Radiesse FAQs

Dr. Hilinski is "Double Board Certified" in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Featured Case
Rhinoplasty Case Example

The current Featured Rhinoplasty Case Example was chosen because of the many complexities involved with her surgery. This is an otherwise healthy young lady who desired reshaping of her nose due to several areas of concern. She had no prior surgery on her nose.
click here to continue

Q - What is Radiesse?
Radiesse, previously known as Radiance, is an injectable filler that may be used during an office-based procedure to treat unwanted facial creases and deep wrinkles by augmentation of the underlying soft tissue. Radiesse can also be used to reshape and recontour the face in a non-surgical fashion. This filler is commonly used to treat the nasolabial fold (smile line) and to improve hollowed, flat or deflated areas of the face such as the cheeks or jowls. Providing a more vibrant and youthful look with minimal downtime, Radiesse is one of the most popular choices for an injectable filler. Radiesse is comprised of calcium hydroxylapatite, a naturally occurring substance found in the human body. Compared to hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, Radiesse produces more volume enhancement (plumping) per amount injected under the skin. Radiesse can produce long-term improvement with results that may last upwards of eighteen to twenty-four months on average.

Q - What is Radiesse made of?
Radiesse is primarily made of calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a naturally occurring substance found in the human body. However, it is synthetic, which means it is not derived from human or animal tissue. Therefore, there is no risk of infectious transmission and there is no need for skin testing. Radiesse produces more volume enhancement (plumping) per amount injected under the skin compared to hyaluronic acid fillers and, as such, it must be placed deeper in the skin.

Q - Who is a good candidate for Radiesse?
Good candidates for Radiesse injections individuals who are concerned with unwanted facial creases and deep wrinkles. One of the most popular areas for Radiesse treatment is the nasolabial fold, or smile line, that is formed by the border of the cheek and upper lip. Deepening of this crease can lead to an aged or tired appearance. Other patients desire Radiesse injections to simply enhance or sculpt the overall shape of their face in a minimally invasive, nonsurgical manner. Many of these patients are unhappy with areas of the face that appear excessively hollowed, flat or deflated. For instance, Radiesse may be used to treat the cheek or jowls to fill in and plump out tissue that is showing signs of the aging process. By adding volume to the face with Radiesse, more shape and contour is created that, in turn, gives the appearance of looking more rested and youthful. Due to its thicker composition, Radiesse is not widely considered safe for injection into the lip. Other options such as Restylane, fat injections and lip implants should be considered as alternative options.

Q - Where is the Radiesse injection performed?
The Radiesse injection is performed in the office setting.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for the Radiesse injection?
A topical anesthesia with or without a nerve block may be used during the Radiesse injection to maximize the patient’s comfort.

Q - How is the Radiesse injection performed?
If patients desire, a nerve block can be administered to maximize comfort during the procedure. The areas of concern are then visually identified and the Radiesse is injected under the skin into the deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue planes. Placement along these layers helps to plump out the overlying skin crease or wrinkle. Radiesse augmentation for facial contouring, such as in the cheek, is done in a similar fashion but over a broader area. Radiesse must be placed deeper in the skin compared to hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvederm because it produces more volume enhancement or plumping per amount injected under the skin. Once the Radiesse is injected, an ice compress will be used to help minimize the chances of swelling and bruising.

Q - How long does a Radiesse procedure take to perform?
The Radiesse injection usually takes less than thirty minutes to complete.

Q - What is the recovery like after Radiesse treatment?
Most patients will note mild swelling for twelve to twenty-four hours after Radiesse treatment and this can be minimized by using cold compresses. Bruising is quite rare and is typically only seen in patients incidentally taking low dose aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. During the first twelve to twenty-four hours after treatment, patients may be able to feel (but not see) the outline of the Radiesse under the skin. Within that period, the Radiesse quickly softens and blends into the soft tissue to leave you with a smooth, volume enhanced appearance. In some cases you will be instructed to massage the treated areas for an additional several days to maximize the results of the injections.

Q - When will I be able to return to work after undergoing Radiesse treatment?
Most patients can return to work and other normal activities within twenty-four hours after treatment.

Q - When will I be able to exercise after my Radiesse treatment?
Most exercise may be resumed within twenty-four hours after treatment with Radiesse.

Q - Are there any risks or complications with Radiesse?
Radiesse is generally a very safe treatment. In rare cases, the Radiesse may become slightly lumpy in focal areas, which typically responds to massage and/or an office-based touch-up procedure to help further blend the filler.

Q - Does insurance ever cover Radiesse treatment?
Radiesse treatment performed for cosmetic purposes is typically not covered by insurance, though patients will need to check with their own insurer.

Q - How long do the results of Radiesse last?
The results of Radiesse last upwards of eighteen to twenty-four months on average.

Read more about San Diego radiesse procedures.

Dr. Hilinski's office in San Diego, CA is conveniently located near the following: