Calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse)

Radiesse is a resorbable filler different from hyaluronic acid. Radiesse® is 100% biocompatible and biodegradable, with a structural component of calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel to facilitate injection. It works by stimulating collagen synthesis. Radiesse® initially acts as a filler for lost wrinkles or volume. Macrophages will then dissolve the aqueous transport gel and the stimulated fibroblasts will produce collagen. The new collagen tissue will fix the calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres: the hollows of the wrinkles or lost volumes are then filled. After several months (15 to 18), the particles break down and are phagocytized (eaten) and metabolized by the macrophages. Even the smallest fragments of calcium hydroxyapatite are broken down at the implant site without any sign of migration. The effect of Radiesse® lasts up to 2 years in most patients, but results vary depending on age, skin type, lifestyle (smoking, sun, etc.).

What are the indications?

Radiesse® injections are used to hydrate the skin, treat deeper wrinkles or restructure volumes. A volumizing effect is immediately visible and improves after 3-4 months (collagen synthesis effect). The result is maintained from 12 to 24 months depending on the quantity and dilution of the injected product. In some cases, a touch-up can be performed 4 to 6 weeks after the injection. Several sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired effect. A follow-up treatment 1x/year at 18 months allows the degree of correction to be maintained for longer.

Examples of indications:

restoration of cheekbone volume
filling of marked nasolabial folds that are not always sufficiently corrected by hyaluronic acid
non-surgical nose reshaping (medical rhinoplasty)
Happy Lift" of the face (non-surgical face lift)
skin smoothing (face, neck, neckline, back of hands, body)
filling and smoothing of the back of the hands (hand plumping)
contouring of the face
chin projection
lengthening, widening or defining the jawline

Contraindications to injections:

Notion of allergy: severe flare-ups (asthma, eczema) to any other severe allergic terrain.
Sarcoidosis or granulomatous disease.
Autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus, thyroid disease...)
Immunosuppressive treatment (cortisone, ciclosporin, etc.).
Interferon treatment (risk of granulomatous reactions).
Injection of non-absorbable fillers (risk of granulomas).
Pregnancy (or possibility of pregnancy) or if you are breastfeeding.

Precautions before injections:

Coagulation or platelet disorders.
Frequent herpes (preventive treatment to be taken).
Name of product(s) previously injected
Medical, surgical (including cosmetic), family and allergic history as well as any current medication (including vitamin supplements, phytotherapy, etc.)
Anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin C, and all supplements (omega 3, ginger, ginko biloba) must be stopped 3 days before the injections.
Taking aspirin and anti-platelet agents will most likely be responsible for the formation of a haematoma. Taking anticoagulants is an absolute contraindication. Injections will only be possible after agreement from the cardiologist and replacement by a substitute treatment.

Precautions on the day of the injection:

The injection should be postponed if you are ill or have recently been ill (cold...), especially if you are taking anti-inflammatory medication.
The injections are not very painful but in some cases, a contact anaesthetic (cream) or even a locoregional anaesthetic (injections) can be used. In order to limit the risk of haematomas, the dermatologist may prescribe Arnica granules to be started 3 days before the injections and continued 2 days after.
Taking alcohol before the injections increases the risk of haematoma.
Precautions to take after the injections:
Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs in the hours following the injections.
Avoid moving the face for 3 hours.
Make-up can be resumed the next day. The dermatologist can recommend specific products to camouflage any hematomas.
Avoid: sauna, sun exposure, violent sports, dental care, skin cleaning for 15 days.

Precautions to take after the injections:

Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs in the hours following the injections.
Avoid moving the face for 3 hours.
Make-up can be resumed the next day. The dermatologist can recommend specific products to camouflage any haematomas.
Avoid: sauna, sun exposure, violent sports, dental care, skin cleaning for 15 days.

What are the side effects?

Frequently: slight swelling, redness, discomfort, or sensitivity at the injection site disappear in 1 to 2 days. Any haematomas appear within 48 hours and persist for about eight days (variable according to the patient) but can be camouflaged with make-up.
Unusual: itching, discoloration.
Very rarely : (1 in 2000 patients) localised hypersensitivity reactions: swelling at the site of implantation extending to surrounding tissue.
Exceptional: unknown reactions, inherent to any medical procedure