Radiesse

Radiesse is a dermal filler that rebuilds and restores collagen fibers in the dermis, causing overlying wrinkles and fine lines to smooth away. Unlike other dermal fillers, Radiesse is considered an injectable implant. So, the Radiesse solution is semi-solid and provides longer-lasting structure and support to the dermal tissues. It does so by utilizing calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA): a biodegradable material that triggers collagen production and is replaced by those collagen fibers in 2-3 months.^[1] This mechanism of action is unmatched by any other filler on the market. If you are interested in seeing the remarkable benefits of Radiesse for yourself, schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Chattanooga, Ooltewah, or Franklin, Tennessee; or Blue Ridge or Calhoun, Georgia. To reach our offices please call 1-800-950-0492.

The Importance Of Collagen

When it comes to keeping your skin wrinkle-free, maintaining healthy collagen fibers is essential. Collagen fibers are strong, tensile bands that act as scaffolding for our skin. These fibers provide support for smooth, wrinkle-free skin. When we’re younger and our bodies are still growing, fibroblast cells in our skin abundantly produce new collagen. These fresh molecules repair or replace damaged fibers, keeping our skin looking young and radiant. But this process only lasts so long. Like all of our other biological systems, the activity of the fibroblasts slows with age. Damaged collagen fibers are left unreplenished, resulting in lost elasticity. Slowly, wrinkles worsen. By the time we are in our mid-60s, we have lost 40% of our collagen supply.^[2] To reverse this trend and provide you with natural, fresh collagen fibers, cosmetic experts routinely turn to Radiesse. 

The Secret Behind Radiesse

CaHA, the active ingredient in Radiesse, has safely been used in dentistry and other therapeutic areas for over 30 years.^[3] However, Radiesse is more viscous than other CaHA modalities. Radiesse is formulated with a 30-70 split between CaHA and a carboxymethylcellulose gel, respectively. This gel is biodegradable and breaks down in the dermis after 2-3 months. When injected into the dermis, the semi-solid composition of Radiesse’s solution provides immediate results to treated areas – much like other fillers. But Radiesse goes even further. As the carboxymethylcellulose gel breaks down over 2-3 months, the CaHA molecules remain in the tissue, stimulating fibroblast cells. This process results in most of the lasting aesthetic changes resulting from the patient’s own collagen production.^[4]

Radiesse vs. Other Fillers

Determining which dermal filler is best for you can be difficult. Many on the market provide remarkable results, but one may fit your needs better than the others. When choosing a filler, you need to consider your desired results and how long you want those results to last. The experts at Southern Surgical Arts can help you determine if Radiesse is right for you. 

Longer Lasting Results

An aged appearance includes more than just wrinkles. Volume loss is a common side effect of aging. Typically, volume loss appears around the temples, under the eyes, and around the cheeks, making the face appear more mature. Radiesse’s CaHA molecules promote collagen regrowth which builds new tissue in treated areas. These molecules then absorb into the tissue, leaving the new collagen fibers to exist on their own. Radiesse is perfect for those looking to add immediate volume that lasts for at least 12 months.^[1]

Lower Risk of Migration

Other fillers use active compounds like hyaluronic acid or poly-L-lactic acid. While these fillers have different mechanisms of action, they all provide remarkable results. However, some patients experience filler migration. This is when the filler’s gel spreads outside the intended facial region. While this side effect is rare under the care of an experienced cosmetic professional, it’s not unprecedented. Radiesse, on the other hand, has one of the highest viscosities of all dermal fillers, which helps it stay put.^[5]

Eligible Candidates

Personal Consultation

If it is your first time with us, we will perform a brief new patient intake interview and a physical examination. Then, we will listen to your aesthetic concerns. Signs of aging, unfortunately, occur in more than one area. So, we will examine each aesthetic concern and note what treatment modality is best. We will configure a comprehensive treatment plan that includes each of your recommended treatments. Next, we will give you a list of preparatory steps based on your treatment plan. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth procedure followed by pristine results. 

Before Your Radiesse Appointment

Tips For Recovery

After your Radiesse session, the treated area will be numb from the anesthetics used. Once this wears off, the area may feel a little sore or tender. Applying ice or taking non-blood thinning pain medication like Tylenol will help dull any discomfort. For the first few days, avoid any strenuous activities like heavy lifting. We will give you more specific instructions tailored to your unique procedure during your appointment. 

Timeline For Results

Though it does provide immediate results, Radiesse’s real benefits come 2-3 months after your session. After this time, the gel around the CaHA microspheres have dissolved, leaving Radiesse’s active ingredient to stimulate fresh collagen production. These collagen molecules replace the CaHA microspheres to maintain your Radiesse results. Patients often see lasting results even after 18 months. Look after these results by maintaining a healthy diet, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and following a proper skincare regimen. You can peruse our medical-grade skincare products by clicking here!

An Alternative Solution To Radiesse

If you’re looking to smooth away wrinkles without adding noticeable volume, Xeomin might be your cosmetic solution. Unlike Radiesse, Xeomin is injected intramuscularly. Xeomin uses botulinum toxin, a safe neuromodulator that interrupts communication between muscles and the nervous system. When this connection is interrupted, facial muscles aren’t able to fully contract, consequently, overlying wrinkles are unable to form. Xeomin is perfect for treating moderate to severe wrinkles as well as preventing future wrinkles from forming. Ask about how Xeomin can be easily added to your comprehensive treatment plan during your consultation. 

How Much Does Radiesse Cost in Tennessee or North Georgia?

The cost of your Radiesse session will depend on the number of areas treated and the number of units used. We will also incorporate any additional procedures into your final price. All this will be discussed and determined during your consultation. Be sure to keep an eye out for our monthly specials as Radiesse often makes an appearance. If you are interested in learning about our financing options, check out our financing page. To reach our offices directly, please call:

FAQ

References

1. Jacovella P. F. (2008). Use of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for facial augmentation. Clinical interventions in aging, 3(1), 161–174. https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s2065
2. Reilly, D. M., & Lozano, J. (2021). Skin collagen through the life stages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plastic and Aesthetic Research, 2021. https://doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153 
3. Lawrence S. Bass, MD, Stacy Smith, MD, Mariano Busso, MD, Marla McClaren, MD, Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for Treatment of Nasolabial Folds: Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Results, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 30, Issue 2, March 2010, Pages 235–238, https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X10366549
4. “Rejuvenation of the Skin Using Radiesse: Three Patient Case Studies | Journal of Aesthetic Nursing.” Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, 2020, www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/joan.2012.1.1.38
5. Loghem, J. V., Yutskovskaya, Y. A., & Philip Werschler, W. (2015). Calcium hydroxylapatite: over a decade of clinical experience. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 8(1), 38–49.