Radiesse® Dermal Filler Injections
Non-Surgical Deep Wrinkle Treatment and Hand Rejuvenation in the San Diego Area
Dr. Melanie Palm is a nationally recognized cosmetic dermatologist and noted Radiesse dermal filler expert. She serves as a consultant, guest speaker, and Advisory Board member for Merz, the company that makes Radiesse. Dr. Palm’s offices are located in Solana Beach, CA just north of San Diego.
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) is an injectable dermal filler used to correct deep facial folds and wrinkles. It is also FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation. Radiesse is a calcium-based filler and has a similar composition to that of mineralized bone. It is a longer-term filler with results lasting approximately 9 – 12 months. In addition to its immediate skin plumping and wrinkle reducing effects, Radiesse also stimulates your body’s own natural collagen production in the injection area.
What Areas Can be Treated with Radiesse?
Radiesse is FDA-approved for two indications: 1) the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds and 2) for improvement in the appearance of the back of the hand due to volume loss. Radiesse is ideal for many areas of soft tissue augmentation. It also provides structural support, effectively recreating areas of bony loss. Radiesse can be used to treat a variety of areas including the following:
- Smile lines (nasolabial folds)
- Marionette lines
- Downturned corners of the mouth (oral commissure)
- Pre-jowl folds
- Chin line wrinkles
Radiesse can also be used to highlight cheekbones and create a stronger, more defined jawline.
Liquid Facelift with Radiesse
Radiesse® is one of several fillers that may be used in combination to create a VolumaLift, or “liquid face lift.” Dr. Palm creates a unique and specialized treatment plan based on patient desires and their facial anatomy. Sculptra Aesthetic, hyaluronic acid fillers (such as Juvéderm and Restylane), as well as chemomodulators (such as Botox and Dysport) are used by Dr. Palm in combination with Radiesse to create the best possible aesthetic result.
Radiesse for Hand Rejuvenation
Radiesse can be used to rejuvenate the hands. Over time, volume loss occurs on the back of the hands, leading to increased visibility of underlying structures such as tortuous veins or tendons. Radiesse, or autologous fat, can be used to replace volume lost in the hands, creating a more youthful appearance. Intense Pulsed Light treatment, CO2 laser resurfacing or vein sclerotherapy of the hands are sometimes added as complementary procedures to provide complete hand rejuvenation.
Radiesse Treatment FAQ
Radiesse was FDA-approved for use in 2006. It is also FDA-approved for combination with the local anesthetic lidocaine, decreasing discomfort during injection. Dr. Palm often combines topical anesthesia with lidocaine admixed into the filler itself to improve patient comfort.
Most patients find that they are able to resume their daily activities immediately. Some mild swelling and/or redness at the injection site may occur but it typically goes away within a day or two. Bruising may occur in the area of placement and is more common if patients are on medications or supplements that thin the blood. Rarely, small hard lumps, or nodes, can form underneath the skin. Patients who undergo lip augmentation with Radiesse are more likely to develop this complication. Dr. Palm does not recommend Radiesse for lip enhancement.
If you are in the San Diego area and are interested in learning more about non-surgical deep wrinkle treatment and/or hand rejuvenation with Radiesse, call Dr. Melanie Palm at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule your appointment.
