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Radiesse, a
semi-permanent dermal
filler, is used in various cosmetic, reconstructive and therapeutic applications to augment and contour folds, depressions and defects of the facial area. It is composed of tiny, smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) particles suspended in a water-based gel carrier. So far it has been proven safe and biocompatible in numerous soft tissue applications. According to
latest statistics available, Radiesse has been used in more than
200,000 procedures worldwide, a high number for what is still a very new product. The main reason for its popularity is that the treatment allows
steady growth of collagen
matrix, produces virtually instant results and lasts one to three years. (Related:
Cosmetic lift)
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Results
of a clinical study show that Radiesse, the facial
filler for wrinkles and lines around the nose and
mouth, was rated the most effective and longer
lasting. Radiesse is an injectable filler used in
various cosmetic, reconstructive and therapeutic
applications to augment and contour folds,
depressions and defects of the facial area.
Radiesse uses a Microsphere Technology that
stimulates the body to grow new collagen. It is
marketed for facial soft tissue
augmentation, vocal fold augmentation (VFA), and
maxillofacial augmentation. (Related:
Revanesse) |
 Key results
Two out
of three patients had significantly greater aesthetic
improvement in the fold treated on the Radiesse side than
on the Restylane side. Only 4% of patients had greater
improvement on the
Restylane side; while 33% had equal improvement on
both sides. Approximately 30% less Radiesse than
Restylane was needed to achieve optimal correction.
Both products were safe and well tolerated, with no
serious adverse events reported for either Radiesse or
Restylane treatment. (Related:
How to
prevent complications from injectables)
Almost all the
patients enrolled in another clinical study of Radiesse to correct facial wasting reported a significant improvement in their appearance at 12 months post treatment. The results of the study showed that one year after initial treatment, 84% of patients were Very Much Improved or Much Improved according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and the remaining 16% were rated as Improved. The research findings
have been published in a special supplement of the "Plastic Surgery Journal." Facial wasting is a common problem for HIV patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The condition gives patients a "hollowed-out" look and is a visible sign that they have HIV.
"Facial wasting has a devastating effect on the self-esteem of patients because of the stigma attached to it. I had one patient who was so concerned about how he looked that he stuffed cotton balls in his mouth to make his cheeks look more full," said Dr. Stacey Silvers, lead investigator and executive partner, Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in New York, NY. "I have been treating people with this condition for eight years and find that
Radiesse provides consistently excellent results."
The
US FDA has approved Radiesse for the correction of
moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as
nasolabial folds. Radiesse also received a second
FDA approval for the correction of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy)
in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Radiesse is sized to allow injection with thin-wall needles as small as 26 gauge, significantly minimizing the potential for development of a small scar due to the injection procedure. Most patients will feel pain that is no more than that for a flu shot.
So which filler is better for you?
Now that you
have this information, you will be better equipped to discuss it
with your doctor. Based on your individual situation, only your
doctor can make the best choice, but if in doubt, get a second
opinion. Radiesse is a popular filler among many surgeons,
including Dr. Simon Ourian. "It is very important for people
to choose someone who knows the product well as Radiesse is
technique-dependent", he says. Doctor Ourian has been very happy
with the sculpting properties of Radiesse that offer his patients
dramatic, minimally invasive results, right in his own office.
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