Facial creases, folds and wrinkles have several underlying causes, the chief ones being heat and sun exposure, loss of moisture and loss of collagen. Dermal fillers are one of the most popular treatment compounds because they restore volume to the subdermal tissues and help smooth out the skin, making it tauter and supple. RADIESSE® is one of these dermal fillers.
It is composed mainly of calcium hydroxyapatite. These crystals are suspended in a type of cellulose gel. The gel is injected beneath the skin. Although not a permanent treatment for wrinkled skin, the treatment is simple, repeatable and has little or no side effect consequences.
How Dermal Fillers Work
Most dermal fillers contain an acid that draws in moisture, plumping the affected area and smoothing out the skin. However, many people have adverse reactions to the acid. Some people who undergo this type of cosmetic treatment complain of dimpled skin or regions of skin that are plumped too much or too little.
RADIESSE® works a bit differently. The process of neocollagenesis – stimulating production of collagen – is at the heart of the RADIESSE® treatment. The calcium hydroxyapatite acts as a kick-start mechanism for the production of collagen. Collagen formation around the tiny crystal spheres suspended in the gel continues long after the treatment date.
Who is a Prime Candidate for RADIESSE® Injections?
Those who have moderate wrinkling due to brittle, dried-out skin or poor subdermal tissue support are the best candidates for this type of filler injection. The added volume pulls the skin taut, and the increased strength of the supporting tissues keeps it that way. Individuals who have set wrinkles on the forehead or neck may not be ideal candidates because these skin folds are due to the buildup of fatty tissue.
How the Procedure is Performed
RADIESSE® is an injectable. The amount of gel used is quite small. The entire treatment usually takes less than 45 minutes. There is no downtime afterwards, which means that the client can resume normal activities at once.
As the particles form a scaffold structure over the next few days, collagen buildup increases. The wrinkles will continue to fade slowly over the next month or two. Most individuals do not need a second treatment for at least nine months.
Learn More About RADIESSE®
At Spa Black, we highly recommend RADIESSE® as a treatment for wrinkled skin because it is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure with few or no known side effects. It’s important to schedule a consultation at our office in San Antonio so that we can help you decide if RADIESSE® is the right treatment for you. We will examine your facial features and determine what is causing the wrinkling of the skin. Contact us today to book your appointment.