Previously referred to as Radiance, Radiesse is a dermal filler with a wide range of facial cosmetic applications. It can be used in almost any facial cosmetic procedure where the goal is to minimize wrinkles and/or folds.

Specific examples of some of its uses include marionette lines, smile lines, acne scars, and nasolabial folds (nasolabial folds are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corner of the mouth). It can add volume to the cheek area and has been approved for HIV patients having facial fat loss.

There are two ways by which this remarkable substance addresses the issues of wrinkles and folds:

1) First, it quickly adds volume to a dermal region. This additional volume is noticeable soon after the application of the treatment.

2) Second, it facilitates the production of collagen.

The primary ingredient is calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended within a biocompatible gel. Calcium hydroxyapatite is a mineral found in bones. As a result of this fact, there is very little risk of allergic reaction.

Indeed, most experts state that is very safe to use. Nonetheless, it is always important to consult with a medical professional before entering into any medical procedure.

Application is performed through the use of fine needles. This means that this treatment should be performed within a physician's office. The procedure takes less than an hour.

Local anesthesia is given to prevent the patient from feeling any discomfort. A topical anesthetic may be initially applied to the area at which the local anesthesia will be injected.

There may be some swelling or bruising following the procedure, but these side effects should dissipate after a few days.

The cost of a single injection of Radiesse is slightly more than a single injection of its predecessor, Restylane. However, repeat injections do not need to be performed as frequently as repeat injections of Restylane (results from Restylane typically remain for around six months while the results from Radiesse may remain for more than a year).

Furthermore, because of the calcium within Radiesse, successively smaller doses may be used during follow-up treatments. The preceding factors, taken together, imply that the long-term cost of Radiesse is typically less than the long-term cost of using Restylane.

However, Radiesse is not typically used as the sole facial dermal filler by trained medical professionals. For example, collagen or Restylane injections are often used to create fuller lips. Radiesse is not used as a treatment to bring about fuller lips because the calcium within its make up may cause bumps or lumpiness.

Radiesse is an important breakthrough in the treatment of moderate and severe wrinkles and folds. As with all medical procedures, the key to the success of this treatment is to have it administered by highly trained physician having expertise in this field.