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What is a biostimulator?

There are different biostimulator products on the market that help the body generate collagen, such as Radiesse and Sculptra. Both are great products, but today's blog will be focused on Radiesse.

 Radiesse is a biostimulator that helps to rejuvenate the skin, build collagen, and replace lost volume.
Radiesse

Did you know that you begin losing collagen at the age of 20 years old?!?! 

Did you also know that by the time you turn 40 years old, you stop making new collagen all together!  

 

A great solution to this problem is a biostimulation dermal filler called Radiesse. It is called a biostimulator because it stimulates or encourages the body to produce collagen I, collagen III, and elastin.

 

Radiesse helps to rejuvenate the skin, replace lost volume, and correct any areas of the face that has lost its structure. This biostimulator is made with Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA). CaHA was approved by the FDA for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds in the skin. The product/syringe is usually mixed with Lidocaine and/or Bacteriostatic Saline. The amount it is mixed with depends on where the product is being placed. The Lidocaine is used to reduce possible discomfort and the Bacteriostatic Saline is added to assist in spreading the product to the intended areas.

 

The product can be placed in many areas of the body, such as:

  1. Nasolabial folds and Cheeks

  2. Jawline and Chin

  3. Buttocks and Legs (Thighs, Knees, etc.)

  4. Stomach

  5. Hands

 

PROCESS AND LENGTH OF TIME

The first month after the injection there will be immediate volume in the area. This is due to the Bacteriostatic Saline that was added to the syringe. Once the body absorbs that, then all that is left is the CaHA. The CaHA then slowly gets absorbed by the body over time. This treatment creates a semi-permanent result. It commonly lasts around 1 ½-2 years. Keep in mind that everyone's body is different, and we all metabolize things at different rates. The faster your metabolism is, the faster you will burn through the product.

 

TOUCH UPS & FINAL RESULTS

You will see results right away, but the volume will slowly fade over time. The increased Collagen and improved Elastin may not be noticeable right away because the CaHA continues to work over the next few months. You should return for your 2nd treatment in 6-8 weeks. Be sure to set your appointment before you leave your appointment. Final results can be seen right away, but you will also see improvement in your skin quality over the next few months. Treatments should be repeated at least every year to replace your lost collagen.

 

 

NORMAL OCCURANCES AFTER THE INJECTIONS (THESE USUALLY RESOLVE WITHIN 2 WEEKS)

  1. Light Bleeding, Swelling, Redness, Itching, and Visible Needle Marks

  2. Lumpiness – These can be massaged and flushed to break down the product so the body can absorb it.

  3. Asymmetry - It may not be possible to achieve or maintain exact symmetry. A little asymmetry is natural.

  4. Pain/Discomfort – Lidocaine is added to reduce discomfort.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS (WHEN NOT TO GET THE INJECTIONS)

Biostimulation dermal filler injections may not be appropriate for patients that have anything that is listed below. If you have any of these, be sure to tell your healthcare provider prior to the procedure so they can assess for appropriateness. If you do not tell your provider about these issues, then you could be putting yourself at risk.

 

  1. Allergies - Tell your injector if you have any severe allergies, a history of anaphylaxis, and especially an allergy to Lidocaine or Calcium.

  2. Cold Sores - Tell your injector if you get cold sores, fever blisters, or have been diagnosed with the herpes simplex virus. To prevent a breakout, we may suggest you take preventive medication, such as Acyclovir, prior to the treatment.

  3. Aesthetic injectables placed anywhere on the body may trigger a non-active outbreak.

  4. They do not cause the outbreak, but they may trigger it.

  5. Infection or Inflamed Skin - Aesthetic injections should be avoided if there is an infection or inflammation in the treatment area.

  6. Bruising or Bleeding - Try to avoid drinking alcohol and taking any medications that thin the blood before your treatment as they increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Example medications: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil or Naproxen, Coumadin, Warfarin, etc.

  7. Pregnancy - Women should not have aesthetic injectables if they are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. There are not enough studies completed proving dermal filler safety during pregnancy. Also, Lidocaine travels through breastmilk.

  8. Surgical, Aesthetic, or Dental Treatments - Tell your injector about all past or planned treatments of the face, neck, or chin as these could affect the safety and effectiveness of this procedure. Patients should wait at least 2 weeks between receiving their dermal filler and these other treatments.

 

RISKS/COMPLICATIONS

No procedure is completely risk-free. An individual’s choice to undergo an elective aesthetic procedure is based on their comparison of the risk factors verses the potential benefit. Although most patients do not experience major complications, your healthcare provider should discuss the risks with you prior to your procedure.

 

RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) are Merz Aesthetics Products. For more information - you can visit their website: https://radiesse.com/

 

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