Radiesse in Huntersville, NC

What Radiesse is

Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) particles in a gel. It's a biostimulator, like Sculptra, but it's a different material and it's used a bit differently.

Two ways I use it

Which one you'd get depends on what you're trying to change. I'll explain my reasoning at the consult.

Is Radiesse reversible?

No. The FDA notes that fillers not made of materials such as hyaluronic acid can be difficult or impossible to remove. That's the honest trade-off: HA filler can be dissolved, and Radiesse can't.

Something to know about x-rays

The FDA notes CaHA can show up on x-rays, so let your doctor or imaging team know you've had it.

What Radiesse costs

My pricing page lists Radiesse per syringe or session, quoted at consult. You get a specific estimate at your free consult. Financing through Cherry and CareCredit is available for treatment plans.

Does it hurt?

Pressure and a few pinches. Some fillers contain lidocaine, a numbing medicine, and we talk through numbing at your consult.

Downtime

Swelling and possible bruising for a few days. Most people go back to their day.

How long it lasts

The FDA puts the effects of calcium hydroxylapatite at approximately 18 months. That's the FDA's general description of the material, not a promise for your face.

Your first visit

A free consult first. I look at your face from the front and side, at rest and moving, and tell you whether Radiesse, Sculptra, HA filler, or nothing fits.

Is it safe?

The FDA's page on dermal fillers explains the risks. Based on that guidance, wait or bring it up at your consult if:

• You're under 22. The FDA approves dermal fillers for adults 22 and older.
• You're pregnant or breastfeeding. The FDA says filler safety is unknown during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Your skin is inflamed or infected where we'd treat, including active acne, a rash, or hives.
• You have a bleeding disorder, severe allergies or a history of anaphylaxis, or an allergy to lidocaine.
• You tend to form keloids or raised scars.

The FDA lists bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, and itching as common dermal filler side effects and says many clear up within days to weeks. The most serious risk is filler getting into a blood vessel. The FDA calls that chance low, but it can cause tissue damage, vision problems including blindness, or stroke. Get care right away for unusual pain, any change in your vision, or skin near the injection site that turns white, gray, or blue.