Radiesse - Products

Radiesse® is a next generation cosmetic dermal filler that works somewhat differently than the advanced hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Radiesse® is made of tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural water-based gel. It works with the body, below the skin's surface, to stimulate the production of collagen and encourage tissue regeneration.

Radiesse® provides both immediate and extended results. Initially, the water-based gel helps fill the wrinkle, line or fold. As this gel begins to dissipate, the calcium-based microspheres, essentially, form a"scaffold", stimulating collagen production and encouraging tissue growth in and around the treatment area. The diagrams below help to explain how this occurs.

Radiesse Phase

An ancillary benefit of Radiesse® treatment is that the treated area is usually smoother after a period of several months due to the collagen regeneration. Radiesse® is biocompatible and is naturally absorbed by your body over time.

Radiesse® is used by over 4,000 physicians worldwide for cosmetic facial procedures. Internationally, Radiesse® has been used in Before After Radiesse cosmetic medical procedures for several years to treat several hundred thousand individuals.

Radiesse® has been FDA-approved in the U.S. for decades for therapeutic uses in the body, such as vocal cord dysfunction and craniofacial augmentation. Radiesse® was approved by the FDA in November, 2006 for cosmetic medical use, including restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy).

Radiesse® is used by physicians to correct wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth, including nasolabial folds. It is also used for marionette and smile lines. In addition to treatment of wrinkles, Radiesse® is used widely by physicians to help contour and shape facial features. For instance, Radiesse® can be an effective treatment option for sunken areas below the eyes (tear trough), Before After Radiesse and to augment cheeks, as well as fill in the areas on the sides of the chin (pre-jowl sulcus). Radiesse® can shape cheeks, chin and jaw lines similar to what facial implants will do, but has the added benefit of being completely customizable.

Radiesse® is commonly used in areas of the face in which wrinkles are more pronounced and the skin is thicker. Radiesse® generally lasts up to a year, or more. During the first year, some physicians may advise patients to return for touch up treatments to optimize the collagen-regeneration attributes of Radiesse®.

There are few reported side effects and those reported are commonly associated with injection of filler materials. These may include swelling, bruising, pain, itching and tenderness at the injection site. These conditions typically resolve on their own within a few days. Consult your physician for complete details and potential side effects.

(Related topics: Wrinkle Correction - Facial Contouring - How to Extend Results - Physician Selection Tips - Find a Physician - What are the Risks - Get Answers)

Radiesse® is a registered trademark of Merz Aesthetics, Inc.