Performed by Dr. Jennifer Walden:
Before and after Voluma injection to cheekbones and temples, Radiesse injection to jawline and chin.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a synthetic dermal filler whose domain is the lower face. Utilizing calcium microspheres that encourage collagen production at the injection sites, Radiesse takes a different approach to addressing smile lines, issues at the corners of the mouth, chin wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It is also the only dermal filler approved by the FDA for replacing lost volume on the back of the hands.
What is Radiesse?
Dermal fillers can be categorized as natural or synthetic. Natural fillers such as Restylane and Juvéderm are hyaluronic acid-based and plump the skin by binding with water molecules. Radiesse is a synthetic filler that uses a two-pronged approach to plumping the skin and filling wrinkles. First, it uses calcium microspheres to add structure under the skin where collagen (the skin’s natural structural support) has dwindled. Second, it encourages the body to build new collagen around the injection areas to continue supporting the skin for up to one year.
How does Radiesse work?
Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. It is injected through a tiny needle under the skin. Once injected, it provides immediate volume and correction as the microspheres help build support in areas where volume has decreased. Then, as the body absorbs the gel and metabolizes the CaHA microspheres, this reaction triggers the body to produce new collagen in the area. This increased collagen production makes for natural looking results that last for one year or longer.
What facial areas can Radiesse treat?
Radiesse restores lost volume in the lower face. Specifically, it is excellent for smile lines (the lines that run from the nose down to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (the lines running downward from the corners of the mouth), pre-jowl folds, drooping corners of the mouth, and chin wrinkles.
What can Radiesse do for my hands?
The backs of your hands can really show your age as collagen declines and your skin thins. This allows tendons and blood vessels to become more and more prominent. This is especially the case here in sunny Austin, where our hands get so much sun exposure.
Radiesse is the only dermal filler approved by the FDA to restore volume to the backs of the hands. It fills out the shrunken look that comes with aging hands, leaving a smooth, natural-looking result. Radiesse also minimizes the visibility of veins and tendons, another byproduct of volume loss. By providing instant volume, plus encouraging the production of new collagen (as described above), Radiesse makes your hands look remarkably younger with results that last up to a year.
Who is an ideal candidate for Radiesse?
Patients with signs of aging in the lower face are good candidates for Radiesse, particularly those with prominent smile and marionette lines. Also, if you have lines around the mouth and chin, Radiesse is a good choice. Radiesse can be effective on the temples for areas of volume loss. Plus, if your hands have elevating tendons and blood vessels, Dr. Walden can use Radiesse to mask these. Radiesse uses calcium-based microspheres and calcium occurs naturally in the human body, so allergic reactions are very rare.
Because Radiesse initiates the production of new supplies of collagen across the injection sites, our Northwest Hills and Westlake patients like that their results are natural. After all, this is your body creating the increase in collagen; it’s not simply a volume boost from a filler gel.
The only patients not eligible for Radiesse injections with Dr. Walden are those with active skin infections or active inflammation.
What should I avoid after having Radiesse injected?
There aren’t many restrictions after receiving Radiesse injections. For the first 24 hours after your session with Dr. Walden you’ll need to refrain from rubbing or massaging the injection sites. You will also need to avoid intense heat, so no saunas, hot tubs, or extensive sun exposure for the first day, as well.
You’ll have some redness, along with possible bruising and slight swelling. But these issues typically resolve in a day or two.
Can I wear makeup after my Radiesse injections?
Yes. There aren’t any restrictions beyond avoiding intense heat for the first day after your session.
Can I combine my Radiesse session with another treatment at The Med Spa?
Radiesse injections with Dr. Walden can be combined with most of our treatments at The Med Spa. Any other treatment would simply need to not be in the same areas as your Radiesse injections. During your consultation, let’s discuss what other treatments you’d be interested in and see if they’d make a good complement to your Radiesse session.
