What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a dermal filler comprised of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a a sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier. Radiesse is about 30% CaHA to 70% carrier gel by volume. Radiesse is FDA-approved in the United States to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, as well as treat volume loss in the back of the hands. Because of this unique composition, Radiesse is white while most other dermal fillers are transparent or colorless.
Read More: How to Prepare for a Filler Appointment
How is Radiesse different from other dermal fillers?
The composition of Radiesse differentiates it from most other dermal fillers, which are mainly comprised of hyaluronic acid (HA). This means that hyaluronidase, the enzyme used to dissolve HA-based fillers, does not work to dissolve Radiesse. Radiesse is also unique for its biostimulatory properties; it stimulates neocollagenesis in addition to the volumizing and contouring benefits. Over time, as the carrier gel is reabsorbed into the body, fibroblasts form around the remaining CaHA particles to create new collagen. There may be some time difference in between gradual reabsorption of the gel carrier and final development of collagen. Because of this, final results after injection may take several weeks to be apparent while fibroblasts are being formed. The development of this collagen means that the volumizing and smoothing effects of Radiesse can be quite long-lasting – up to a year or longer.
Another biostimulatory “filler” is Sculptra, injectable PLLA. Click through to the following blog post to read more about Sculptra and how it is different than Radiesse.
Read More: What is Sculptra?
HA-based dermal fillers help to restore volume-loss due to aging and enhance the shape or contour of natural features. Depending on formulation, they may attract varying degrees of water after injection due to HA’s inherent hydrophilia (water-attraction). Due to this nature, it is best to let HA filler settle for a matter of weeks before proceeding with further treatments. It is also important to select an HA filler formulation that suits the area being injected.
Read More: What is Filler?
What is unique about Radiesse?
In contract, Radiesse does not attract water like HA fillers do. While there may be some swelling at injection sites initially post-treatment (as with all injectables), this will resolve over a matter of days. The stimulation of collagen and elastin growth over time makes it unique from HA fillers; HA fillers do not change skin quality. HA fillers are often used to soften wrinkles and lines of the skin, but this is due to volumization and water attraction rather than any actual change to the skin or the lines and wrinkles themselves. Radiesse stimulates collagen to increase your skin’s thickness and smooth texture. Additionally, it also stimulates elastin to give noticeable improvements in your skin’s quality and suppleness.
Radiesse also has the highest G prime of all dermal fillers. G prime (G’) is the scale by which filler strength/firmness is measured. This makes it an especially good treatment choice to contour the jawline and lower face. It can also be used to treat volume loss in the back of the hands.
To book your Radiesse appointment in Los Angeles, give DSC a call! We have skilled injectors who can deliver beautiful and natural results.
DSC Laser & Skin Care Center
www.dscbeauty.com
(626)285-0800
info@dscbeauty.com
889 S. San Gabriel Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776
