Frequently Asked Questions

What is Radiesse®?

Radiesse® is an injectable filler for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It lasts longer than fillers such as Restylane, and is a particularly good treatment for correcting nasolabial folds (the lines that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth).

How is it different to other fillers?

Radiesse® is different to fillers such as Restylane as it works with your body stimulating collagen production and encouraging tissue regeneration just below the skin’s surface. It does more than just temporarily fill-in facial lines and wrinkles - it rebuilds your skin’s foundation.
 

It is made of very small, smooth calcium hydroxylapitite (CaHA) microspheres, suspended in a water-based gel carrier. As Radiesse® is injected, the gel and Radiesse® microspheres form a “scaffold”, stimulating collagen production and encouraging tissue growth in and around the injection area. This “partnership” between Radiesse® and your own body creates a natural look, comprised of your own tissue and Radiesse® microspheres.
 

Over time (usually around 6 weeks), your body absorbs the gel carrier while collagen has started to grow and infiltrate the area, replacing the gel with your own, natural tissue. The Radiesse® microspheres continue to provide the support and structure for your body to grow new tissue and collagen until the microspheres are also safely and naturally absorbed into your body.

What will happen during the treatment?

Following a thorough facial analysis and detailed discussion of the proposed treatment plan, the treatment can be started straight away, no patch-test is necessary. A small amount of gel is injected into the skin with a very fine needle, immediately lifting and smoothing out wrinkles: the results are instant. An ice-pack may be applied to the treatment area to help reduce swelling.

How long does the treatment take?

Treatment time is approximately 30 minutes.

Is it painful?

No. However, as with any injection there may be some discomfort. Usually only an anaesthetic cream is required. As all treatments are performed by doctors and nurses we are able to use local anaesthetic injections if necessary, which allow treatments to be entirely pain free.

How long will the treatment last?

Results of a single treatment should last around 2 years. Individual results may vary, affected by age, skin-type, lifestyle and muscle activity.

What are the possible side-effects?

Very few side-effects have been reported in clinical trials and in actual usage. However, you will experience slight swelling,tenderness and firmness in the area treated for 24 hours after treatment.Bruising may occur and will resolve after a few days.  

Post-treatment care?

Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal daily activities immediately.
You will be given all your aftercare advice at your consultation.
-On day of treatment,it is advisible to apply icepacks for 10 minutes every hour.
-Avoid any hot extremes ie.sauna,hot showers,excessive exercise,sun exposure.
-Avoid touching the area treated.

Are there any long-term problems?

No, the gel carrier dissolves within months and the structural microspheres are completely broken down through the body’s natural processes.

How safe is it?

Calcium hydroxylapatite has a long history of safe use in otology (ears), laryngeal (vocal cords) and dental and orthopaedic applications.

With regards to its use in aesthetic medicine, hundreds of thousands of patients have experienced Radiesse® and more than 4,000 physicians worldwide have been trained to provide Radiesse® treatments. Through years of clinical studies and independent research, Radiesse® has been proven to be safe and effective.

Without touch-up injections how will my skin look?

Your skin will begin to gradually look like it did before treatment as you near the end of the time period Radiesse® usually lasts. Periodic touch-up injections will help you maintain the look you have after treatment.

Can Radiesse® be used with other fillers?

Yes. However, it is important to discuss all previous treatments with your doctor as Radiesse® should not be injected over permanent injectable implants.
Usually it is recommended to leave an interval of 2 weeks between treatments on the skin. 

What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is an injectable implant which is soft, safe, simple and immediately effective. The cream like texture of Radiesse stays soft, feels natural and remains in place for many months to years. Because Radiesse is biocompatible you do not need to wait for allergy test results and because Radiesse is biodegradable it caters beautifully to your ever changing facial aesthetic needs.

What if I am taking medication?

If you are taking aspirin or other medication please advise your nurse/doctor.

Is Radiesse permanent?

No, the gel carrier dissolves within a few months and the structural miscrospheres are broken down through the body`s natural processes over 12-16 months.

How long will Radiesse last?

A Radiesse correction should last around 12-16 months. Individual results may vary, affected by age. and lifestyle and muscle activity.

Is Radiesse approved?

Yes, Radiesse is fully approved for facial augmentation with CE mark certification and a number of USA FDA clearances.

How quickly can I return to my normal activities?

Around 24 hours after your injection, most swelling or redness will have subsided. Some patients return to work immediately following injection, while others may need 24 hours. How do these treatments work?

Are there any possible side effects?

Occasionally some people may experience symptoms such as slight swelling, redness, tenderness in the treated area but these reactions are quite normal and usually disappear within a  few days.
 

How long do the results last?

Results of these treatments are immediate and the effects can last anything from 12-16 months depending on which product is being used. The general length of time is specific to each individual.
 

All of the dermal filler treatments are non-permanent and are absorbed naturally over time – it’s your choice when to have further treatment to maintain the effect.