**”RADIESSE© Volumizing Filler”** has received FDA approval in the USA for intradermal injection to correct moderate to deep wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds.
What is Radiesse©?
It is a gel containing calcium hydroxylapatite. This product has been used for many years in otolaryngology (ears, vocal cords), dentistry, and orthopedics.
Where can Radiesse© be injected?
It is a dermal filler for moderate folds and superficial to deep facial wrinkles (e.g., nasolabial folds extending from the nose to the mouth). This product works by filling these areas without addressing underlying causes.
Is Radiesse© safe to use?
Your medical history and preliminary consultation with your doctor will determine if you are allergic to any of its components, which would contraindicate its use.
How does Radiesse© work?
Once injected, it immediately fills the targeted areas, with visible results after the first treatment. It contains microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite suspended in an aqueous gel.
How long do results last?
Though results vary, studies show the product persists in the skin for over 12 months.
Are the injections painful?
As with any injection, slight discomfort may occur due to the needle. However, Radiesse© is now pre-mixed with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) for enhanced comfort.
Are skin tests required beforehand?
No pre-treatment tests are needed.
Can I undergo treatment while taking medication?
Yes, but as with any medical procedure, anticoagulants are a contraindication, while aspirin (e.g., Aspirin©) may increase bleeding or bruising. No studies exist on interactions between Radiesse© and other fillers.
What are the side effects?
Most are localized: redness, swelling, or bruising, typically resolving within days. Rarely, prolonged swelling, unevenness, or tightness may occur. Infections (a risk with any injection) have also been reported.
How do I know if this treatment is right for me?
This general information does not replace a consultation with your doctor.
Clinical studies on Radiesse©
- 1 Berlin A, Hussain M, Goldberg D. (2008) Calcium Hydroxylapatite Filler for Facial Rejuvenation: A Histologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis. Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 34, S64-S67.
- 2 Bass LS, Smith S, Busso M, McClaren M. (2010) Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for Treatment of Nasolabial Folds: Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Results, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 30 (2), 235-238.
- 3 Moers-Carpi MM, Opi Tufet J. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (RADIESSE©) versus Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane©) for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds: a 60 patient, 12-Month, Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Split-Face Trial. Dermatol Surg 2008;34: 210-215.
- 4 Moers-Carpi M, Vogt S, Martinez Santos B, Planas J, Rovira Vallves S, and Howell DJ. A Multicenter, Randomized Trial Comparing Calcium Hydroxylapatite (RADIESSE©) to Two Hyaluronic Acids (Juvéderm© and Perlane©) for Treatment of Nasolabial Folds. 205 Patients. Dermatol Surg, 2007; 33: S144-S151.
- 5 Based on a clinical study of 50 patients. Split face treatments of RADIESSE Volumizing Filler alone and RADIESSE Volumizing Filler mixed with 2% lidocaine were given to patients. Significant pain reduction is defined as a 2 point reduction on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data on file.
- 6 Sundaram H, Voigts B, Beer K, Meland M. (2010) Comparison of the Rheological Properties of Viscosity and Elasticity in Two Categories of Soft Tissue Fillers: Calcium Hydroxylapatite and Hyaluronic Acid, Dermatol Surg, 36 (s3), 1859-1865.
*NB: This information is translated from the instructions provided by Merz Aesthetics, Inc. (Copyright © Merz Aesthetics, Inc.).*
PHOTOS
While many websites display treatment results, showing them is now prohibited by the Belgian Medical Association and law. Hence, we do not feature them here. However, personalized information is available during your consultation, where photos will be shared to help you assess outcomes.
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