Radiesse™
Radiesse™ is a hydroxyapatite containing filler which is thicker than Belotero™ and Restylane™ and has the capacity to fill large areas such as cheeks, cheek grooves, marionette lines, jowls, depressed scars, acne scars, facial irregularities (e.g. over the nose). The effect of injection is immediate unlike muscle relaxers which can take a few days. Ice is used as the topical “anesthetic” although larger treatment areas can be anesthetized with topical cream and local injection if the patient desires. Post injection bruising and swelling can occur although most people are able to get back to their normal activities immediately. No deep rubbing the injected areas and no exercise or flying for 24 hours. In general, these agents are very safe and usually act locally where they are injected, systemic effects are rare. The effect of the augmentation can last up to two years, although active areas such as cheek grooves or marionette lines may require a touch up within 6 months. Radiesse™ is unique because it stimulates collagen synthesis which can have the potential benefit of less injection in the future.
