FAQ's - Radiesse®

Radiesse® | Long Island | Suffolk County Radiesse® is a synthetic injectable filler that has been FDA-approved to reduce moderate to severe wrinkles, folds and creases around the nose and mouth by increasing the amount of collagen production in the skin. It is a safe, effective and long-lasting alternative to injectable collagen and other dermal fillers for not only smoothing wrinkles but also adding volume and contour to the face for an overall younger, fuller and smoother appearance. With just one or two Radiesse® treatments, you can enjoy a beautiful, natural look that lasts a year or longer, much more than with injectable collagen.

What is Radiesse® made of?
What areas does Radiesse® treat?
What can I expect during treatment?
Are there any side effects?
When will I see the results of my Radiesse® treatment? How long do results last?

What is Radiesse® made of?

Radiesse® is composed of microspheres in a water-based gel. The microspheres are composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), which is a normal substance found in our bodies. This substance stimulates the production of collagen in the skin. This results in a smoothing of lines and wrinkles and also adds younger-looking suppleness to the face. Radiesse® is made from minerals similar to what makes up our bones. There is no need for pre-treatment allergy testing, and Radiesse® is absorbed naturally by the body over time.

What areas does Radiesse® treat?

Radiesse® can be used on many areas of the face and body. Numerous studies have shown Radiesse® to be especially effective for filling and correcting smile lines, nasolabial folds (the "parentheses" of our face – the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth to the chin), and other lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. It can also be used to treat depressed scars and augment the oral commissures (the corners of the mouth).

What can I expect during treatment?

At your Radiesse® treatment, Dr. Epstein will administer a series of quick injections with a fine needle. Treatments typically take 10 minutes and require only local anesthetic. There is little to no downtime; many patients return to their normal activities after their appointment.

Patients typically need only one or two treatments to achieve the full effect of Radiesse®. Dr. Epstein may recommend a follow-up appointment to determine whether you would benefit from additional treatments.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects such as mild irritation, itching, swelling, discoloration or tenderness at the injection site are minimal and should fade within a few days.

When will I see the results of my Radiesse® treatment? How long do results last?

Results are visible immediately after the injection and can last for up to a year or more. Touch-up treatments can prolong Radiesse®'s effects. Studies have shown that patients require fewer re-treatments with Radiesse® than with other leading dermal fillers.

How to Select a Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Mark D. Epstein, located in Stony Brook, Long Island is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the areas of cosmetic, reconstructive and hand surgery. He has performed thousands of surgical procedures since receiving his medical degree in 1984. He holds numerous board certifications and is a member of several prestigious professional organizations.