As you age, your skin and its supporting structures (collagen, elastin), lose their elasticity and their smooth appearance. Radiesse™ is a calcium powder (natural body substance) that can help you restore a more youthful appearance and enhance your looks by temporarily decreasing the appearance of facial imperfections such as wrinkles, creases, lines, acne scars and superficial scars.

The Procedure

Prior to Radiesse™ injection, Dr. Galoob  will describe the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected and possible risks and complications. Photographs are taken before and after to evaluate the amount of improvement. Patients who have a history of cold sores are sometimes placed on a cold sore prevention medication such as Zovirax or Valtrex before and after the procedure. The filler is mixed with a small amount of local anesthetic (xylocaine) to make the treatment more comfortable. Some patients prefer some form of local anesthetic injection , either topical numbing cream or injections in the area to be treated. Since Radiesse™ is a natural tissue substance, no skin test is needed prior to treatment.

 Most patients may resume normal activity immediately and are able to be in public with make up by the next day. Radiesse™ is effective and long lasting after a single treatment and can last from 4 to 8 months in most patients.

What is Radiesse™?

Radiesse™ is an calcium powder solution which has undergone a patented process and is FDA approved for use in the face. It is injected into facial contour defects. The effects of Radiesse™ are temporary and last from 4 to 8 months in most individuals.

What types of conditions is Radiesse™ best used for?

Radiesse™ can be used for treating facial contour defects. The most common treatments involve:

• Nasolabial folds (sides of the nose)
• Perioral lines (above the lips)
• The vermilion ridge (top and bottom edges of the lip)
• Glabellar frown lines (between the eyebrows)
• Oral commissures (sides of the mouth)
• Depressed scars (e.g., acne)
• Cheek and chin filling and enhancement
• Eyebrow enhancement and lifting

Is Radiesse™ treatment a replacement for laser-skin resurfacing, chemical peels, or dermabrasion?

No, but it can be efficacious when used alone or in concert with these procedures for the treatment of facial contour defects.

How many treatments are required?

Typically a single treatment lasts from 4 to 8 months in most individuals. In addition, studies have shown that new collagen grows into the filled area and provide some permanent improvement in some patients.

Are the treatments uncomfortable?

Dr. Galoob will inject Radiesse™ with a fine-gauge needle. Some patients have found these injections uncomfortable and prefer some local anesthetic. Dr. Galoob will discuss your preference with you prior to the treatment.

What will I look like immediately after treatment?

Most patients can apply makeup immediately. Bruising can occur following the injections and is usually easily covered with makeup.

How long has Radiesse™ been used?

Radiesse™ was approved by the FDA in December 2006. Since that time, over 100,000 syringes of Radiesse™ have been shipped to physicians in the United States.

Are there any medical conditions that preclude the use of Radiesse™?

Patients with connective tissue disease or those with severe allergies should avoid the use of Radiesse™.

Can I use Radiesse™ if I was allergic to Bovine Collagen?

Patients with sensitivity to Bovine Collagen or other fillers may use Radiesse™. No skin test is necessary, but Dr. Galoob will place a test for you if you wish to be absolutely certain. Thousands of patients who undergo Radiesse™ injections each year are delighted with the results. Although complications are rare, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure that should be thoroughly discussed with the physician. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the physician.

Contact us

If you are interested in learning more about Radiesse™, call or email our office or leave your name and address on this web page and we will be happy to answer your questions. You may also visit the Radiesse™ web site at www.radiesse.com