speaking however, the more experienced the provider, the more natural-looking the results. 

How long-lasting are the results?

Radiesse’s effects usually last around three years, though it is not common for results to last as long as five years, and sometimes even longer. 

The Nasolabial Fold/Cheek Connection?

Radiesse is commonly used to fill the large creases that form between the nose and the corners of the mouth (the nasolabial folds). However, one of the reasons why these folds deepen over time is the eventual sagging of the cheeks with age, and if this sagging were to be corrected and the cheeks “lifted” again, then the Nasolabial fold would be minimized. That is why we often recommend that both the fold and the cheek area be filled and lifted with Radiesse to soften or eliminate the nasolabial folds.