Radiesse is a filler preparation for vector lifting in cosmetology

Initially, Radiesse filler was produced by the American company BioFarm Medical, which in 2010 became part of the large pharmaceutical concern Merz GmbH. & Co.

The basis of this drug is calcium hydroxyapatite 30% and 70% gel carrier in the form of hydroxyethylcellulose.

The drug in its pure form has a white color, good elasticity and viscosity.

It was developed for general and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. Calcium hydroxyapatite is part of the bone structures of the body, therefore it does not cause allergic and immune reactions after artificial introduction into tissues. Radiesse is FDA approved, meets EU quality standards and is certified in Russia.

The following procedures are successfully performed with Radiesse:

1. Accentuating the angles of the lower jaw
2. General alignment of the lower jaw lines
3. Enlargement of cheekbones
4. Chin shape correction
5. Comprehensive restoration of facial contours
6. Procedures aimed at improving skin quality - vector lifting and bioreinforcement.

What is it, the composition of the drug Radiesse

The drug "Radiesse" is an injection for skin rejuvenation. It smoothes wrinkles and increases the volume of soft tissues on the face and body.

Its composition differs from that of other fillers: the main active ingredient is not hyaluronic acid, but calcium hydroxyapatite. Thanks to this, the result of use is visible longer, for 12-18 months.

Calcium hydroxyapatite is part of bone tissue, so it is easily absorbed by the body. It can be obtained from a natural source or synthesized artificially. In cosmetology, an artificial version is used to reduce the risk of allergies.

The rest of the product is a gel based on distilled water. It transports crystals of the main substance.

Radiesse was created by the American pharmaceutical company BioForm Medical for a purpose that is unusual for the beauty industry. With its help, doctors restored facial tissue in AIDS patients.

Now the filler is produced by the German concern Merz, which bought BioForm Medical in 2010.

In addition to cosmetology, the product is successfully used in dentistry, urology and surgery.

What is Radiesse filler used for in cosmetology?

Cosmetologists use Radiesse filler for non-surgical facial correction, smoothing wrinkles and scars, and increasing the volume of tissue on the body.

The procedures will help:

• improve the shape of the cheeks, tip of the nose and chin, highlight the cheekbones;
• fill cavities on the hands and others that have arisen due to a lack of soft tissue.
• reduce skin folds.

Indications for the use of injections (beauty injections) with Radiesse filler

Minor age-related changes can be corrected without resorting to injections.

Radiesse is prescribed (what it is – you can read in detail above) if:

• it is necessary to correct the oval of the face, chin and cheekbones, raise the eyebrows;
• there are deep wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds;
• hypotrophic scars are present on the face or body.

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Contraindications for use - who should not use it

Injections should only be given by a specialist. At the preliminary consultation, he will tell you about Radiesse, what it is, find out what result the patient wants to get, and whether he has any contraindications to the drug. Be sure to tell your doctor about the medications you are taking. This will help avoid possible complications.

“Beauty injections” have contraindications:

• Age under 35 years.
• Individual intolerance to filler components.
• Skin diseases.
• Inflammation in the area selected for injection.
• ARVI.
• Sensitive skin, prone to scars.
• Blood clotting disorder.
• Diabetes.

Can filler be used by pregnant women, while breastfeeding, or during menstruation?

During pregnancy and lactation, injections of the drug cannot be given. During menstruation, the strict prohibition does not apply. But a decision must be made taking into account the characteristics of the body. How sensitive and problematic does the skin become? And is there a tendency to edema?

Experts recommend carrying out the procedure no earlier than 4-5 days of the cycle. In this case, complications are possible that will not arise at other times:

• During menstruation, blood clotting decreases. Even an injection into the middle layers of the skin can cause hematomas.
• The body accumulates fluid, so sometimes the face swells. Those who suffer from edema need to remember this.
• The pain threshold decreases, and it becomes more difficult to endure injections.

How is the procedure carried out?

Preparation. The procedure does not require special preparation. It is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol and avoid taking anticoagulants 3 days before the filler injection.

Carrying out the procedure. Before administering the drug, the doctor diagnoses the skin and determines the number of procedures (in some cases, several sessions are required for the best effect). The doctor also finds out whether the patient has contraindications to the injection. At the request of the patient, the doctor can apply an anesthetic cream to the problem area. An injection is then made with a thin needle. The duration of the procedure is 30-40 minutes.

Recovery. After the procedure, the patient can immediately return to their normal lifestyle. Minor redness and swelling may occur, which will go away on its own within 24-48 hours. After lifting, the patient is advised to apply cold compresses or ice to the injection sites for the first 24 hours. You should also avoid exposure to sunlight, avoid visiting a solarium, sauna, steam bath, and intensive cosmetic procedures for about 7 days. The patient should massage the injection sites if nodules are felt upon palpation. If swelling and numbness do not go away for a long time, oral analgesics and mouth rinses with saline solution are prescribed 4-6 times a day for 7 days after Radiesse administration.

Radiesse or hyaluronic acid - which is better, differences

So far, Radiesse is the only drug for high-quality correction of cheekbones. But since the price of such injections is high, patients often wonder whether it can be replaced with fillers with hyaluronic acid.

Calcium hydroxyapatite and hyaluronic acid have different properties and solve different problems. It is impossible to replace one product with another, but a high-class specialist can combine them, introducing them into different layers of the dermis.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the components of the skin. It maintains water balance, so preparations based on it are most effective for loss of facial volume. The tissues are saturated with water, making them more elastic and smooth, and fine wrinkles disappear.

The effect of hyaluronic acid is softer and more superficial than the effect of calcium hydroxyapatite. The effect of her injections is not so long-lasting: it lasts 4-6 months.

Fillers with hyaluronic acid are not as thick as Radiesse, which allows them to be used on the lips, under the eyes, in the neck and décolleté. They are also preferable for thin skin and poor immunity. If the patient is not satisfied with the result of the procedure, this filler can be dissolved.

Radiesse is more expensive than hyaluronic acid preparations, but is used more economically. And for repeated injections, a smaller amount of product is required.

Complications

Any procedure performed by an inexperienced specialist or on a patient who conceals medical history can lead to complications.

One of the most common complications after Radiesse injection is contouring of the drug. A large volume of the drug or insufficient depth of injection, or an incorrectly selected injection technique can lead to its noticeable occurrence in the correction zone. Instead of skin rejuvenation, the effect will be lumpy and excess. A similar complication can be encountered when injecting any filler, however, in the case of calcium hydroxyapatite, it is not so easy to correct. There is no enzyme or “antidote” to remove excess drug. In such cases, the manufacturer recommends the administration of saline solution and active kneading of the desired area, however, in most cases this method does not achieve the desired result and you have to wait about 6 months until the drug is independently eliminated from the body.

Another common complication is the occurrence of an allergic reaction. Its occurrence is possible with the introduction of any fillers. If you have a significant allergic history, you should start administering the drug with small doses. If an allergic reaction occurs, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Due to the unpredictable reaction of interaction with other substances, the use of radice is possible in the absence of other injected fillers. Their combined action can lead to an inflammatory reaction, fibrosis and other complications, the cosmetic correction of which will be, at a minimum, difficult and may require surgical intervention.

Improper administration of the drug can contribute to the occurrence of such a serious complication as necrosis. Treatment of such a complication is possible only through surgery, which is why it is extremely important to prevent the likelihood of its occurrence.

Violation of the injection technique also leads to neurological complications: compression of tissue in the area where the nerve branches pass can cause various types of parasthesia (numbness, sensation of “pins and needles”, etc.), which go away on their own within a few days.

Radiesse or Juvederm - which is better, differences

The comparison will be more clear if you choose a specific drug, for example, Juvederm. It comes in the form of a gel. The manufacturer has developed a line of products with a common name. Each of them is designed to solve its own problems. There is also a line called Juvederm Ultra, which contains lidocaine.

Juvederm, like all products with hyaluronic acid, is more effective for filling volumes and smoothing out wrinkles. Radiesse acts in the deep layers of the skin, forming relief, primarily in the cheekbones.

Features of use

Radiesse injections have certain features, ignorance of which often leads to the formation of a negative opinion about the product. You can find numerous negative reviews on the Internet that after introducing Radiesse, there is a short-term effect or uneven distribution of the composition under the skin. If the instructions have been carefully studied, such questions should not arise.

The thing is that Radiesse is not an ordinary filler; its effect is divided into two stages. At the first stage, the filling of voids and wrinkles occurs due to an auxiliary synthetic gel, which acts according to the classical method, however, the result of its action is extremely short-lived, the composition disintegrates within 2 - 3 weeks after application. It is at this moment that temporary voids may form and a short-term deterioration in the result may occur.

About a month after the Radiesse injection, a permanent, long-lasting result begins to form. The desired effect is provided by calcium hydroxyapatite; it stimulates the independent production of collagen, which provides the necessary effect.

Benefits of Radiesse filler

The manufacturer of Radiesse claims that it has sold more than 5.5 million packages of the drug, which indicates its effectiveness.

Here are the qualities that ensured such popularity:

1. The filler has a minimum of contraindications and does not cause allergies.
2. Rehabilitation lasts 2-4 days, the first results are visible after 1 month.
3. The result lasts for a long time (up to 24 months). The specific timing depends on the patient’s lifestyle and the degree of negative environmental influence.
4. Does not add extra volume to the face.
5. Both components of the filler completely disintegrate and are eliminated from the body.
6. The effect of the drug can be enhanced by hardware procedures. They are allowed to be carried out after two weeks.

For which areas is it recommended to use Radiesse filler?

The dense, viscous texture of the filler determines the features of its use. It fits best on the cheekbones. Good results are also visible when correcting the oval of the face, cheeks and chin, as well as nasolabial folds.

The drug can be used to change the shape of the nose, but the injections must be carried out by an experienced doctor: the result of an unsuccessful procedure cannot be corrected by dissolving the filler. We'll have to wait for it to completely resolve.

Radiesse for cheekbones

When correcting the cheekbones, the cosmetologist makes a puncture to the cheekbone, then introduces the composition and distributes it.

After the procedure, performed taking into account anatomical features, the contours of the face look natural.

Radiesse for nasolabial folds

Correcting nasolabial folds (bracket wrinkles), the cosmetologist injects the drug into the deep layers of the skin. This eliminates its uneven distribution and the appearance of a flat face effect.

If you have previously used fillers with hyaluronic acid, you must wait until they stop working.

Radiesse for cheeks

Radiesse filler lifts sagging facial tissues. Thanks to this, the jowls are reduced, the outlines become smoother, but natural.

Older ladies can get ideal contours only through plastic surgery.

Radiesse for neck and décolleté

Experts do not have a consensus on whether the drug can be used in this area, and the manufacturer does not make any recommendations. A doctor may only recommend an injection into this area for a patient with thick skin.

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What you need to know

When deciding to use Radiesse injections, you need to know:

1. The filler is intended only for use after reaching 35 years of age.
2. Radiesse is not used to add volume to the lips; fillers containing hyaluronic acid are better suited for this.
3. The advisability of repeated administration of the drug is determined only by a specialist. Often this question arises after 2 or 4 months.
4. Sometimes a good effect can be achieved by using several types of fillers. As practice shows, this combination makes it possible to significantly improve the condition of the skin and prolong the result. The decision in this situation is made only by a cosmetologist.
5. The procedure takes from 15 to 40 minutes. The duration of manipulations is always influenced by the size of the area to be treated, as well as the qualifications and practical experience of the doctor.

You need to remember to observe some restrictions in everyday life after contouring. The rules are simple, but necessary.

For which areas of the face is it not recommended to use Radiesse filler - can it be injected into the lips, under the eyes?

The consistency of the drug does not allow it to be used for facial correction in areas with thinner skin or where it is required to inject it into the upper layers of the epidermis:

1. Areas under the eyes . The skin here is thin and sensitive, so less dense fillers are suitable. Using Radiesse will only worsen the situation: bags will appear under the eyes, and dense formations may appear.
2. Lips . To correct this area, preparations based on hyaluronic acid are used.
3. Shallow and expression wrinkles . In the first case, the drug will need to be injected into the upper layers of the skin, which can cause granulomas. In the second case, it is more advisable to choose products with botulinum toxin that relax the muscles around the eyes.

conclusions

• Radiesse® has been approved in the EU since 2004 and FDA approved in the USA since 2006 for use in aesthetic medicine.
• Radiesse® instantly corrects lost volume and gradually improves skin quality.
• Radiesse® is a filler with a lifting effect that has a triple effect: instantly filling wrinkles, restoring volume, sculpting contours, and rejuvenating the skin.
• Radiesse® is one of the most studied and safest dermal fillers available today.
• Radiesse® is the only FDA-approved filler for the dorsum of the hand.

Mesoradiesse technique - what is it and when is it used?

The usual way to use filler is volumetric correction. But a few years ago a new procedure appeared: mesotherapy with Radiesse. It allows you to strengthen and partially restore the structure of the skin where using the drug in its pure form is not recommended. For example, on the stomach or in the neck and décolleté.

The process takes place in two stages: first, the doctor places mesothreads under the skin, then fills the cavities with Radiesse filler with saline solution. The consistency of the drug becomes less thick, which avoids the appearance of rollers under the skin.

The result lasts as long as with conventional injections, 12-18 months. Experts say that even after the drug has completely disintegrated, the skin remains in better condition than it was before the procedure.

Progress

Vector lifting involves several successive stages.

Cleansing

From the surface of the skin requiring correction, the specialist removes remnants of decorative cosmetics, dirt and sebaceous secretions. This is done using special means.

Anesthesia

Although the procedure is painless, the patient may experience minor discomfort during needle insertion. To avoid this, more sensitive areas of the skin are treated with an anesthetic gel or cream.

Marking

After the doctor has previously examined the problem area and fully assessed the existing problem, he makes a diamond-shaped marking using a medical marker. The lines mark the places where the drug will be administered.

Disinfection

Next, the treated area is wiped with an antiseptic solution. This will prevent the development of the inflammatory process and infection in the wounds.

Administration of the drug

At this stage, the cosmetologist directly introduces biothreads according to pre-applied markings. To do this, a thin cannula needle is used, with the help of which, by performing oscillatory movements, you can expand the channel for delivering the anti-aging agent.

After removing the needle, the biomaterial remains under the skin and is distributed over the entire length of the puncture.

Reviews from cosmetologists

Cosmetologists believe that Radiesse is the best drug for volumetric plastic surgery, and especially recommend this product to patients with large faces.

Due to the fact that it improves collagen synthesis in tissues, rather than simply giving them additional volume, features become sculpted and expressive. Apart from Radiesse, only plastic surgery can give such a result. The filler does not interact with water, which means swelling after its injections is minimal.

Vector lifting of cheekbones, cheeks, chin with Radiesse filler - before and after photos

Duration (duration) of the effect after using Radiesse filler - how long does the drug take to dissolve, how often can you inject

After about a month, the effect of the injections becomes less noticeable. This is due to the fact that the gel component disintegrates faster than new connective tissue is formed. It is not advisable to repeat the procedure at this time: as a result, you can get an overly pronounced relief.

The need for a second injection is determined only by a doctor and only 2 months after the first injection.

The need for the next procedure arises after 14-16 months. For women over 50 years old, doctors advise repeating it every six months.

Popular questions

How deep is the product injected?

This is due to the area being processed, as well as the intended “work front”. In general, Radiesse must be injected deep enough so that nodules do not form on the skin. It is also necessary to prevent ischemia of the structures lying above.

The drug is often used to correct the volume of the cheekbones, which the client is dissatisfied with. The puncture reaches the cheekbones, and at a similar depth, the specialist distributes it in the tissue structures.

Radiesse penetrates deep into the skin

Can Radiesse be combined with other fillers?

This issue can only be resolved with a personal consultation with a cosmetologist, who will carefully examine you and draw the necessary conclusions. Although most often the answer is positive. Various fillers can be combined, which, with the correct selection of drugs, will allow you to achieve excellent results.

How long does the effect of the injection last?

You will be able to notice a change in the condition of your skin immediately after the injection. It will last for about a year and a half. Facial expressions remain in a healthy state, the color of the treated skin is the same as it was. However, the following nuances should be taken into account: the carrier gel is absorbed somewhat faster than connective tissue is produced. In other words, some time after the procedure you may feel that not enough of the drug was used. There is no need to rush to the cosmetologist, as one more injection can lead to a terrible effect. Since the drug we are considering involves a long-term effect, you will deal with the consequences of a repeated injection for a very long time.

The effect lasts quite a long time

What can I expect from Radiesse injections when I take any tablets?

If you take any medications - especially aspirin - be sure to inform your cosmetologist, who will decide what to do.

Does it hurt to get an injection?

Each person has his own pain threshold, so it is difficult to give a definite answer to this question. If you are afraid of pain, discuss this issue with your cosmetologist.

Pain can be relieved with anesthesia

Can I use Radiesse after implants are installed?

If you have used any drugs or implants and they are still in your body, be sure to tell your specialist about it. He will decide whether you can administer Radiesse.

Does the effect of this drug always last?

The answer is negative. Over time, the drug will “resolve” and be naturally eliminated. The answer is negative. Over time, the drug will “resolve” and be naturally eliminated from the body to form its own tissues. This will take about a year. But microspheres disappear from the body during metabolism after a few years.

Will the drug harden and can you feel it when you touch the treated area?

Radiesse does not have this property. The drug will remain soft and elastic, without being felt when touched.

The effect does not remain forever - you need to go through the procedure again later

How much does the drug cost - Radiesse filler - price, cost

The price of the procedure depends on the complexity of the work and the required amount of the drug. The table shows the manufacturer's recommendations and the estimated cost of the injection.