RADIESSE® in Pittsburgh, PA

Radiesse is an FDA-approved calcium-based dermal filler that acts as a temporary (1-2 years) correction for facial wrinkles and folds. Pittsburgh Radiesse specialist, Dr. James Fernau, offers Radiesse for patients who wish to augment their cheeks or fill in areas on the sides of the chin. Radiesse can also be placed in the thick skin below eyelids. As the Radiesse injectable is made from calcium-based microspheres in a natural water-based gel, the treatment works well with the body to encourage the production of collagen and tissue regeneration. The Radiesse dermal filler is injected into the skin through a simple, quick procedure and encourages tissue growth in the treatment area for up to one full year.

Radiesse is a quick procedure normally completed within 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. The face will be thoroughly cleansed and then marked with ink so that the practitioner can conduct the injections with precision. A numbing cream is usually applied before the injection occurs. The gel is delivered using a fine needle into pockets just underneath the skin until the right volume is achieved.

After treatment, there may be redness, swelling and even bruising around the injection sites, but these go away after several hours. Patients will be able to resume their normal routine; although strenuous exercise should be limited for the first 24 hours. Patients will see their results immediately, and the results will continue to improve because Radiesse stimulates natural collagen growth, which is an agent for healthy skin.

Radiesse is priced per syringe. The average cost for a single syringe of product is around $700. The cost varies depending on how many syringes are used to attain the results the patient desires. This derma filler treatment is a temporary fix. Patients who wish to maintain their results will need to come back for additional treatments after one year.

There is an extensive selection of derma fillers available. Each filler has its own specific treatment to match the patient’s cosmetic issues. Whether naturally or artificially derived, these are all FDA approved, which means they are proven to be safe and effective. The one highlight of a Radiesse treatment is that aside from its volumizing capability it can function as a collagen stimulator. When collagen multiplies, it greatly benefits the skin tone. During the initial consultation, the face will be assessed and the appropriate filler will be recommended.

Several other derma fillers are manufactured using hyaluronic acid. Popular examples are Juvederm or Restylane. While these are great in adding volume back to facial depressions, Radiesse stands out as the only filler made of calcium-based microspheres, which have the ability to integrate with skin tissues and promote collagen growth. Every patient is unique and a treatment plan will be tailored to them that may include Radiesse, or another filler if the practitioner feels it will best benefit the patient.

Radiesse is FDA approved and backed by comprehensive testing. As it is derived from a substance that naturally occurs in the body, it poses no toxic risk. Temporary side effects may include redness, swelling, bruising, numbness or itching, which all subsides after a few days.