What does Radiesse contain?
Radiesse is made up of synthetic Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier, which is an aqueous gel that contains sodium carboxy methylcellulose, glycerin and high purity water. Radiesse is approximately 30% CaHA and 70% gel carrier by volume, The CaHA spheres are composed of calcium and phosphate ions which occur naturally in human tissue. It does not contain any animal or human-derived components.
How is it made?
A synthetic process where calcium and phosphate ions are bonded together into calciumhydroxylapatite particles.
Is a skin test required before treatment?
No. Radiesse has a biocompatible formulation. The manufacturers state that it will not produce a toxic or allergic response
Radiess treatment indications
Radiesse can be used for the treatment of:
- Nasolabial Folds – Between the nose and mouth
- Marionette lines – The so-called “smile lines” in corners of the mouth
- Radial lip lines – Lines above the upper lip
- Depressions and blemishes – Like acne scars • Shallow cheeks – Caused by fat atrophy
- Nose and Chin – Correcting indentations, tips, bumps, and unevenness.
- Jaw – Improving the contours of this area
Is it temporary or permanent?
Radiesse is not a permanent filler. It is a long-lasting, resorbable filler – with the effect claimed to last approximately 2 years depending on the patient and the area treated. Once injected into your skin, the smooth and spherical CaHA particles form a ‘scaffold’ which your own tissue grows new collagen cells between. The gel carrier dissolves within a few months and o ver time, the CaHA particles gradually break down and are completely metabolised by the body, leaving only the new collagen structure.
Not to be used in
Pregnancy or lactation and people with pre-existing infections. If you’re taking aspirin or other medications, please consult your physician. Radiesse should not be injected over permanent injectable implants. If you have other implants or filler materials still in place, please notify and consult your physician.
Duration of effect
When injected in soft tissue, fibrous encapsulation of the microspheres creates volume in the treatment area. Radiesse appears to provide a longer term result than pure Hyaluronic acid based fillers such as Restylane® or Perlane®as it is gradually replaced by the body’s own tissue, and slowly dissolves away over a 18 month or longer period.
Reported side effects?
There are few reported side effects from clinical trials and actual usage data. However, some common injection-related reactions may occur, such as swelling, pain, itching, discoloration and tenderness at the injection site. Some lumpiness at the injection site can occur, which is often due to incorrect placement of the product. The company claims that more serious granulomatous reactions have not yet been reported with the product.
Clinical results
Radiesse has been tested extensively in clinical trials for over 7 years, with excellent safety and efficacy results.
