subject: Truth About Radiesse [print this page] Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid are all components of the skin (dermis) and their main function is to provide strength, firmness, and fullness to the skin, respectively. As we age, normal production of those substances slows down, and as we receive reduced amounts of them, our skin starts showing the signs of aging characterized by the appearance of wrinkles and flaccid skin. Several treatments have been developed to replenish the skin of the components that it once had but has lost through the years and this can be done by injecting the missing substances to fill in the gaps. Newer treatments recently developed like Radiesse go beyond filling the gaps, since besides helping to restore the skin to its youthful appearance, it also promotes the growth of our own collagen supply.
A Radiesse injection is composed of calcium hydroxyapatite and a gel made out of carboxymethylcellulose. Calcium hydroxyapatite is a compound normally found in bone but in this case its function is to be a sort of a foundation in which collagen is able to grow. The gel in which calcium hydroxyapatite came, promotes a healthy environment for collagen growth and as time passes by substances produced by the body will replace it. After the treatment has been done, the face will appear fuller and younger due to the collagen replenishment caused by the calcium hydroxyapatite and gel.
Radiesse is applied as an injection directly on the desired area. Pain on the injection area is typical but this is commonly taken care of by applying topical anesthesia before the procedure starts. The procedure might last from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area that is going to be treated. Radiesse, like other dermal fillers, provides noticeable results immediately after being applied. Since Radiesse promotes the growth of our own collagen supply, this makes the results last longer, typically lasting from 1 year up to 2 years.
Radiesse can be used in several parts of the face including the areas around the eyes, mouth and lips. Radiesse can also be used to help reduce scars and to mask the signs of facial lipoatrophy, a condition in which the face loses a great amount of fat as a consequence of HIV medications. The product has also been used to help reduce the scars made as a consequence of acne and it has been proven it is beneficial.
If you have any more questions about how Radiesse can help you with your skin condition or if you want to know if Radiesse is good for you, contact your doctor or skin specialist.
