Radiesse® is one of the newest of the non-surgical procedures used to enhance facial features. It is called a soft-tissue filler because it is used to "fill in" wrinkles, furrows and depressions in the face that makes us look older. It can also be used to reshape the nose, and reduce eye bags, making you look younger and refreshed instantly. It consists of tiny particles of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) which naturally occurs in the body, making it safe and non-allergenic. Allergy testing is, therefore, not necessary. Radiesse® is also used in dental, bone and vocal cord reconstruction. Radiesse® is not harmful to the body and is naturally broken down by the body.

The distinctive feature of Radiesse® is that it provides both immediate corrections along with longer lasting duration. Whereas other fillers, like Restylane® and JUVÉDERM® may last 6-12 months, Radiesse® may last more than a year.  The aqueous gel used with Radiesse® delivers immediate correction, while the calcium hydroxylapatite particles stimulate collagen production allowing for longer lasting results.

The material is identical in composition to the mineral portion of teeth and bone, thus it is inherently safe. The material has been used for other medical applications such as reconstructive surgery, ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgery, maxillofacial surgery, dentistry and urology.

Radiesse® injection is a simple procedure that can be performed in less than ten minutes depending on the size of the area being corrected. Local anesthesia, applied topically or injected, prior to injection of Radiesse® may be used to minimize the pain of the injections.

Normal side effects are swelling for the first 2 days. Since calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal component of bone (a substance already familiar to the body) and does not contain any animal products there is no allergy test required before treatment. In rare cases a patient may experience tiny calcium deposits that may rise to the surface of the skin and appear like small white bumps. If this occurs the deposits can easily be removed.

Radiesse® is most commonly used to fill the nasolabial folds (smile lines) that make us look much older. It can also be used in the cheek areas to correct hollows and around the chin area to define the jaw.

Many patients go back to work after the procedure. It is best to rest, though, if possible. You may have mild swelling and bruising for up to three days. When you go to bed, sleep with a 30-degree angle and avoid sleeping on one side to avoid disturbing the placement of the filler. You may take Tylenol for pain but not aspirin or ibuprofen which may increase bruising. Dr. Goldberg and his professional staff would be happy to discuss with you at the length the potential benefits and side effects of the procedure.

Please call for a private consultation with a staff member or schedule an appointment online @ one of our offices.