Using the impressive properties of the ingredient calcium hydroxyapatite, or CaHA, Radiesse is a dermal filler that is used to boost volume in the face or on the backs of your hands. To help you decide if this treatment is right for you, our experts at Worcester Dermatology in Worcester, MA have provided answers to some common questions about using this product. Read on for everything you need to know about this volumizing treatment.
What Is Radiesse Used For?
This treatment is designed to fill in wrinkles using the CaHA molecules that make up its active ingredient. This initial step won’t entirely erase wrinkles, instead providing a small early benefit. However, this treatment also stimulates your body’s natural collagen production, with results that become more and more noticeable over time.
How Long Until I See The Full Effects of Treatment?
The initial benefits of this treatment will be visible as soon as the injection is complete, as you’ll see a slight increase to skin volume in the treatment area. The final results provided by your body’s collagen might take up to two weeks to appear, though many patients have seen results after just 10 days of waiting.
How Long Will Results Last?
Typically, results are expected to remain for between 12 and 18 months following treatment. Several factors may impact how long your results last, including what area was treated, the dosage of the injectable administered, and your skincare routine after treatment. To prolong your results for as long as possible, follow these guidelines:
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Depending on the type of skin you have, moisturizing once or twice daily can be hugely beneficial for your skin’s health. Extending the longevity of your treatment won’t come down to moisturizing alone, however. Moisturizing creams hydrate the surface of your skin, but you’ll need to keep the inside of your skin hydrated as well. To accomplish this, you should attempt to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water, coffee, or tea each day. Hydrating your skin from the inside and outside will help prolong the results of your treatment.
Refrain from Tobacco Use
Another precaution that will go a long way towards making your results last is refraining from nicotine use. The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products can be harmful to your skin’s health. Nicotine is known to cause damage to your skin’s collagen and also slows down your body’s ability to make more collagen.
Drink in Moderation
If you enjoy alcohol following your treatment, it is important to do so only in moderation. Water and micronutrients that your skin needs are flushed out by your body as it tries to cleanse the alcohol out of your system, diminishing the results of treatment.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Treatment can be completed in as little as 15 minutes depending on the number of injections you’ll be receiving. If you are also having other anti-aging treatments done, the appointment may last closer to a half hour instead.
Will There Be Downtime Associated With This Treatment?
You’ll be able to get back to your day-to-day life immediately following your Radiesse injections. Once we have reviewed your post-treatment guidelines, you’ll be able to resume school or work as normal. However, some patients may prefer to head home and spend the day relaxing to recover, instead. Just be sure to only sleep on your back for the first few days following treatment, and adhere to other post-treatment instructions our team will provide for you.
What Other Steps Should I Take Following Treatment?
Once your injections are complete, it is very important that you don’t raise your blood pressure during the recovery time. To accomplish this, refrain from eating excessively spicy food, and lower your caffeine and sodium intake. Avoiding getting too hot following treatment is also important, so don’t spend time in a sauna or steam room, don’t sit in a hot tub, and keep your showers and baths to a low temperature.
Maintaining a nutritious diet and, as covered earlier, getting plenty of hydration will also benefit your results. Collagen production relies on having sufficient amounts of water, vitamin C, and amino acids, along with the extra calcium molecules the treatment provides. Getting enough protein in the two weeks after treatment is also essential for maximizing your results.
Is This Treatment Right for Me?
This treatment is intended for candidates who are at least 21 years old and have concerns about the skin on their face or on the backs of their hands losing volume. The U.S. Food and Drug administration has reviewed several independent clinical trials and determined that not everyone may be eligible for this treatment.
Coming in for an initial consultation is the first step to determining for certain whether or not you qualify for this treatment. However, the main ingredient of the treatment, CaHA, is biocompatible, so it will not irritate your skin or pose a risk to your health. We’ll also discuss your known allergies to help see if you’re a good fit for this treatment.
Restore Volume in Your Skin Today
By encouraging your skin to produce its own filler, this treatment provides impressive results. You’ll see quick results that last for a long period of time. Contact us at Worcester Dermatology in Worcester, MA today to schedule your initial consultation.