What Is Radiesse® Used for?

Deep fine lines and wrinkles on the face can make anyone feel self-conscious about their appearance. Part of the natural aging process involves losing significant volume in the face, which happens as levels of collagen and elastin in the skin decrease. Luckily, with a treatment such as Radiesse® at Nunnally Dermatology in Baton Rouge, LA, you can restore your skin volume and turn back the clock.

Radiesse® is a unique dermal filler that is used to restore skin volume in areas such as the mid-face and the back of the hands. This filler is primarily used to reduce the appearance of moderate lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Some people may be able to use this dermal filler in the cheeks, chin, or lips to augment the face.

This dermal filler is much different than other dermal fillers, which primarily work by plumping the skin from the inside to smooth away wrinkles. This filler, on the other hand, stimulates collagen production. The key ingredient of this filler is calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres, which are suspended in a gel to instantly restore your skin volume.

While the gel formula improves skin volume, the calcium-based microspheres work to create a scaffolding in the subdermal layers of your skin, which help to restore a firmer skin texture along with new collagen production. This scaffolding is also why the results of this treatment can last so long. As the microspheres are absorbed by your body, your natural collagen will be left behind so you can enjoy natural-looking results.

Usually, you will be able to notice initial results immediately after your appointment as your skin absorbs the gel filler. However, you may not be able to see the final results of your treatment until after four to six weeks, which is around the time when new collagen matures in your skin and has a noticeable effect on the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

While it takes this product a bit longer to settle than compared to other dermal fillers, your patience is worth it. While other dermal fillers plateau after several weeks, this product continues to stimulate collagen production to restore your skin texture for much longer. The fact that this filler stimulates collagen for a long time is one of the reasons why the results have such good longevity.

The results of this filler can last for one to two years under optimal conditions. However, there may be certain factors that can make your results fade more quickly, such as your body’s response to the ingredients in the filler. If you want to get the most out of your treatment, you should be aware of how some of these factors may affect your treatment longevity.

Physical and emotional stress can both take a toll on the natural stores of collagen in your body. Emotional stress and physical stress can both produce a hormone called cortisol, which is known to accelerate the depletion of collagen within the skin. Ideally, you should do all you can to reduce stress in your life, such as by meditating, doing yoga, or indulging in hobbies.

Physical stress is typically associated with exercise. While exercise is essential for good health, excessive exercise can break down collagen more quickly. For longer-lasting dermal filler results, it may be a good idea to alter your workout regimen to reduce stress on the body. Or, you can keep your workout regimen and prepare for follow-up treatments a bit more frequently.

Certain lifestyle factors can also break down collagen in the skin more quickly. Specifically, consuming alcohol and using tobacco are both associated with a more rapid aging process. Smoking tobacco can increase the production of certain enzymes that break down collagen much more quickly, which is why smoking is associated with the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. High alcohol consumption, on the other hand, depletes vitamin A and leads to collagen loss.

All dermal fillers are designed to increase the volume of the skin to smooth away visible signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most common type of injectable filler, but while these fillers can restore skin volume, the results of these fillers typically last around 12 months. A filler like Radiesse®, on the other hand, can produce results that last much longer so you can enjoy consistent anti-aging results.

Some people may prefer to use this dermal filler instead of an HA filler because this treatment can stimulate collagen production. While HA fillers can temporarily increase moisture in the skin, the calcium-based spheres can work with your body to increase collagen and elastin in the skin so your skin texture can be restored from the inside out.

Like many other injectable treatments, your appointment for this filler will usually take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. If you are treating your hands in addition to your face, your appointment may take as long as 40 minutes. Your appointment will involve the application of topical lidocaine on all injection sites to ensure your comfort during the treatment.

About seven to 10 days before your appointment, you should stop taking NSAIDs, aspirin, and blood-thinning supplements such as vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, and ginkgo. Some birth control medications should also be avoided for at least 10 to 14 days. Instead of using NSAID medications, it’s best to use medications such as Tylenol before and after your treatment.

It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water before your appointment. When your body and your skin are adequately hydrated, you will be able to enjoy the results of your treatment more quickly. Drinking enough water will also reduce swelling so your aftercare period will be shorter. It may be a good idea to avoid consuming alcohol 24 to 48 hours before your appointment since alcohol can dehydrate the body.

There is only minimal downtime after this treatment, usually only one to three days. During your downtime, you will need to follow a few aftercare instructions so your results develop as desired. For the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment, you should avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as direct sun exposure.

You should be able to resume your normal daily activities right away, including work and light exercise. You may want to hold off on strenuous exercise and sweating for at least a day. You should also try to avoid touching or rubbing your face so you don’t disturb the settling of your dermal filler. It may also be a good idea to avoid steam and hot water for 24 hours. You may not be able to wear makeup for at least 12 hours after your treatment.

While you may not be able to wear makeup immediately after your treatment, you will be strongly advised to use sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen directly after your treatment and every day after to prevent sun damage such as hyperpigmentation while your skin is recovering from the treatment. It’s also a good idea to use sunscreen daily to prevent visible aging.

If you are relatively healthy and you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in this filler, you are likely a good candidate for this treatment. Women who are pregnant or currently breastfeeding may need to postpone this treatment. Your skin laxity should also be moderate to get the best results from this volume restoration treatment.

You may not be able to use this dermal filler if you are taking blood-thinning medications or if you have certain injuries to the hand. People who have a history of developing keloid scars may not be good candidates, either. You may need to delay your appointment if you have recently had a skin resurfacing treatment, such as a chemical peel.

If you want to turn back the clock so you can look younger and feel more confident, you may want to consider using a collagen-building dermal filler to restore your skin volume. A unique dermal filler such as this one can produce results that last for as long as 15 months by working with the processes in your body to create natural collagen. Reach out to Nunnally Dermatology in Baton Rouge, LA to schedule a consultation appointment today.