The Science and Beauty of Radiesse: Rejuvenating Your Skin from Within

In the ever changing world of medical aesthetics, Radiesse® by Merz stands out as a remarkable regenerative aesthetic treatment for those seeking to rejuvenate their skin. Both patients and practitioners can appreciate its dual benefits: immediate enhancement and long-term collagen stimulation. This blog post will delve into the science behind Radiesse®, its applications, and the latest advancements in its use, particularly for treating the décolletage and other areas of the body.

Radiesse® is a dermal filler that has been a trusted solution in aesthetic medicine for several decades. Unlike many fillers that are primarily composed of hyaluronic acid, Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a CMC (carboxymethylcellulose) gel carrier. This unique composition offers distinct advantages:

1. Immediate Volume Restoration: Upon injection, Radiesse® provides immediate volume and correction to wrinkles and folds. This makes it an excellent choice for addressing areas of volume loss including nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and mid-face.

2. Collagen Stimulation: One of the most exciting aspects of Radiesse® is its ability to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. Over time, the CaHA microspheres integrate into the skin, creating a scaffold that supports the growth of new collagen. This leads to prolonged skin improvement and a natural-looking enhancement.

To truly appreciate how Radiesse® works, it’s essential to understand the underlying physiology and evidence-based science.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Microspheres: CaHA is a biocompatible substance that has been used in medicine for decades, primarily in dental and orthopedic applications. In Radiesse, the CaHA microspheres are approximately 25-45 microns in size, which is optimal for injection into the dermis and subdermal layers of the skin.

• Immediate Effect: The gel carrier in Radiesse® provides instant volume and lift to the skin upon injection, smoothing out wrinkles and folds.

• Collagen Stimulation: As the gel carrier is gradually absorbed by the body, the CaHA microspheres remain in place, creating a matrix that stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen. Studies have shown that this process begins within weeks of injection and can continue for several months  .

Clinical Evidence: Numerous clinical studies have shown the efficacy and safety of Radiesse®. Research has shown that patients experience significant improvements in skin volume and elasticity, with results lasting up to 18 months. Additionally, histological studies have confirmed the increase in collagen and elastin fibres in treated areas  .

The décolletage, or the upper chest area, is often overlooked in skin care routines but can be a significant indicator of ageing. Sun exposure, gravity, and the natural aging process can lead to wrinkles, skin laxity, and an overall loss of youthful appearance in this area. Recognising this, recent licensing has approved the use of dilute Radiesse for rejuvenating the décolletage, offering a new frontier for this versatile filler.

How It Works: When Radiesse® is diluted, it can be spread more evenly across larger areas of the skin, making it ideal for treating the thin and delicate skin of the décolletage. The procedure involves:

• Preparation: Aesthetic practitioners mix Radiesse® with saline and lidocaine to create a dilute solution.

• Injection: Using cannulas, the solution is injected into the skin of the décolletage.

• Collagen Stimulation: The CaHA microspheres promote collagen production, leading to gradual skin tightening and smoothing.

The success of Radiesse® for the décolletage has paved the way for its use in other areas prone to aging, such as the neck, hands, and even the knees and elbows. These areas, much like the face, lose volume and elasticity over time but have historically been challenging to treat.

Neck: Radiesse® can help improve the appearance of neck bands and crepey skin, providing a smoother and more youthful contour.

Hands: The hands often betray our age, but Radiesse® can restore volume, reduce the appearance of veins and tendons, and rejuvenate the skin texture.

Knees and Elbows: These areas are frequently bend and stretch, leading to sagging skin. Radiesse® can offer a subtle lift and improvement in skin quality, making these areas look firmer and more toned.

For patients, the benefits of Radiesse® extend beyond the immediate improvement in appearance:

• Long-lasting Results: The collagen-stimulating properties of Radiesse® mean that results can last up to a year or more, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.

• Natural-looking Enhancement: Radiesse® provides a more natural lift and volume, avoiding the overfilled look that some fear with dermal fillers.

• Versatility: With its recent licensing for dilute use, Radiesse® offers greater solutions for various parts of the body, including hands, knees, and elbows.

Radiesse® represents a significant move forward in aesthetic treatments, combining immediate results with long-term benefits. Its recent licensing for dilute use on the décolletage and other body areas opens new possibilities for comprehensive skin rejuvenation. Whether you are a patient looking to restore a youthful appearance, or a practitioner seeking effective solutions for your clients, Radiesse® offers a proven, science-backed option to achieve natural and enduring beauty.

For those interested in exploring Radiesse® treatments, book an appointment at www.drpaulelgey.com to discuss your aesthetic needs.

1. Narins, R.S., & Bowman, P.H. (2005). Injectable calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for facial rejuvenation. Dermatologic Surgery, 31(11), 1387-1393.

2. Tzikas, T.L. (2008). Aesthetic longevity of calcium hydroxylapatite for the correction of nasolabial folds. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 121(2), 537-544.

3. Sadick, N.S. (2011). The clinical benefits of rejuvenation with a calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 981-987.

4. Berlin, A.L., Hussain, M., & Goldberg, D.J. (2008). Calcium hydroxylapatite filler for facial rejuvenation: A histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Dermatologic Surgery, 34(2), 210-214.