Radiesse Collagen Stimulation
Radiesse has been used as a filler for years. But you may not know that it is also a well-established collagen stimulator. It can be used in hyperdiluted form as a biostimulatory agent rather than a volumizing filler to improve skin quality and firmness in areas like your face, neck, decollete, arms and even above your knees.
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse was approved by the FDA as a facial filler at the end of 2006 and has been used as a volumizing filler since. Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous polysaccharide gel carrier. Once it is injected, the gel is absorbed over time. The body then metabolizes the CaHA microspheres, which stimulate the body to produce collagen.
What exactly is Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)?
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically lasts longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen and elastin production (to improve texture) in areas like the neck, chest, and arms. At Evolution Dermatology we use the FDA approved brand: Radiesse.
What is hyperdilute Radiesse?
Hyperdiluted Radiesse is simply Radiesse that has been thinned out, with a mixture of sterile saline solution and lidocaine. This makes it an easily spreadable biostimulator capable of remodeling skin over a larger area.
What results can you expect?
When this diluted mixture is injected into areas of collagen loss, it triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin. The result is a skin rejuvenating treatment with pronounced and visible smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin. The benefits of this treatment are skin tightening and thickening, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness. Overall, skin tone, texture and elasticity can be markedly improved.
Where can you use Radiesse?
The areas where hyperdilute Radiesse are: your mid and lower face, neck, décolletage, upper arms, and above your knees.
What is the downtime after Radiesse?
After your treatment, there can be some bruising, swelling and mild discomfort that can last up to a week. We will ask you to massage the area for 3 minutes, 3 times a day for 3 days to help incorporate the Radiesse evenly into your skin. Most patients tolerate this very well immediately after the procedure
How many treatments are needed?
One to 3 treatment sessions are usually required to achieve the desired aesthetic effects. Two treatments are typical, though severe sun damage or severe skin laxity may require more.
These treatments are spaced out one month to 6 weeks apart. Though preliminary research shows that results with hyperdiluted Radiesse may last up to two years, you will likely want to have one hyperdilute Radiesse treatment every 12 to 18 months for maintenance.
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