Smooth, plump skin with a radiant glow is a key marker for a youthful appearance. But for some of us, recapturing our youth is an elusive goal. If you’re tired of broken promises from over-the-counter skincare products, then it might be time to try something new. At Chetco Medical & Aesthetics in Brookings, OR, we know that patients can recapture their radiance with revolutionary treatments such as Radiesse.
Radiesse Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered Radiesse frequently asked questions from prospective patients. Our skilled staff will be happy to answer any additional questions you have when you call to schedule your appointment.
Does Radiesse Migrate?
As for this Radiesse frequently asked question, this dermal filler stays exactly where it is injected. It does not travel to any other area of the face. The question of possible migration comes from the active ingredient in this filler. However, because this filler is suspended in gel and the active ingredient is able to be absorbed by the body, there is no worry about migration. Once this filler is injected, it stays exactly where it needs to be.
How Does This Treatment Work?
Radiesse is a dermal filler which means it is an inject-able cosmetic treatment. Dermal fillers are administered through a small, thin needle containing a substance which usually consists primarily of a patented, gel-like solution. The particular solution for this dermal filler includes a water-based gel that carries calcium hydroxylapatite spheres. The calcium hydroxylapatite spheres are the key to this revolutionary filler.
Metabolizing Calcium
Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in the body, in the foods we eat, and in the world around us. As a mineral consumed by people, calcium can fortify the bones in your body to make you stronger. Recent studies have also found a use for calcium in supporting the structure of the skin. Over time, the calcium hydroxylapatite spheres in this filler break down into base calcium and phosphate ions which are then gradually metabolized by the body.
Metabolism is a bodily process that is constantly in action within the body. We metabolize the food we eat and environmental factors we are exposed to, such as UV rays and smog. Metabolism simply refers to the process of a substance being broken down into its simplest form, absorbed into the body, and then used to support bodily processes. For this filler, the calcium ions are absorbed by the body and then used to fortify the production of important skin proteins like collagen.
The Importance of Collagen
Collagen is the golden goose for good skincare, and for good reason. Collagen is a protein within the skin that is responsible for supporting the structure of the skin, and particularly the volume and elasticity of the skin. As we age, our production of collagen naturally slows to a point where our skin loses volume and where wrinkles can begin to form. This is why collagen is a regular feature in many over-the-counter products, particularly moisturizers, and why collagen-based dermal fillers are popular.
However, collagen is not something that can only be replaced with products or injections. Collagen is a protein that is produced by the body, which means that it is possible to boost the production of this protein. For many cosmetic treatments, stimulating the production of collagen can be done with energy-based treatments that incite the body’s natural regenerative abilities. For a dermal filler such as this one, collagen is stimulated when the calcium hydroxylapatite spheres are metabolized, which then “feeds” the skin to stimulate the production of collagen over a period of time.
What Does It Treat?
In general, dermal fillers are anti-aging treatments. Anti-Aging treatment is an umbrella term for any method of cosmetic treatment that corrects the visible signs of aging, particularly fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin pigment, uneven skin texture, skin laxity, and scarring. This dermal filler is mostly concerned with restoring the skin to its former youthful glory, which includes the treatment of:
- Expression lines
- Wrinkles around the mouth and nose
- Loss of volume in the cheeks
- Skin laxity in the mid-face
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Thinning skin on the face
As a dermal filler, this treatment is versatile in its use. Although usually used to correct appearance concerns on the mid-face–the area between the eyes and the jaw–this treatment can sometimes also be used for particularly severe wrinkles on the face that cannot be otherwise treated by different fillers. We will help you determine the best areas for treatment.
When Can You See Results?
Many patients can almost immediately see an improvement in skin volume 1 to 3 days after treatment. The results for this treatment will continue to improve over the next 2 to 4 weeks as the solution settles into the skin and gets to work. Results are usually the most obvious after about 7 to 10 days.
Is Radiesse Permanent?
The results of this treatment are not permanent; however, the results are incredibly long-lasting compared with other fillers. The majority of patients enjoy the results of this treatment for an average of 12 to 18 months.
Will This Treatment Impact My Healthcare Checkups?
Overall, this treatment will not have any impact on your regular health care, such as showing up on blood work or interacting with your normal medications. However, the calcium hydroxylapatite spheres do show up on CT scans and X-rays, so it is important to let your primary care physician know you have had this dermal filler in the event you need to have an examination of your head. The calcium hydroxylapatite spheres will continue to show on scans until the calcium has been metabolized by the body.
Can You Combine This Treatment With Others?
Like many other cosmetic treatments, this is a treatment that can be combined safely with other cosmetic interventions. The truth is that most patients have a variety of concerns that cannot be corrected by a single treatment, meaning that combining treatments into a customized treatment plan is very common. Here are a few treatments that are commonly combined with this filler:
Dermal Fillers and Injectables
Other types of dermal fillers can be used with this treatment. As a rule of thumb, if you are combining dermal fillers you want to make sure that each filler is addressing a different issue. For example, while this filler may be restoring volume to your skin in the mid-face, you might find that a hyaluronic acid-based filler can help correct mild fine lines on other areas of the skin.
Some patients opt for other injectable treatments instead, such as Botox. Botox is a neurotoxin injectable, which means it is composed of a compound that cancels out the neurotransmitters controlling the muscle movements in your face. Botox is most frequently used on the forehead to correct moderate-to-severe concerns and can be a great compliment to a filler such as this one.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a treatment for the surface of the skin. A chemical peel uses acids to exfoliate the topmost layers of skin to correct superficial concerns such as dryness, uneven texture, uneven skin tone, and acne scarring. Some chemical peels are powerful enough to temporarily diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Combining chemical peels with dermal fillers can easily be done as one treats the surface and one treats the sub-dermal layers of skin.
Energy-Based
Energy-based treatments are usually those concerned with skin resurfacing and skin tightening. The most common energy-based treatments are laser treatments, which can correct superficial skin concerns like dark spots and sun damage, or radiofrequency treatments, which can be used to correct pigmentation, scarring, and skin laxity. Combining energy-based treatments with a dermal filler like this one is a great way to expedite and enhance the results of treatment.
What Are the Benefits of This Treatment?
There are several benefits to this treatment that are appealing to prospective patients. One benefit, for example, is how compatible this treatment is with other cosmetic treatments. The other main benefits of this treatment include:
Fast and Painless
There is virtually no approximated time for Radiesse recovery and this filler only takes about 15 minutes to complete, which means that this filler is a good “lunchtime” option for patients who have busy schedules. This treatment is also virtually painless. Although we offer patients the option of using a topical numbing cream at the injection sites, the solution of the filler itself is already combined with lidocaine, a local numbing agent.
Affordable
This treatment is affordable to maintain because of how long the filler lasts. The fewer treatments you need, the less you need to open your wallet. Since most patients only need this treatment roughly once a year, they can save a lot of money compared to treatments that need to be repeated multiple times a year.
Natural
Natural-looking results are at the top of everyone’s cosmetic treatment wishlist, and this is a treatment that delivers on that promise. Patients who have this dermal filler are able to enjoy results that look natural, meaning the results gradually build at the beginning and gradually fade at the end. The injection also produces results that allow for full, natural facial expressions.
Long-Lasting
The results for this treatment are incredibly long-lasting, making them a standout among other dermal fillers. While most injectable treatments last 3 to 4 months, this is a treatment that can last for 12 to 18 months at a time. The longevity of the treatment can be contributed to the calcium hydroxylapatite spheres that take so long to be metabolized by the body.
Safe
This treatment is safe and approved by the FDA, which means it has passed rigorous clinical trials. This treatment is considered safe because calcium is a mineral that can be absorbed by the body, meaning that the injection itself has very minimal risk for allergic reactions. As a standard practice, we usually complete an allergy test for all dermal fillers about 2 weeks prior to treatment to make sure you are not allergic to the product.
How Do You Know If You Are a Good Candidate?
Before your treatment, you will be asked to attend a consultation appointment. The consultation helps us determine if this treatment is right for your particular needs and lifestyle. Qualified patients include those with no allergy to the injection and those who would like to restore their overall appearance. You may be a good candidate for treatment if you want to:
- Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve skin texture
- Correct skin laxity
- Restore volume to the skin
Restore Your Radiance With Radiesse!
Giving up on over-the-counter products doesn’t mean you have to give up on your goal of restoring your youthful appearance. If you’re ready to restore your radiance with Radiesse, contact Chetco Medical & Aesthetics in Brookings, OR to schedule your consultation appointment. We look forward to the opportunity to help you love the way you look again!