Radiesse Dermal Filler FAQs

by Greg McCracken - Apr 10, 2015 - Dermal Fillers

WHAT IS RADIESSE®?

RADIESSE® is a dermal filler that temporarily adds volume to help smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth).

WHAT IS RADIESSE® MADE FROM?

RADIESSE is made of tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. The calcium microspheres are similar to minerals found naturally in the body so allergy testing is not required. Over time, the body absorbs the microspheres and gel, leaving behind only natural collagen.1

Please note that RADIESSE is contraindicated in patients with severe allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis, with a history or presence of multiple severe allergies (please see Important Safety Information below).

HOW DOES RADIESSE® WORK?

Once injected, RADIESSE plumps the skin to give the appearance of a smoother surface. Over time, RADIESSE works to stimulate the body to produce collagen naturally.1 Ultimately the body absorbs the product and leaves behind the natural collagen for long-lasting results.2,3

WHERE CAN RADIESSE® BE INJECTED?

RADIESSE can be injected in the following locations*:

Smile lines: also called the nasolabial folds, are the lines that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth
Marionette lines: the lines that run downward from the corners of the mouth • Corners of the mouth: also called the oral commissure, if these are turned downward it can make you look as though you’re frowning
Pre-jowl fold: the area on either side of the chin, where skin can sag due to loss of facial volume
Chin wrinkles: horizontal lines that can form on your chin and distract from your smile

*RADIESSE is FDA-approved for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

WHAT MAKES RADIESSE® DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LEADING DERMAL FILLERS?

RADIESSE is the only dermal filler available composed of calcium-based microspheres, and has been shown to stimulate the natural production of collagen, for results that may last up to a year or more in many patients.1-3 Additionally, in clinical studies with leading hyaluronic acid injectable dermal fillers, results showed that RADIESSE patients were more satisfied with their results than patients treated with other leading wrinkle fillers.2,4 In addition, 30% less RADIESSE may be needed for correction when compared to Perlane®injectable gel.4

HOW IS TREATMENT WITH RADIESSE® PERFORMED? IS IT PAINFUL?

RADIESSE is injected under the skin in a quick procedure that can be done over the lunch hour. RADIESSE is also FDA-approved to mix with lidocaine (an anesthetic), which means the procedure will be much more comfortable. In fact, in a clinical study, 90% of patients treated reported significant pain reduction when injected with RADIESSE mixed with lidocaine.

HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS WITH RADIESSE®, AND HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

Immediately upon injection, RADIESSE restores volume to smooth out the signs of aging. The natural-looking results may last up to a year or more in many patients.2,3

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM TREATMENT WITH RADIESSE®?

RADIESSE is FDA-approved for correction of moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. Talk to your doctor about what your specific treatment needs may be and to see if RADIESSE is right for you.

Please see Important Safety Information below.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF TREATMENT WITH RADIESSE®?

The most common adverse events include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness and itching. These side effects generally last for a short time and are mild in nature. These are not all of the possible side effects with RADIESSE. Tell your health care provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

Please see Important Safety Information below.

IS THERE ANYONE THAT SHOULD NOT USE RADIESSE®?

RADIESSE should not be used in patients with severe allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis, a history or presence of multiple severe allergies or patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components.

The safety of RADIESSE has not been established in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding or under the age of 18.

Please see Important Safety Information below.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RADIESSE®?

Infection. Do not use RADIESSE if you have a skin infection until it has healed. The microspheres in RADIESSE can be seen in X-rays and CT Scans. It is very important that you tell your health care provider that you have had RADIESSE dermal filler injected into your face.

If you have a history of herpes, you may experience a herpes breakout after receiving RADIESSE.

For approximately 24 hours after treatment:

Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area
Do not apply makeup
Avoid extensive sun or heat exposure

WHO SHOULD NOT USE RADIESSE®?

RADIESSE should not be used in people who have an allergy to any component of the product. You should not use RADIESSE if you are pregnant or breast feeding or if you are under 18 years of age.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ADVERSE EVENTS WITH RADIESSE?

Important: For full safety information, please call us.

Caution: Rx Only

1 Berlin A, Hussain M, Goldberg D. (2008) Calcium Hydroxylapatite Filler (RADIESSE®) for Facial Rejuvenation: A Histologic and Immonohistochemical Analysis. Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 34, S64-S67.

2 Moers-Carpi M, Vogt S, et. Al (2007) A Multicenter, Randomized Trial Comparing Calcium Hydroxylapatite to Two Hyaluronic Acids for Treatment of Nasolabial Folds, Dermatologic Surgery, 33 (2S), 144s-151s.

3 Bass LS, Smith S, Busso M, McClaren M. (2010) Calcium Hydroxylapatite (RADIESSE) for Treatment of Nasolabial Folds: Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Results.

4 Moers-Carpi M, Tufet J. (2007) Calcium Hydroxylapatite versus Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds: A 12-Month, Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Split-Face Trial, Dermatologic Surgery, 2008; 34:210-215.