Are you tired of seeing new lines and wrinkles every time you look in the mirror? Do you notice signs of aging developing on your hands? Are you seeking a non-invasive, effective treatment to erase skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles while maintaining a natural appearance? If so, Radiesse could be the treatment you've been waiting for!
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a dermal filler designed to fill and smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and loose or sagging skin on the face and hands. These body parts often show signs of aging more quickly, and many people feel that their aging-related concerns make them appear older than they are. To correct and minimize these concerns, this dermal filler is made with a formula of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres and water-based gel. The filler is injected with a small, thin needle to add instant volume. Over a period of time, the filler will dissolve safely and be absorbed by the body.
Treatments are virtually painless thanks to the optional addition of lidocaine to the filler gel. Even better, each appointment takes approximately 15 minutes and requires zero downtime during recovery. This makes this treatment the perfect option for even the busiest schedule. The lift and volume you can see after treatment is immediately visible and lasts for several months. Continued treatments can improve and prevent signs of aging and maintain your ideal image. Best of all, treatment can restore your confidence in your appearance as you watch your aging-related concerns disappear before your eyes.
What Are the Benefits?
Unlike more invasive anti-aging treatments, Radiesse can offer long-lasting improvement without the downside of long recovery time and high cost. Also, results can be seen and enjoyed instantly, giving you the maximum amount of time to live life in your new, younger-looking skin. Thanks to its simple formula, this filler is considered safe and effective for most patients. The specialized microspheres simultaneously create volume and stimulate collagen production to help reinforce the skin's natural structure.
Treatment can be pursued by patients of any age, skin tone, or skin type. Finally, the volume and lift created by this filler appear natural, which means that no one will be able to tell you had treatment unless you choose to tell them.
How Fast Will I See Results?
The results of this treatment are visible instantly. You should notice that fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed and blended into the rest of your skin and that loose or sagging skin is tightened and volumized. For most patients, their final results last up to 12 months. However, many patients experience results that last 12-18 months, depending on their skin type, areas treated, and how well they follow their doctor's aftercare instructions.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
Radiesse is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe facial lines, wrinkles, and folds. However, it can also be used to treat other common age-related concerns effectively.
Hands
The skin on the backs of our hands is thin and more sensitive to sun damage, which can accelerate the aging process. As we grow older, this skin can become loose, and hollows can form as the skin loses collagen and begins to sag. This filler helps re-volumize depressed areas in the skin and tighten loose skin, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance in minutes.
Smile Lines
These lines, which extend from the corners of the nose to the edges of the mouth, are also called nasolabial folds. They can begin developing as early as the mid-20s and typically deepen with time. With this dermal filler, smile lines can be effectively filled and blended to restore smooth skin.
Corners of Mouth
The corners of the mouth can be pulled downwards with time. This is a natural side effect of collagen breakdown in the skin. As this framework disintegrates naturally during the aging process, the skin sags and creates a frowning expression around the mouth. To lift the skin and restore your smile, this filler can be injected strategically in the corners of the mouth to correct sagging skin.
Marionette Lines
These lines, which run from the corners of the mouth to the outer corners of the chin, are a classic sign of aging and can grow deeper and more noticeable over time. A dermal filler injection can erase these lines and give your skin a smoother appearance.
Jowls and Chin
The skin along the jawline and chin can begin to droop as your skin's collagen framework breaks down. A dermal filler can help volumize the sagging skin and wrinkles caused by skin laxity. This treatment can re-define your jawline and prevent sagging jowls and a double chin caused by aging.
How Does This Treatment Compare to Other Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers have improved greatly over the past several years. Today, many fillers are created with hyaluronic acid, which is a natural compound found in the body that dissolves over several months. In contrast, Radiesse is formulated with unique microspheres that dissolve over approximately 12-18 months and offer a longer-lasting lift than other competing dermal fillers. In addition, the microspheres contained in this formula are proven to boost natural collagen production in the skin. This response helps create additional support in your skin that can last even after the filler has dissolved.
Am I an Ideal Candidate?
If you are an adult woman concerned about the appearance of common signs of aging in your skin, you could be an ideal candidate for this dermal filler! Most ideal patients are seeking a non-invasive, long-lasting solution to lines, wrinkles, and loose skin in the face and on the backs of the hands.
You may not be an ideal candidate if you are pregnant or nursing. In addition, this treatment may not be right for you if you are allergic to the formula or lidocaine used during treatment or have an active skin irritation or infection at the time of treatment. If you have questions about your candidacy, one of our expert doctors would be happy to help you evaluate your concerns during an initial consultation.
What Should I Expect?
Consultation
Before you can begin your journey to smoother, younger-looking skin, you'll sit down with us for an initial consultation. This appointment allows us to evaluate your areas of concern, skin type, and any related skin or medical conditions. We will also ask you about your desired results. If needed, your doctor can recommend a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ideal image. Once you are approved for treatment, you can begin looking forward to your first appointment!
Preparation
In general, this treatment requires little preparation. We recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen prior to treatment to minimize your risk of bleeding and bruising after injections. In addition, it's important to avoid any treatments, products, or sun exposure that could irritate your skin before your appointment. Your doctor may give you additional instructions depending on your unique situation.
Treatment
On the day of your appointment, we recommend that you avoid wearing makeup in the target areas. Your doctor will clean your skin and may offer to apply a topical numbing agent to ensure your comfort during treatment. Then, your doctor will use a small, thin needle to inject the filler into the predetermined regions of your face and hands. They can expertly build volume by massaging the filler into your skin and adding more as needed to achieve your ideal results. You may feel slight pressure during treatment, but most patients report that the injections are painless.
A typical treatment takes just 15 minutes, but you may have a longer appointment if you have several areas treated at once. As soon as your doctor is finished with the injections, you can see your results in a mirror. You should notice that your skin is smoother, firmer, and brighter thanks to the filler's volumizing effect. Wrinkles and lines should be noticeably minimized. Your doctor may give you specific instructions for your recovery, but you can expect to return to your normal daily activities with zero downtime.
Recovery
After your treatment, you may experience some slight tenderness or bruising in the treated area. This is normal and typically subsides in the first several days. You should avoid touching, rubbing, or pressing on the treated areas for at least 24 hours to avoid disturbing the filler. Your doctor may also recommend that you wait to try any new skincare treatments or products that could cause irritation until your skin is completely healed. This can take up to a week.
In addition, you should try to avoid harmful sun exposure and practice good skincare habits while outside. This includes limiting your time in direct sunlight and always wearing a good sunscreen to protect your skin. It's estimated that the sun is responsible for over 90% of all common skin concerns, including lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. To ensure optimal results from this treatment, you should be prepared to protect your skin from the sun.
Results
Although your results will be instantly visible, the collagen production stimulated by the microspheres will develop over several months. You may notice that your skin becomes even firmer and has a new glow thanks to the influx of this vital structural protein. The framework created by the collagen will last longer than the filler, which naturally disintegrates over the 12-18 months following your first treatment. If your doctor recommended a specific treatment plan, you could return for follow-up injections 6-12 months after your first appointment, depending on your results.
In general, those who follow their doctor's instructions to prolong their results--including sun protection--see results that last 12 months or more. These results may include significantly diminished lines, wrinkles, and loose skin in the treated area, as well as a refreshed collagen structure and brighter skin with a youthful glow. If desired, this dermal filler can be easily combined with one of our other successful anti-aging treatments to enhance your results and rejuvenate your skin.
