Radiesse for the face: who is indicated for it, results

There are a large number of fillers on the market of modern aesthetic medicine. But how can one find a truly effective, safe and effective drug among this variety?

First of all, the cosmetologist and the patient should rely on the results of scientific research of the drug, the safety profile and reliability of the manufacturing company.

Radiesse®

Today, Radiesse® filler produced by Merz meets all these requirements, let's remember a few facts

about Radiesse® as of April 2021:

• Radiesse® has received worldwide recognition and trust: more than 6 million syringes have already been sold worldwide
• It is currently one of the most studied fillers in the world. More than 200 publications and clinical studies are devoted to its use, many of which have level of evidence A
• As of April 2021, more than 5,000 patients worldwide have participated in studies with Radiesse®.
• Radiesse® is one of the safest dermal fillers available
• Excellent tolerability and safety of Radiesse® clinically proven
• 12 months after the procedure, patient satisfaction rate is 90%

In this article we present an overview of the latest scientific publications on the use of filler in the correction of various skin problems in patients.

What is Radiesse® filler?

Radiesse® is a cohesive injectable dermal filler based on calcium hydroxyapatite. The unique Radiesse® formula contains 30% calcium hydroxyapatite (HAA) microspheres (25–45µm), 70% carrier gel. GAK is a completely biocompatible material that has been used in medicine for more than 25 years (including in orthopedics, dentistry, ophthalmology); after administration, it completely biodegrades over time due to natural metabolic processes.

Thanks to its unique composition, Radiesse® filler has a triple action

:

1. Provides instant volume replenishment, filling moderate and deep wrinkles
2. Contouring and lifting
3. Improving skin quality by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin

Radiesse® was approved in Europe in 2004 and in the United States in 2006 for use in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In 2015, the FDA approved the drug as the first and only dermal filler to correct volume loss in the dorsum of the arms.

Reviews from cosmetologists

Cosmetologists believe that Radiesse is the best drug for volumetric plastic surgery, and especially recommend this product to patients with large faces.

Due to the fact that it improves collagen synthesis in tissues, rather than simply giving them additional volume, features become sculpted and expressive. Apart from Radiesse, only plastic surgery can give such a result. The filler does not interact with water, which means swelling after its injections is minimal.

Correction zones with Radiesse®

• Medial/lateral cheek area
• Submalar recesses in the cheek area
• Nasolabial folds
• Puppet wrinkles
• Mental groove
• Mandibular angle and facial oval
• Temple
• Prebreast groove
• Chin
• Hands

The use of Radiesse® is not recommended

:

• For the correction of eyebrow wrinkles
• For nose correction
• For lip correction
• For the correction of perioral and periorbital wrinkles

Contraindications for use - who should not use it

Injections should only be given by a specialist. At the preliminary consultation, he will tell you about Radiesse, what it is, find out what result the patient wants to get, and whether he has any contraindications to the drug. Be sure to tell your doctor about the medications you are taking. This will help avoid possible complications.

“Beauty injections” have contraindications:

• Age under 35 years.
• Individual intolerance to filler components.
• Skin diseases.
• Inflammation in the area selected for injection.
• ARVI.
• Sensitive skin, prone to scars.
• Blood clotting disorder.
• Diabetes.

Safety of Radiesse® Filler

Radiesse® was evaluated in various multicenter clinical studies, including comparative ones. All studies confirmed a high safety profile, similar to that of hyaluronic fillers.

In the Kadouch 2017

A literature analysis was conducted using the MEDLINE/PubMed electronic database, including 21 articles. Adverse events with filler use were analyzed between 2004 and 2015. A total of 5,081 corrections with Radiesse® were performed on 2,779 patients. 3% adverse events (AEs) were reported. Types of AEs reported included nodules (96% of all cases), persistent inflammation/edema (n = 4.2%), persistent erythema (n = 2.1%) and overcorrection cases (n = 1.1%). Nodules were the most common adverse effect, but they resolved spontaneously after a short period of time. Based on the results of this extensive review, scientists have further confirmed that Radiesse® has a high safety profile.

In addition, there are data from two major studies authored by Bass et al. 2010

and
Tzikas 2008
on the long-term safety and long-term results of Radiesse® filler correction. During the 52-month follow-up and evaluation of patients, there were no cases of granuloma formation, infiltrates, or other serious complications. The observed adverse events (minor bruises, swelling, redness) were mild and transient.

I would like to emphasize that since the approval of Radiesse® in 2004 and throughout all the years of its use (and this is more than 6 million syringes worldwide!), only 5 (!) confirmed cases of granuloma formation have been reported (0.0005%).

In 2009, a retrospective meta-analysis of studies conducted from 1985 to 2005 showed that the incidence of granulomas with Radiesse® was lower than with HA or poly-L-lactic acid PLLAs ( Sadick et al. 2007

).

Therefore, when we talk about Radiesse® as one of the safest and most studied fillers, we rely on data from many scientific studies.

Precautionary measures

• Soft tissue is required for easy percutaneous insertion of the Radiesse™ injectable implant. Difficulties may arise when inserting an implant into scar tissue and tissue with significant damage.
• An infection may occur at the injection site that requires treatment. If such an infection cannot be treated, the implant may need to be removed.
• Injection-related reactions, including seroma, swelling, pain, itching, discoloration, or tenderness, may also occur at the injection site. They usually disappear on their own within one to two days after the injection.
• Nodules may form that require treatment or removal.
• There may also be uneven distribution of the implant, requiring surgical correction.
• Do not inject excessive amounts of implant. In extreme cases, the skin at the injection site may burst. The Radiesse™ injectable implant can be added to later injections, but is difficult to remove.
• The Radiesse™ Injectable Implant procedure, like similar injection procedures, has small but inherent risks of infection and/or bleeding. The patient may experience mild discomfort during and after the procedure. Therefore, it is recommended to use anesthetic techniques for this therapeutic procedure. Standard precautions associated with subcutaneous injections should be followed to prevent infection.
• Cannot be re-sterilized
  . The Radiesse™ Injectable Implant is supplied sterile and pyrogen-free in a sealed foil pouch for single-patient use only.
• The foil package should be carefully inspected to ensure that the packaging and syringe have not been damaged during transportation. Do not use the product if the package is opened or the syringe is damaged. Do not use if syringe cap or plunger is removed or dislodged. For sterilization, there is usually a small amount of moisture in the foil bag; this is not a sign of damage.

Radiesse® is the only filler5,6,8 that improves skin quality on four “levels”

Today it has already been proven that Radiesse® affects skin quality through several effects:

1. Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin
2. Provides cell proliferation
3. Causes “activation” of fibroblasts
4. Affects an increase in the thickness of the dermis

Radiesse® has been proven to stimulate neocollagenogenesis and elastogenesis in numerous clinical studies since 2004.

Currently, in addition to the standard form of filler, Radiesse® is used diluted with saline to improve skin quality and collagen-mediated lifting without the effect of volumetric correction.

In September 2014, comparative data on the collagen-stimulating properties of Radiesse® and HA filler were presented in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Journal of drugs in dermatology by Yutskovskaya et al. 2014

. The study was the first to statistically prove the pronounced synthesis of collagen and elastin after Radiesse® injections, which was absent when using a HA-based filler. Moreover, the synthesis was not accompanied by an inflammatory reaction in the tissues and allowed us to talk about remodeling of the dermal matrix (improving skin quality), since Radiesse® promoted neoangiogenesis, improved blood flow and nutrition of the dermis in the injection area.

In another study, Yutskovskaya et al. 2017

Scientists evaluated the collagen and elastin-stimulating effects of Radiesse® dilutions in patients with skin laxity in the neck and décolleté area. 20 patients were administered Radiesse® at the first appointment and after 4 months in different dilutions depending on the patient's skin type (dilution 1:2 - normal skin, 1:4 - thin skin and 1:6 - atrophic skin). Biopsy tissue was obtained at the beginning of correction, 4 and 7 months after the first injection to assess the severity of neocollagenogenesis.

Immunohistochemical analysis of the biopsy demonstrated a significant increase in type I collagen expression at 4 months (P < 0.05) and 7 months (P < 0.00001) compared with baseline. The increase in collagen type III levels was also significant at 4 months (P < 0.00001); the effect decreased after 7 months, but remained above the baseline level. Immunohistochemical findings correlated with improvements in skin elasticity assessed by cutometer and ultrasound. This was the first published evidence of improved skin quality and reduced sagging with Radiesse® dilution therapy.

To date, more than ten articles have been published confirming the improvement in skin quality associated with Radiesse® filler.

These data add to the growing body of clinical research demonstrating the positive effects of Radiesse® on fibroblast activity and neocollagenogenesis, and also confirm its effectiveness in non-surgical anti-aging therapy: its positive effect on preventing the overall skin aging process, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and skin-lifting effects!

Before

After

Before

After

Usage

This drug is considered very effective, since it allows you to get rid of wrinkles on the face not for six months, but for up to a year and a half.

The most indicative areas for the action of Radiesse.

1. Correction of drooping eyebrow corners.
2. Lifting the temple area.
3. Forming a beautiful chin contour, correcting the contours of the face as a whole - clients order this event most often.
4. Lifting the cheekbones to give the face a V-shape, which makes you look visually younger.

Radiesse changes a lot in appearance

The drug we are considering is advisable to use for contour plastic surgery and for those clients who complain of excessive swelling after similar procedures - then hyaluronate can only do harm.

Note ! These manipulations resemble biorevitalization, but there is no need to repeat the event several times a year - it is enough to visit a cosmetologist only once a year. This procedure allows you to get rid of sagging skin - if the skin structures do not have the ability to independently cope with maintaining the skin in an elastic state.

Correction of pronounced wrinkles and folds that distort the facial oval and give an ugly facial expression. Quite often, clients resort to Radiesse to normalize the nasolabial triangle.

No need to visit a cosmetologist often

"Meso-Radiesse"

At the moment, the drug we are considering has begun to have a wider scope of application in the field of cosmetology thanks to the emergence of an advanced technique - “Meso-Radiesse”. After numerous studies by scientists who proved that the product is well eliminated by the body after a year, Radiesse in specially designed forms began to be used for a variety of parts of the human body. For example, using a soft cannula or thin needle, a drug diluted with saline is injected into areas with very thin or loose skin. When Radiesse is diluted, it does not fill wrinkles and increase volume, but stimulates the body to synthesize collagen.

Note ! After a couple of months, the result will clearly show itself: the skin will become elastic and toned, small wrinkles will disappear, and stretch marks will become denser.

A beautiful appearance can be acquired thanks to Meso-Radiesse

“Meso-Radiesse” is used for the neck, décolleté, internal parts of the limbs, abdomen and other parts of the body with which the client is dissatisfied. At the end of the manipulations, cosmetologists recommend lightly massaging the treated area for several days so that the product is better distributed and can give maximum results.

Calcium hydroxyapatite in the correction of stretch marks

The success of Radiesse® in correcting age-related changes in the face, neck and décolleté has inspired researchers to search for new areas of its application. In September 2021, an article was published about the effectiveness of filler in eliminating skin defects on the body, namely Radiesse® showed excellent results in correcting stretch marks.

In a study by Casabona et al. 2017

the stretch mark area was corrected using injections of diluted Radiesse® in combination with microneedling and topical ascorbic acid. A retrospective study showed the safety and effectiveness of this combination therapy. Patients initially presented with red (n = 25) or white (n = 10) striae and furrows on the buttocks, thighs, knees, abdomen, and chest. Each patient was injected with a needle of no more than 3.0 ml of Radiesse® diluted 1:1 with a 2% lidocaine solution. The procedure was accompanied by microneedling and local application of 20% ascorbic acid at the first appointment, for 1 and 2 months.

The study recorded an improvement in the appearance of stretch marks by an average of 5 points on the Manchester Scar Scale (from 12.0 to 7.1) 1 month after the procedure. The majority of patients (85.8%, n = 30) were very satisfied or satisfied with the treatment results. Skin biopsy showed an increase in the quantity and quality of collagen and elastin fibers in the areas of combination therapy.

Vector lifting of cheekbones, cheeks, chin with Radiesse filler - before and after photos

Duration (duration) of the effect after using Radiesse filler - how long does the drug take to dissolve, how often can you inject

After about a month, the effect of the injections becomes less noticeable. This is due to the fact that the gel component disintegrates faster than new connective tissue is formed. It is not advisable to repeat the procedure at this time: as a result, you can get an overly pronounced relief.

The need for a second injection is determined only by a doctor and only 2 months after the first injection.

The need for the next procedure arises after 14-16 months. For women over 50 years old, doctors advise repeating it every six months.

Correction of the arm area with Radiesse® filler

Finally, the importance of Radiesse® for correcting the back of the hands cannot be understated. Radiesse® is currently the only filler approved by the FDA for this area.

As we know, aging in this area manifests itself in the form of skin pigmentation, thinning of fatty tissue and visualization of subcutaneous structures (veins, tendons, etc.). Radiesse®, thanks to its unique rheological properties, white color and excellent safety, is a unique product for this area.

This was confirmed by a pivotal study with a 12-month follow-up to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of arm volume restoration.

The effectiveness of Radiesse® was maintained over 12 months, with 72% of hands achieving at least a 1-point improvement on the Merz scale after a single dose. However, 86.4% of hands after treatment still showed signs of improvement even 12 months after a single injection. Injecting Radiesse® filler into the arms provides immediate volume restoration that lasts for at least 1 year.

Based on these data, Radiesse® has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)* for the correction of arm volume loss and is the first and only dermal filler approved for this use.

Before

After

How is the procedure using the drug Radiesse?

The event involving the use of this drug does not provide for preliminary anesthesia. Although in some cases lidocaine is additionally added to this product so that the client does not feel unnecessary discomfort, since some of them complain of discomfort during injection.

No anesthesia required

Manipulations require different amounts of time: from 10 to 40 minutes. This is due to the number of injections prescribed. After the effects are over, you can live the same way as before, but you should avoid solariums and saunas for a week. It is not recommended to sunbathe, and it is simply better to protect your skin from the sun. You need to give up sports for the same time. The drug we are considering is supplied in individual packaging from the manufacturer; the kit includes a special syringe that already contains Radiesse.

Note ! The procedure using the drug "Radiesse" is performed by experienced specialists who have the appropriate skills.

Radiesse is used only by experienced specialists

conclusions

• Radiesse® has been approved in the EU since 2004 and FDA approved in the USA since 2006 for use in aesthetic medicine.
• Radiesse® instantly corrects lost volume and gradually improves skin quality.
• Radiesse® is a filler with a lifting effect that has a triple effect: instantly filling wrinkles, restoring volume, sculpting contours, and rejuvenating the skin.
• Radiesse® is one of the most studied and safest dermal fillers available today.
• Radiesse® is the only FDA-approved filler for the dorsum of the hand.

Unique features of Radiesse

As cosmetologists note, by playing with the depth of injection of the drug, you can completely remove emerging jowls, strengthen and even lengthen the line of the lower jaw, and sharpen the chin. The drug can also enlarge the cheekbones and restore the volume of the face. This is especially true for people with round faces. After all, sharper facial features make the appearance more sophisticated. They add chic and unique charm!

Radiesse is also indispensable for men: with its help, it is possible to enlarge the chin and make the angles of the lower jaw more massive, which gives the face a more masculine appearance.