What are the Pros and Cons of Radiesse® Filler?

Radiesse® filler, like other injectable fillers, is a non-permanent wrinkle treatment in which material is injected under the skin to plump it up and smooth it out. Radiesse® filler costs more per syringe than other fillers, but generally lasts longer and requires fewer treatments. Its thick consistency and relatively large particles mean it is especially effective at reducing deep lines, but side effects include lumps under the skin, such as granuloma or nodules, that are difficult to treat. Radiesse® treatments may also be more painful because they are injected at a deeper level than most other fillers.

Radiesse® filler offers several advantages over other wrinkle treatment options. It is quicker, safer and less expensive than facelifts and other kinds of cosmetic surgery, and it does not carry the same risks for allergic reaction as bovine collagen injections. Radiesse® gel is comparatively thick, and often produces immediate and noticeable results with deep lines or scars. It is especially recommended for treating naso-labial folds, the deep lines that go from the outer edges of the lips to the outer edges of the nostrils. Radiesse® filler is also highly effective at restoring to the face volume lost to aging or disease. The injections can make cheeks fuller and smoother, and the jawline firmer.

All dermal fillers are eventually reabsorbed by the body and are not permanent. Radiesse®, which is calcium hydroxylapatite, stimulates the body to produce collagen by itself, so Radiesse® treatment results last longer than those of other injectable fillers. Radiesse® filler injections usually last from a year to 18 months, about twice as long as hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm® or Perlane®. A down side of that is that any negative side effects will also last longer.

Radiesse® treatment side effects include the formation of granuloma, which are lumps under the skin. Many doctors advise against using a thick gel such as Radiesse® beneath the eyes, where lumps and swelling are very obvious. Injecting Radiesse® into the lips can cause the formation of lip nodules, which require steroids or surgery.

Radiesse® is more expensive than other fillers. The average treatment is about twice the cost of a Restylane® treatment. Based on the staying power of Radiesse® results, however, the overall cost remains comparable to that of other fillers. To maximize the chances of a successful Radiesse® treatment, it is important to find a reputable cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience in this particular kind of treatment. A good cosmetic surgeon can prevent the injection from causing infection, great discomfort or excessive bruising, which are risks for any injectable filler treatment.