Radiesse

What is RADIESSE^® ?

RADIESSE^® is a dermal filler that temporarily adds volume to help smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth).

How does RADIESSE^® work?

Once injected, RADIESSE plumps the skin to give the appearance of a smoother surface. Over time, RADIESSE works to stimulate the body to produce collagen naturally. Ultimately the body absorbs the product and leaves behind the natural collagen for long-lasting results.

How is RADIESSE^® different?

RADIESSE is the only dermal filler available composed of calcium-based microspheres, and has been shown to stimulate the natural production of collagen, for results that may last up to a year or more in many patients. Additionally, in clinical studies with leading hyaluronic acid injectable dermal fillers, results showed that RADIESSE patients were more satisfied with their results than patients treated with other leading wrinkle fillers. In addition, 30% less RADIESSE may be needed for correction when compared to Perlane^® injectable gel.

What are the potential side effects of RADIESSE^®?

The most common adverse events include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness and itching. These side effects generally last for a short time and are mild in nature. These are not all of the possible side effects with RADIESSE. Tell your health care provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

Pre Care Instructions 

• Avoid the use of Aspirin, NSAIDS, Ginko Biloba, Garlic Supplements, Green Tea, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids for up to 1 week pre and post injection as they will increase your risk of bruising.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising.
• You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising.
• Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (examples- tretinoin/retin-a, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone).
• Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment.
• Do not use the above stated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this prior to the treatment.         

• Minimize strenuous exercise and exposure to extensive sun or heat within the first 24 hours following treatment. Exposure to any of these may cause temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the injection site.

Day of Treatment 

• You may use topical anesthetic medication in office before your scheduled appointment (please arrive 30 minutes prior to procedure).
• Arrive with a clean face. Please do not wear makeup.
• You May experience a mild amount of tenderness or stinging during and following injection.
• Redness and swelling are normal. Some bruising may also be visible.

Post Care Instructions 

• Ice (but avoid firm pressure) for 15 minutes 3 times the day of treatment

• You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort

• Do not massage treated areas after treatment

• After treatment there will be moderate swelling and redness with possibility of bruising. These symptoms will resolve in about 7 days. You may apply or take Arnica tablets to help decrease the amount of bruising

• Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Apply SPF.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately.

• Avoid laser, IPL, or skin tightening treatments of the area for at least 2-3 weeks.

• You may continue your topical products as mentioned above 1 week after injection. 

RADIESSE should not be used in patients with severe allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis, a history or presence of multiple severe allergies or patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components.

The safety of RADIESSE has not been established in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding or under the age of 18.

One of the risks with using these products is unintentional injection into a blood vessel. The chances of this happening are very small, but if it does happen, the complications can be serious, and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin. If you have changes in your vision, signs of a stroke (including sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headache, dizziness, or confusion), white appearance of the skin, or unusual pain during or shortly after treatment, you should notify your health care practitioner immediately.

As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.