ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY
And COSMETIC SURGERY
Office Hours
Weekdays 8am-5pm
477 N. El Camino Real, Ste. A300
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 436-8700
Radiesse®
Imagine removing the deep wrinkles and creases of your face, for example the laugh lines, and the mental creases, the so-called "marionette lines", and looking years younger. Until recently, the only options have been bovine collagen, which is very temporary, and CO2 laser resurfacing; laser resurfacing is a great procedure, but it is also associated with longer down time (see laser resurfacing). Now we can offer a safe filler called Radiesse® for people who want a longer-lasting filler agent for their deeper lines.What is Radiesse®
Radiesse® is an injectable gel made up of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres. It is FDA approved for vocal cord paralysis, and radiographic tissue marking. However, it can be used as an alternative for facial soft tissue augmentation, as a non-FDA indication. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a building block of bone and teeth tissue and is bio-compatible. It has proven to be a safe and effective alternative to collagen, which may cause allergic reactions and requires two skin tests. In surgical applications, clinicians have reported no antibody reactions or chronic inflammation. Since no allergies have been reported, skin testing for Radiesse® is not required. Radiesse® is a safe, longer-lasting filler for tissue augmentation of deeper creases and wrinkles, with minimal side effects.
Prior to Treatment
It is important to avoid aspirin or aspiring containing medications, like advil, Ibuprofen, naprosyn, etc. for one week prior to treatment, unless otherwise indicated by Dr. Lashgari or your primary care doctor. If you are on a blood thinner, please let the doctor know at the time of your evaluation. Vitamin E, alcohol, and certain herbal products like gingko would also need to be discontinued for one week prior to the procedure. These precautions will help minimize the chances of bruising.
The Treatment
Radiesse® can be used for nasolabial folds ("laugh lines"), mental creases ("marionette lines"), depressed scars, and any other deep wrinkle or furrow of the face. On your treatment day, the staff will apply a numbing cream to the treatment sites for 15-30 minutes prior to the procedure. Next, Dr. Lashgari will do some markings and then inject the areas with a local anesthesic (lidocaine). Once the area is anesthesized, Radiesse® will be injected into the creases. You will see immediate results. However, there will be some redness and swelling immediately after the procedures, and for a few days after the procedure. Occasionally, there may be slight bruising, which resolves within a week or so, and can be covered with make-up. The whole procedure takes about half an hour. There will be no limitations to your activity. However, for a few days you may want to avoid making exaggerated expressions
How Long Will Radiesse® Last
In vocal cord injections, radiographic analysis has shown Radiesse® to be present even three to five years after the injections. However, there is not enough information on the longevity of the product when used for cosmetic purposes. It is thought to last at least six months, but could last up to several years. Some touch-ups maybe necessary since there is some swelling from the anesthesia and the injections during the procedure.
What Are the Advantages of Radiesse®
No allergic reactions to Radiesse® have been reported.
This filler may last up to several years.
The results are immediate, and the post treatment care is minimal.
There is minimal down time associated with Radiesse®.
Please call us to make an appointment for consultation with Dr. Lashgari to discuss whether you're a candidate for this new, exciting tissue filler.
This filler may last up to several years.
The results are immediate, and the post treatment care is minimal.
There is minimal down time associated with Radiesse®.
Please call us to make an appointment for consultation with Dr. Lashgari to discuss whether you're a candidate for this new, exciting tissue filler.
