Radiesse

In Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona

Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgery specialist who offers Radiesse at his practice. In the paragraphs below he describes this procedure and how Scottsdale, Glendale and Phoenix Radiesse patients have benefited from treatment.

Injectable filler materials are used to enhance or correct contour on the face or body. Each material has specific properties that influence its application, longevity, and risk/benefit profile. Radiesse™ is made of very small biocompatible smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, which are suspended in a water-based gel carrier.

Over time the patients own soft tissue replaces the gel carrier. The newly formed collagen matrix provides the desired long-term filler effect. Because there is no animal protein in the filler, allergy testing is not required prior to injection.

New Collagen infiltration around Radiesse particles
Copyright Bioform Medical 2008

Eventually the beads are broken down by the body over an average time of 9-24 months.

Degradation of CaHA granules at 30 months after implantation
Copyright BioForm Medical 2008

Radiesse™ is useful for the following corrective applications:

Nasolabial Fold Correction
Marionette Line Correction
Nasal Defect Correction
Chin and Cheek  Contouring by Volume Augmentation 
Jawline Contouring by Volume Augmentation
Facial Fat Atrophy Correction by Volume Augmentation

Lip augmentation can also be performed, but care must be taken to inject deeply enough to prevent small bumps just beneath the surface. These are easily treated if the occur.

Radiesse Injections

Radiesse is injected more deeply than HA fillers and has a longer lifespan. It appears as a white paste. It is easy to inject, and can be shaped with massage, but not as readily as Restylane®. Radiesse™ can be used in complementary fashion with other fillers and Botox®. Local anesthetic is administered by injection and topically prior to Radiesse™. After injection, there will be some swelling lasting up to 7 days, and some patients will bruise. This can last up to 2 weeks. Camouflage products can help to conceal bruising. Ice, elevation, and mild anti-inflammatory medication like Tylenol ® are recommended. Results typically last 9 – 24 months depending on site of injection, depth of placement, and individual patient metabolism. Longer lasting results may be obtained with subsequent injections in some areas.

All procedures have some degree of risk. While most patients do not have complications, minor complications that do not affect the outcome of a treatment or surgery may occur after some procedures. Major complications are rare. The specific risks and the suitability of a particular procedure are carefully reviewed at your consultation (and preoperative visits if you are having surgery).  Your safety and comfort are our foremost concerns. We will provide additional detailed information for you at each stage of your experience from your initial contact with our office through your procedure and afterwards in an interactive fashion. We will ensure that you feel informed about your treatment options and recovery in advance and can actively and confidently participate in designing your treatment plan. We want you to have the best possible experience and will work with you to make it happen.

In addition to Radiesse, Dr. Angelchik also performs facial plastic surgery procedures in his Phoenix plastic surgery practice. Visit these pages in the website to learn about how Dr. Angelchik treats Phoenix rhinoplasty, facelift, laser resurfacing, brow and forehead lift, otoplasty and blepharoplasty patients.