Radiesse®

Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona

Injectable filler materials are used to enhance or correct contours 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 patient's 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.

Right: New Collagen infiltration around Radiesse particles – Copyright Bioform Medical 2008

Over an average time of 9 to 24 months, the beads are broken down by the body.

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

Radiesse™ is useful for the following corrective applications:

• Nasolabial Fold Correction for smile and laugh lines
• Marionette Line Correction for the lines at the corners of your mouth
• 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. Dr. Angelchik and his staff take great care to be sure Radiesse is injected at the right level so small bumps do not appear just beneath the lip surface. Should any small bumps occur, however, they are easily treated.

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 to complement other fillers, as well as BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments.

Before your Radiesse is injected, local anesthetic is administered both topically and then by injection. After your procedure, you will have some swelling for about seven days and you may have some bruising. Bruises should subside in about two weeks and can be partially concealed by camouflage products.

Ice, elevation, and mild anti-inflammatory medication like Tylenol® are recommended. Results typically last 9 to 24 months depending on the site of injection, depth of placement, and your individual metabolism. In some cases, longer-lasting results may be obtained with subsequent injections.

Possible Radiesse Risks

All procedures have some degree of risk. While most people do not have complications, in some cases there are minor complications that do not affect the outcome of your treatment. We will discuss these possibilities with you before your procedure.

Your comfort and safety are our most important concerns. We will work to ensure that you feel informed in advance about your treatment options and recovery. 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. If you would like to learn more, please request a consultation and we will be happy to set it up for you.