What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a biocompatible injectable collagen biostimulator and filler produced by Merz Aesthetics. It consists of approximately 30% Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier made of 70% carboxymethylcellulose. Radiesse delivers a triple effect of face lifting, contouring, and collagen stimulation.
Radiesse is used for facial rejuvenation (volume augmentation and contouring of the face), skin quality improvement (face, neck, body), acne scar resurfacing, stretch marks, cellulite and hand rejuvenation.
How does Radiesse work?
Before we can understand how Radiesse works, we must first understand the components of our skin and how ageing impacts them.
The structure of our skin is primarily composed of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s structural integrity, elasticity, and overall health. Within the ECM are four significant components, namely:
- Collagen: collagen is the most well-known and abundant protein in the ECM. It is responsible for giving our skin structure and strength.
- Elastin: as its name suggests, elastin gives our skin elasticity and the ability to stretch and return to its normal shape. Elastin and collagen are interwoven and contribute to our skin’s strength and firmness.
- Proteoglycans: one of the roles of proteoglycans is to help maintain moisture in the skin.
- Glycoproteins: glycoproteins aid in structural support and allow for effective communication between cells and the ECM.
Fibroblasts are another important skin component. These cells produce collagen, elastin, and other ECM components. They maintain the skin’s integrity and are also responsible for wound healing.
By using specialized transducers, Ulthera can precisely direct ultrasound energy to specific depths beneath the skin—namely, 4.5mm, 3mm, and 1.5mm. Focusing energy into concentrated points within the thermal coagulation zones allows temperatures under the skin to surpass 60°C.
This elevated temperature initiates a process known as neo-collagenesis in the targeted area, stimulating the production of new collagen, and reduced skin laxity, resulting in a firmer and more youthful appearance.
At 1.5mm
The focus at 1.5mm targets the dermis, addressing more superficial layers and areas with thinner skin, such as the forehead and temples. This effectively addresses fine lines and tightens the skin on the dermis.
At 3.0mm
The focus at 3.0mm transducers address the deep layers of the dermis, targeting the skin structure to stimulate collagen growth. Additionally, at this depth, it also targets fat.
At 4.5mm
The magic of lifting takes place at a depth of 4.5mm. Using the 4.5mm transducer, the physician can precisely target and treat the Subcutaneous Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer. The SMAS is a crucial fibrous network comprising muscle, collagen, and elastic fibres—the very layer targeted by plastic surgeons during a surgical facelift.
Ultherapy® uses
patented DeepSEE™
visualisation
technology
PRECISION
Ultherapy®‘s visualisation allows safe and effective treatment by avoiding bone and blood vessels.
TAILOR-MADE TREATMENT
Clinicians can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to an individual’s skin anatomy. Variations in factors such as fat layer thickness among patients necessitate the utilization of distinct transducers for varying depths.
Revitalize your skin with Ultherapy at Bay Aesthetic Clinic
As we age, these vital components are affected—collagen and elastin production reduces, weakening the extracellular matrix, and the skin loses its intrinsic ability to retain moisture. Furthermore, fibroblasts’ ability to repair tissue and respond to injury diminishes, and they are more likely to enter a state of senescence, where they stop dividing and release inflammatory factors, contributing to skin ageing and loss of structural integrity. These changes contribute to a decline in skin elasticity, firmness, and overall vitality.
This is where Radiesse comes in. It contains key ingredient Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel carrier. Upon injection, Radiesse works through a dual function—the CMC gel helps to provide immediate volume to the treatment area, while the CaHA microspheres stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, providing structural support and further improving skin elasticity. Furthermore, Radiesse (+) contains lidocaine for added patient comfort. Its components are biodegradable and metabolised naturally.
Radiesse works by stimulating your body’s natural production of collagen.
Is Radiesse safe?
Radiesse is the OG Collagen Biostimulator, with over 20 years of clinical experience, >250 clinical publications and 15 million treatments completed worldwide.
In 2003, Radiesse received CE Certification, the European Union standard for product safety. In 2006, Radiesse was approved by the FDA, the American Regulatory Authority. Most recently, Radiesse was the first facial filler to receive US FDA approval for hand augmentation. Radiesse® has more than 250 publications and is proven to be safe and effective.
What conditions can Radiesse treat?
Radiesse can be used to treat the following:
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Volume loss
- Skin laxity
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks
- Hand rejuvenation
- Facial contouring
Benefits of Radiesse
- Immediate and long-lasting results: Radiesse allows for immediate results, with the collagen-stimulating effects lasting up to 12-18 months post-injection.
- Natural results with minimal downtown: Radiesse is biocompatible and stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen, allowing for natural-looking results. Additionally, Radiesse + contains lidocaine, which makes the procedure more comfortable.
- Versatile and safe: Radiesse can treat a plethora of issues ranging from wrinkles, scars, and volume loss. Furthermore, Radiesse has a well-established safety profile.
Radiesse results in immediate effects lasting up to 18 months.
What to expect during a Radiesse treatment?
At Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa, our team is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable experience. Upon arrival, our doctors will conduct a thorough consultation with you, checking your medical history to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for Radiesse.
Next, a bespoke treatment plan will be created, and financial counselling, photo-taking, and consent-taking will be conducted. Next, your skin will be cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic will be applied to minimise discomfort. Radiesse is then carefully injected using a needle or cannula into the treatment area.
After the treatment, you will see immediate volume restoration and smoothing of wrinkles following your Radiesse treatment. As collagen production increases, the skin will continue to improve in texture and firmness over the following months. Bear in mind that individual results may vary, but most clients experience a youthful and refreshed appearance that lasts.
Mild redness and swelling may occur for one to two days after treatment, but you can continue to apply makeup and return to normal activity the next day.
How soon will you see results after Radiesse?
Results are visible immediately, with full results in 1-2 months after new collagen has been formed. Results last for 12-18 months, and annual touch-ups are recommended.
What are the risks or side effects of Radiesse?
Side effects of Radiesse are rare, with multiple published clinical studies concluding that Radiesse is safe.
However, some common adverse events include bruising, discomfort, and swelling. Rare adverse events include nodule or granuloma formation, infection, vascular occlusion, and allergy.
Radiesse has a good safety profile with more than 20 years of scientific and clinical evidence.
Radiesse vs. Juvederm, Restylane, or Belotero: What is the difference?
Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero are hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers that restore volume and smooth skin. HA fillers can be used in areas with thinner skin and can be dissolved by hyaluronidase. HA fillers are recommended for treating delicate areas such as the lips or undereye, especially for a client wishing to dissolve the fillers in the future. However, HA fillers lack the longevity of Radiesse and do not stimulate collagen in the skin- making Radiesse the product of choice for clients seeking long-lasting rejuvenation.
Radiesse vs Sculptra vs Ellanse: what is the difference?
Radiesse, Sculptra, and Ellanse are Collagen Biostimulators with long track records and good clinical outcomes. For a detailed discussion of their various merits, read this blog post here.
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Doctors have completed Postgraduate advanced Ultherapy training
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Reviews
Apr 07, 2024
Dan W
My experiences with Dr. Tan and the Clinic have been nothing short of amazing! I’ve tried various treatments including Moxi Laser, skinbooster, Ultherapy, and Secret RF, and each one has delivered exceptional results. Dr. Tan is incredibly patient, sharp, and truly understands the basic requirements of skincare. The clinic itself is impeccably clean and cozy, creating a comfortable atmosphere for treatments. While I’m not sharing photos, rest assured that this clinic has significantly impacted my skincare journey in countless positive ways ...read more read less
Sep 27, 2023
Results were definitely very apparent and fast
Very good service from Dr Bernard! He sat me down for a long, thorough consultation and explanation of not just the service I was interested in, but of other similar treatments just so I could make a better comparison and final decision, with no pressure into deciding anything on the spot as well. Tried Ultherapy and Pico Sure Laser treatments on two different occasions, and each time I felt very well taken care of. I’m scared of pain, but the team and Dr Bernard always knew how to minimize any pain and ensure I always felt good with his steady hands. Results were definitely very apparent and fast. ...read more read less
Jul12, 2024
A Knowledgeable and Reassuring Doctor
I recently had the privilege of being treated by Dr. Bernard Tan, and I can confidently say that he is an exceptional doctor with an unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care and expertise. Dr. Tan’s extensive knowledge and expertise in his field were apparent during our consultation. He took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, thoroughly explaining the available options and guiding me towards the most suitable treatment plan. His professionalism and attention to detail reassured me that I was in the hands of a true expert. The results of the treatment exceeded my expectations. Dr. Tan’s expertise truly shone through, as the subtle but effective lifting I desired was beautifully achieved. I am thrilled with the outcome, and the compliments I’ve received since then. ...read more read less