Even though injectable dermal fillers like Radiesse are very low-risk compared to other cosmetic treatments, it is still a good idea to learn as much as you can before your treatment. At The Maas ClinicTM, we value our clients’ safety and satisfaction, and we know that the best way to ensure a seamless treatment is clear communication. By helping you understand Radiesse and our other procedures, you will know what to expect and we will be able to address your goals and concerns effectively. Before your Radiesse treatment with us, you can get informed with these frequently asked questions and answers.
1. Who is Radiesse for?
The active ingredient in Radiesse, calcium hydroxylapatite, has been thoroughly researched and tested to ensure that it is safe for use in the skin. It is known as a biocompatible material, which means it will not react badly in the vast majority of people regardless of skin type. There are some exceptions — if you have a history of dermal allergies or allergies to medications, if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may not be eligible for Radiesse. You should always inform your plastic surgeon about your health history, and you can ask about other options for dermal fillers if they do not recommend Radiesse.
2. What does Radiesse treat?
Radiesse is most frequently used to treat hollowness or deep folds in the lower and mid face. Sunken cheeks, nasolabial folds and marionette lines can all be treated with Radiesse. It is a thicker dermal filler than many other options on the market, which makes it particularly suitable for significant volume loss or sagging, crepey skin.
3. Who is qualified to provide Radiesse?
When you are seeking a cosmetic treatment of any kind, even if it is not a full surgery, you should always ensure that your provider is a board-certified health care professional — ideally a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Board certification means that your provider and their facilities are held to the highest standards of education, quality and cleanliness. Radiesse is no exception; even though it is a low-risk procedure, you can ensure your best results and lowest risks when you choose an experienced and licensed provider.
4. What does Radiesse injection feel like?
Without any anesthetic assistance, Radiesse feels like a relatively normal shot that you might receive at your doctor’s office. However, since there are typically multiple injections involved in a Radiesse session and since your face is a very sensitive body part, your provider will use a topical numbing cream or a dental block (like the Novocaine you may receive at the dentist) to prevent the treatment from being unnecessarily uncomfortable. You will likely need to use an ice pack or over-the-counter pain medication like Advil or Tylenol to manage pain after this wears off. Talk to your surgeon about the technique they usually use to keep Radiesse injections as painless as possible.
5. Are there any side effects?
You may experience some pain, swelling and bruising around the injection site for a few days after your treatment. These will heal in the same way as a normal bruise or minor injury — they will fade steadily over the course of your first week post-treatment. Some clients experience a lumpiness in the treated area, which is often a complication of an inexperienced provider or the use of Radiesse in an area of the face where it is not a well-suited treatment. The lumps will fade as the Radiesse settles, but you can best avoid this by choosing a board-certified dermatologist as your Radiesse provider.
6. Do I need to rest after Radiesse?
You will likely want to rest a little bit the day after your treatment — you should avoid exercising to keep your bruising to a minimum, and you may not feel comfortable being in public until your swelling and bruising has diminished. However, there are no real restrictions on your activities even after your Radiesse treatment. You will be able to walk out of your appointment and resume whatever level of activity feels most comfortable to you.
7. How can I best avoid complications?
To minimize side effects, we recommend avoiding certain supplements and medications that are known blood thinners — like aspirin or fish oil — as well as avoiding alcohol before and for a few days after your treatment. You can also use a medication like Arnica to reduce swelling and bruising more quickly. Talk your plastic surgeon about their best recommendations for protecting your injections following Radiesse — they may have advice like when to keep your head elevated, where to use ice packs or how to wash your face that can help you heal as quickly as possible.
8. How long does Radiesse last?
Like all injectable dermal fillers, Radiesse is a temporary treatment that eventually wears off. However, the active ingredient in Radiesse has been shown to help stimulate collagen production, which allows it to last longer than hyaluronic acid-based fillers. The effects of Radiesse last 12 to 18 months, while injectables like Restylane or Juvederm typically wear off in 6 to 9 months.
9. What can I expect from my long-term results?
After bruising and swelling have subsided and your filler has settled, you will be able to enjoy natural-looking results that restore volume to your face. Sunken, hollow cheeks will look plumper; deep folds between the nose and mouth will be less noticeable and wrinkled skin will look smoother. This improvement in appearance will last for several months until the filler begins to dissolve.
10. Will Radiesse be worth it?
While the answer to this question varies from client to client, the vast majority find Radiesse to be a highly effective and worthwhile treatment. The cost and difficulty associated with Radiesse are relatively low compared to other facial procedures like facelifts or cheek lifts, so it can be just the right option for those who are not ready to commit to a surgery but want to improve the appearance of facial aging. To ensure that your results are exactly what you are hoping for, schedule your Radiesse treatment with a fully-qualified provider who can administer your injections with expertise and care.
If you are interested in Radiesse, dermal fillers or other cosmetic procedures in the San Francisco area, contact The Maas ClinicTM — here, you will be in the capable hands of Corey S. Maas MDTM, who boasts years of experience as an internationally recognized name in facial aesthetics. Schedule an in-person consultation to find out if Radiesse is right for you. Call us today at 415-567-7000.
