How Does Radiesse Work?
At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, we offer a variety of anti-aging treatments to help our clients restore a more youthful appearance. Among the most popular of these treatments is Radiesse, a collagen stimulator that helps to restore volume to targeted areas of the face and hands. Today we’d like to discuss the many benefits of Radiesse, how it works, and what you can expect before and after treatment.
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a type of dermal filler that stimulates collagen production in the skin. It is composed of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), a mineral found naturally in your body. This injectable solution is administered to the targeted areas through a series of injections.
How Does Radiesse Work?
Radiesse works by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin, which is responsible for providing support and volume. This solution is formulated with gel microspheres that immediately increase the volume in the targeted areas. In addition to that, this treatment contains calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) which encourages the skin to produce a lot more collagen.
Collagen in particular is an essential supportive structure of the skin, acting like a scaffolding that provides volume and structure. Apart from the stimulating effect of CaHA on collagen, this treatment also includes carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules that replace elastin. Elastin is another supportive structure in the skin that keeps it tight and youthful and gives it the “bounce” it needs to come back whenever you make expressions.
As we age, the natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid becomes less efficient, resulting in a loss of supportive structures. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging, and hollow areas in the skin, which can make you look older than you feel. Radiesse encourages your body to produce more collagen, restoring lost volume and structure to the skin. This results in a youthful and vibrant appearance that can help you feel more confident and rejuvenated.
Where Can This Treatment Be Used?
The best way to determine if you qualify for this treatment is to come in for an initial consultation. During this consultation, we will review your aesthetic goals, health, medical history, and current medications and supplements.
This treatment is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People who receive this treatment are typically between 35 and 60 years old. However, you may still qualify if you are younger or older and experiencing moderate-to-severe volume loss.
Which Filler Is Best for Me?
Collagen stimulators like this one have earned FDA approval for restoring volume lost due to the aging process and other factors. However, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers have also earned FDA approval.
However, this filler offers several advantages over hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. For example, it provides far more dramatic results. If you have moderate-to-severe cosmetic concerns, Radiesse will likely be a better solution for you. Additionally, this filler can be used in more areas than hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, such as the backs of the hands and the back of the neck.
Advantages of This Injectable
As with any cosmetic procedure, it is essential to consider the advantages of treatment before deciding whether it is right for you. One of the most significant benefits of this treatment is that it offers long-lasting results, which can last up to two years in some cases. This means you won’t be needing lots of touchups as is often the case with other types of fillers.
Another advantage is that this treatment can be used to treat a wide variety of areas, including the face and hands. One of the essential things to consider when choosing any cosmetic treatment, of course, is safety. This injectable has been approved by the FDA and has a long history of use in cosmetic medicine. This treatment is also non-allergenic, making it safe for most people.
What To Expect Along the Way
Preparing for Treatment
Before undergoing treatment, there are several things you can do to prepare. These include stopping blood-thinning medications and supplements for at least seven days before the injection session. You should also avoid alcohol, tobacco, and retinol skin care products in the days leading up to your appointment. We’ll give you a comprehensive list of things to do, if needed, including anything that might be unique to your situation.
During Treatment
When you arrive for your injection session, we will first cleanse your skin by removing any dirt, oil, or debris. This step is critical to ensure that the treatment area is free of any impurities that could affect the outcome of the procedure. Once your skin is clean, we will apply a topical anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the injection process.
The injection process typically takes between 10 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. You can expect this to be a comfortable process, as the needle used is very thin and we’re able to provide a numbing cream, as well, if necessary.
Afterward
Following your injection session, you can return to your normal activities immediately. However, you should avoid sweating, heat, and sun exposure for a few days following the procedure. You should also avoid applying pressure to the treated areas and avoid taking NSAIDs for at least 24 hours. When you cleanse your skin in the evening, be sure to do so gently.
Results To Expect
The results of this treatment are visible immediately after the procedure, but it may take several weeks for the full effects to become apparent. Over time, your skin will produce more collagen, which can help to restore volume and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Who Is a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
This injectable is an excellent treatment option for anyone looking to restore volume and achieve a more youthful appearance. However, it may not be appropriate for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of severe allergic reactions, or have an active skin infection.
Complementary Treatments
While this treatment can provide significant improvements in the appearance of the face and hands, it may not be the right solution for everyone. For individuals with more severe cosmetic concerns or those looking for additional improvements, complementary treatments may be beneficial. We offer many treatments that can address other cosmetic concerns and help you achieve your ideal overall look. Just a few things we offer include:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are an excellent complement to these injections because they are versatile and convenient. A chemical peel removes damaged outer layers of skin, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion beneath. The procedure involves the application of a chemical solution that causes the outermost layers of skin to peel away, which leads to the regeneration of new skin cells.
The average session takes between 30 and 90 minutes, and there is no downtime, so you can return to work immediately after your treatment. Among the cosmetic concerns treated by chemical peels are sun damage, redness, scars, melasma, fine lines, and moderate wrinkles.
Light chemical peels are extremely popular because there are no post-treatment guidelines to adhere to. If you opt for a medium chemical peel, you will need to protect your skin from sun exposure diligently for just a few weeks. During your initial consultation, we can help you determine the appropriate peel strength for your needs.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a popular anti-aging treatment that involves using a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin and create micro-injuries. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process, which encourages the production of collagen and elastin. The result is smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
The treatment typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated, and there is no downtime required. Patients typically see results after just one treatment, although multiple treatments may be required to achieve optimal results. Microneedling is suitable for all skin types, and it can be used to treat a wide range of concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Looking To Restore a More Youthful Look?
If you are looking for a safe and effective way to restore volume to your skin, Radiesse may be the right treatment for you. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery, our experts can help you determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your needs and develop a customized treatment plan that will help you achieve your desired results. Contact us at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step.
