Facial Fillers | Radiesse

Radiesse is a new long-lasting injectable substance used for lip enhancement, reducing smile lines and other facial contouring. This soft tissue filler is made from calcium hydroxyapatite, the same material that forms the scaffolding of bones and has been used in Europe for the past few years as a tissue augmentation substance. Besides lip plumping and smoothing of expression lines, especially the "marionette lines" (which drawn down from the corner of the lips), Radiesse is effective for filling in acne scars and other depressed facial defects.

The advantages of Radiesse over other types of fillers is that it lasts longer and requires no skin test first for possible allergic reaction as the substance has a very low allergy profile.

The procedure is performed in comfort by a small gauge needle injection after the application of a topical anesthetic cream. Results are noticeable immediately due to implantation (injection) of the material. The permanent effects (at least 5-7 years) occur over the next few months as the patient's skin tissue expands by producing more collagen. Studies suggest that the micropheres disappear after 5-7 years, leaving increased collagen as a truly permanent effect. Touch up treatment may be required at times.