An injectable dermal filler, Radiesse was approved by the FDA in 2006 for use in correcting medium to severe folds and wrinkles in the face. Examples include nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth). Radiesse was also approved at the same time to be used to counteract facial wasting in HIV patients.
Development of Radiesse
Calcium Hydroxylapatite, the substance used in Radiesse to provide volume to injected areas, was used safely and effectively in a number of other medical applications before the Radiesse was developed. These applications included dental and orthopedic use, as well as use in the ears and vocal cords. Before its approval, Radiesse was put through a rigorous testing period by the FDA, in which its safety and effectiveness was assessed. In comparison with other dermal fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse was found to be more effective in smaller doses, and to last longer.
Unique Qualities of Radiesse
Unlike many other dermal fillers, Radiesse is not formulated from collagen or hyaluronic acid. Instead, it consists of microspheres of calcium suspended in a gel. The presence of the microspheres not only fills in wrinkles, but also stimulates the body to produce additional collagen, leading to long-term effects. Radiesse has been shown in studies to remain effective as long as a full year.
