Radiesse is an FDA-approved filler commonly used to treat the appearance of wrinkles and folds on the mid to lower areas of the face. Radiesse can also be used to treat loose skin on the backs of your hands.
With all the choices available, which injection filler is right for you? As is the case with all injectables, there is some minor to moderate discomfort associated with the treatment. Understanding the pros and cons of each treatment is important to understanding which treatment is best for you. Dr. Van Coevorden is here to work with you to determine the best option to effectively meet your personal goals.
And as always, this information is not meant as a substitute to a private consultation with a cosmetic physician. When you are ready, give us a call at 425-557-4227 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Van Coevorden to see if Radiesse is right for you.
What are RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+)?
RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) are dermal fillers that are used for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth). RADIESSE® is also used for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands.
What are potential Radiesse side effects?
Generally, Radiesse is a very safe and effective product. But like most injectables, common complications associated with the treatment are redness at the injection sites and bruising. Lumps or bumps may also result from over-injection. As with any injection treatment, there is also a risk of infection at the injection site, but this risk it typically low when treatment is performed by a qualified, trained professional.
How long does Radiesse last?
Radiesse, like most fillers, is naturally flushed from the body. For most people, treatment results will last anywhere from 9-12 months, with some reporting results lasting as long as 18 months.
How long does swelling last after Radiesse injections?
Swelling around the injection sites can last as long as a week. However, in many cases, patients reported the swelling or bruising is gone within four days or less. Most patients plan for some down-time after their Radiesse treatment, and we caution against booking treatments right before an important event such as a wedding or vacation.
Please read our Important Information regarding Radiesse treatment to understand all of the risks associated with injectable treatments.
Who should not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?
You should not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) if you have an allergy to any component of the product, if you have a history of severe allergies, if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not use RADIESSE® (+) if you have an allergy to lidocaine or medicines like it.
What is the most important information I should know about RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+)?
One of the risks with using these products is unintentional injection into a blood vessel. The chances of this happening are very small, but if it does happen, the complications can be serious, and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin. If you have changes in your vision, signs of a stroke (including sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headache, dizziness, or confusion), white appearance of the skin, or unusual pain during or shortly after treatment, you should notify your health care practitioner immediately.
As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.
Do not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) if you have a skin infection until it has healed.
It is not known if RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) is safe or effective in the lips, or in the area around the eyes.
The microspheres in RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) can be seen in X-rays and CT Scans. It is very important that you tell your health care provider that you have had RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) dermal filler.
If you have a history of herpes, you may experience a herpes breakout after receiving RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+).
Injection in the back of the hand may result in temporary difficulty performing activities. RADIESSE® may cause nodules, bumps or lumps in the back of the hand and can last up to 1 year.
You should minimize strenuous activity and avoid extensive sun or heat exposure for about 24 hours after treatment and until any swelling or redness has resolved.
What should I tell my doctor before using RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?
Tell your health care provider if you are taking blood thinners or medicines that can interfere with the clotting of blood, such as aspirin or warfarin. These medicines might make it more likely that you will experience bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Tell your health care provider if you have any diseases, injuries or disabilities of the hand, if you have a history forming large, raised scars or if you have had any other skin treatments such as skin peels.
What are the most common adverse events with RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?
The most common adverse events seen in clinical studies of RADIESSE® used in the hands include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, nodules or bumps/lumps, difficulty performing activities, loss of sensation and other local side effects. The most common adverse events seen in clinical studies of RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) used in the face include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching and other local side effects.
These are not all of the possible side effects with RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+). Merz collects information about adverse events seen with RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) outside of clinical studies. These events are included in the RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) Patient Information Guide based on an assessment of seriousness and potential causal relationship to RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+). Please see the Patient Information Guide available at www.radiesse.com for list of these events. Tell your health care provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
To report a problem with RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+), please call MyMerz Solutions at 1-844-469-6379.
For complete Safety Information please refer to the IFU at www.radiesse.com.