Radiesse in Chicago, IL

Q: Is The Radiesse Dermal Filler Safe?

Radiesse is FDA approved , and allergic reactions are rare. It is an excellent filler with a long-standing track record of safety. It is important to note, however, that the injector must have experience with this filler as it is non-reversible. When the product is used in the wrong anatomic plane, it can create visual and palpable deformities. Because the treatment is long-lasting, these issues can persist for months.

Radiesse is an injectable facial filler used to rejuvenate the face to make it look more youthful without the need for surgery or invasive procedures.

Radiesse: Natural Rejuvenation with Dr. Anil Shah

Unlike many other fillers, which are often hyaluronic acid-based, Radiesse is made up of a similar substance to our bone, called calcium hydroxlapatite. Radiesse is a smooth gel that instantly fills in wrinkles and gradually stimulates the body’s own collagen production. This two-part rejuvenation process creates long-lasting and natural-looking rejuvenation. Dr. Anil Shah offers Radiesse to patients in the Chicago area as a standalone procedure or as part of a more in-depth rejuvenation plan.

Benefits Of Radiesse Where Radiesse Is Used What Makes Radiesse Different Candidates For Radiesse Treatments What To Expect From A Radiesse Consultation The Radiesse Treatment Process Recovering From A Radiesse Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Benefits Of Radiesse

Like other fillers, Radiesse is a convenient, non-surgical way to temporarily ease unwanted wrinkles and rejuvenate the aging face. As we get older, collagen and volume loss create lines, wrinkles, and folds that make the skin look tired and aged. Injectable fillers use biocompatible materials that are found in the body naturally to restore this volume and create more vibrant and youthful complexion.

Radiesse is a popular treatment for lines and wrinkles because it is effective at filling in unwanted creases, is long-lasting, and encourages the skin to renew itself by stimulating increased collagen production. Collagen is the substance that provides elasticity and firmness to skin, making it look more youthful. The face doesn’t just age in one area—typically several areas will need to be treated during a Radiesse session for optimal results. A skilled injector can make patients look years younger for months at a time with just a brief injection session.

Where Radiesse Is Used

Radiesse can be used to add volume to many different areas of the face. Common treatment areas include the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and along the jawline. Dr. Shah works with each patient individually to create a custom treatment plan that meets their needs.

Although Radiesse is very effective in restoring volume and rejuvenating the aging face, there are some areas where it should never be used. These include the nose, lips, and nasojugal folds (tear troughs). There are other fillers available that are more appropriate for addressing these areas of the face.

What Makes Radiesse Different

Most dermal fillers simply fill in facial lines and wrinkles and begin to fade away in about 4-6 months on average. In order to maintain their results, patients must schedule injectable filler appointments on a regular basis.

Radiesse, on the other hand is made from a substance that is found in the bones, calcium hydroxyapatite. It works a bit differently from the typical hyaluronic acid fillers. Initially, the results are the same: the gel fills in unwanted lines and wrinkles. Once the gel has been injected, however, the calcium hydroxyapatite spheres get to work, encouraging the body to increase its collagen production for a more youthful appearance. This is a process called collagenesis, and it works in tandem with the filler’s gel to ease wrinkles. Because of this duel effect, Radiesse can last between 8 months to over a year in some patients.

Candidates For Radiesse Treatments

People who have moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, especially in the lower face, are typically good candidates for Radiesse. Patients should be in overall good health, have realistic expectations, and should not have any allergies to the ingredients in Radiesse, including lidocaine. The treatment is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with bleeding disorders. If you are not sure if you are a good candidate for Radiesse or not, Dr. Shah can make an evaluation during your consultation.

What To Expect From A Radiesse Consultation

Before your treatment, you will need to meet with Dr. Shah at his office in Chicago to ensure that Radiesse is the right option for you. During your consultation, you’ll discuss your goals and expectations with the doctor, have your candidacy assessed, and learn more about the procedure. You’ll also be able to ask questions and address any concerns you may have before deciding on a treatment plan. Dr. Shah will advise you on the treatment(s) he feels are most appropriate for your needs to help you meet your individual goals.

The Radiesse Treatment Process

The Radiesse treatment itself is very brief and straightforward. Patients can have their treatment in the office and return to normal activities almost immediately afterward. Once the patient is comfortable and the doctor has gone over the injection plan, the filler is injected at different points in the face to smooth out wrinkles and folds and restore volume. Since the formula contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, most patients do not need topical numbing or any other type of pain management.

Recovering From A Radiesse Treatment

Downtime with Radiesse is very minimal. Most patients are ‘restaurant ready’ very shortly post-injection. Patients typically have minimal bruising and swelling post procedure with this product, but these can be expected to resolve on their own within about a week. Allergic reactions are rare, however there is some possibility of nodule formation.

Radiesse FAQs

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Is The Radiesse Dermal Filler Safe?

Radiesse is FDA approved, and allergic reactions are rare. It is an excellent filler with a long-standing track record of safety. It is important to note, however, that the injector must have experience with this filler as it is non-reversible. When the product is used in the wrong anatomic plane, it can create visual and palpable deformities. Because the treatment is long-lasting, these issues can persist for months.

Will I Need A Skin Test Prior To My Treatment?

Allergic reactions when using Radiasse are very rare—it is non-immunogenic. Because of this, you do not need to undergo allergy testing. If you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction, you should seek medical assistance immediately.

Does The Treatment Hurt?

Most patients find that the process involves very little discomfort. Techniques such as icing to numb the skin and distraction methods are used to minimize discomfort.

Are There Any Side Effects After Treatment?

Patients seldom experience side effects. Possible side effects include slight redness or swelling at the injection site. There is some possibility of nodule formation, but this risk can be minimized by having the treatment performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

How Soon Can I Expect Results?

The results of the injections should be visible immediately. The skin will appear smoother and more youthful, since the gel will instantly fill in unwanted wrinkles. As time goes on, the skin will renew itself, helping to extend the results of the treatment.

Since Radiesse Is Made Of Calcium Hydroxlapatite, Will It Become Hard Or Be Noticeable To The Touch?

No, Radiasse is soft filler that mimics the feel of your skin. It looks and feels very natural.

Is Radiesse Dermal Filler Permanent?

No. As the product wears away (in about 4-12 months) it is absorbed by the body. Radiesse is eventually degraded into calcium and phosphate and exits the body via the urine. If you like the results of the treatment, you may receive additional treatments as they wear off.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients need only one initial Radiesse session, though some patients choose to have a follow-up appointment for touch-ups.

What Is The History Of Radiesse?

Introduced in 2002 the treatment was originally used for vocal cord augmentation and maxillofacial defects. In 2006, it received FDA approval for cosmetic soft tissue augmentation.

How Long Does Radiesse Last?

Patients were found to be satisfied at one year of injection based on evidence from several studies.

How Does Radiesse Work?

The product provides immediate volume that can last for 1 year or longer due to neocollagenesis. Radiesse serves as a scaffolding for new collagen fibrils to form and improve the skin.

Can Radiesse Be Used With Patients Of Medium And Darker Complexions?

Radiesse has been used for Type IV to VI patients safely, according to a variety of studies that have been performed.

What Is Radiesse Made Of?

Radiesse is comprised of 25 to 45 micrometers of Calcium hydroxyapatite in an aqueous sodium methylcellulose and glycerin gel carrier. Radiesse is synthetic and non-animal derived product composed of naturally occurring minerals in bone and teeth.

Radiesse in Chicago with Dr. Anil Shah

Because Radiesse is a non-reversible treatment, it is key to seek out a provider with the skill and experience to produce consistent, beautiful results for patients. Dr. Anil Shah is known for his state-of-the-art techniques, integrity, and skill. He is experienced in injecting Radiesse, and patients can look forward to natural-looking rejuvenation.

To schedule a Radiesse consultation with Dr. Anil Shah in Chicago, call 312.598.1321 or fill out our online contact form.