10 Things to Know Before your Radiesse Treatment

Everything you need to know about Radiesse:

Injectable fillers are a very popular non-surgical treatment that can enhance and refresh your look! There are no shortage of filler options either. With many products producing similar results, the question becomes: Which filler is right for you? Radiesse is FDA approved to immediately restore lost facial volume and to smooth out wrinkles and folds. To help you decide if Radiesse is the filler you're looking for, we put together a guide of 10 things to know before getting the treatment.1.What is Radiesse?As stated, Radiesse is an FDA approved filler used to fill and smooth out wrinkles and folds. The unique Radiesse formula provides a robust lift in the areas below deep wrinkles and folds, diminishing their appearance for a more refreshed look. Radiesse is a smooth gel filled with tiny calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. When injected, it adds immediate volume and correction while the microspheres act as a scaffold that stimulates your body to produce its own natural collagen. Over time, the gel and microspheres are absorbed into your body, while your own collagen remains.2. How much does Radiesse Cost?At ZONA Med Spa, Radiesse is $700 per syringe. Radiesse is at a higher price point than Juvederm for example, because of its collagen stimulating properties. While you will see results right after the procedure, the real results of Radiesse develop a few weeks after; when it stimulates your body's own collagen and enhances the results. There is more product in a Radiesse syringe, so you're getting more for your money.3. What areas can Radiesse Treat?Radiesse is designed to restore volume in your mid and lower face. It is best suited to help with cheek volume, nasolabial folds, mouth-corner creases, hollow temples, weak chins, jowls or sagging jaw lines, and crepey skin/loss of volume on the back of hands. It is most commonly used when augmenting the cheeks.

4. What should you Consider when Choosing a Provider?

As with any filler, it's very important to receive treatment from an experienced and well certified injector. Before your injection appointment, it is absolutely necessary that you make sure: they are a Registered Nurse, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon (their licenses are public record so you can verify), that they have documented certifications of their knowledge, and have all around good reviews. Book a consultation before your treatment to insure the injector is right for you.

5. What to expect from a Radiesse Treatment

This filler treatment is similar to any other. After discussing your concerns with the injector, they will begin the numbing process. We use a topical numbing agent that takes about 15-20 minutes to take full effect. Radiesse is also FDA approved to mix with lidocaine. That means you can experience a more pleasant treatment with very little to no discomfort.

6. Will I experience any pain, bruising, or swelling?

As with all injections, swelling and bruising is perfectly normal and should be expected. No matter how skilled your injector is, it’s very difficult to avoid it. Of course, we will use techniques to minimize side effects as much as we can. As for pain, it should be minimal due to the lidocaine and numbing cream.

7.  Will there be Downtime?

This all depends on how willing you are to resume normal activities while still showing some potential swelling or bruising. Swelling should only last a few days and bruising should reside within a week. We also do not recommend working out or drinking on the same day of your treatment or facials/massages for two weeks following your treatment.

8. Tips to Help you Recover Faster

Beyond picking a skilled injector, there are a few pre-treatment tips that will help aid in a speedy recovery.

• To help limit bruising it is best not to take any pain relievers that are blood thinners such as Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or Vitamin E. Avoid alcohol and caffiene for a few days before and after treatment since they are also a blood thinner.
• Do not use Radiesse if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or suffer from any neurological disorders.
• Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated.
• Avoid the use of Vitamin C cream, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids higher than 10% and avoid Retinoids.
• Avoid extensive or unprotected exposure to the sun.

9. Potential Side Effects

Beyond some initial swelling, bruising and redness, the most common side effect is lumps. Lumps become a concern with Radiesse when injecting into thin skin. Radiesse is thicker than other fillers, therefore it is best in bony or deep-tissue areas such as the jawline, cheeks, or nose. Radiesse should never be injected into the lips or under eyes.

10. What if I don’t like the Results?

Unlike hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, it is not possible to dissolve Radiesse. This is probably the most important takeaway from this whole article. Radiesse is formulated with tiny calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, which is actually the same material found in our bones and teeth. Imagine trying to dissolve that! With that said, it is imperative to find a very skilled and experienced injector. Ask for before and after pictures, and make sure they have done the procedure many times before. If you are unhappy with your results, it will dissolve naturally, however it may take between 12-18 months.

For More Information:

For more information on Radiesse or if you are considering a treatment with Radiesse, please contact us at ZONA Med Spa. Or book a complimentary consultation online by clicking here.