Carla Moss Photo - Boston Cosmetic Surgeon

Carla has her nasolabial folds
treated with Radiesse. She has two
syringes injected for a more
complete correction.

Non-Surgical Options Photo - Boston Cosmetic Surgeon

Radiesse^TM

Boston Cosmetic Surgeon - Dr. Moss

Radiesse^TM is one of the "filler" products that Dr. Moss is offering to soften and reduce some of the facial lines such as the nasolabial folds (the lines between your nose and mouth) and the marionette lines (the lines that run down from your mouth). Radiesse^TM can also be used to reshape the jaw line. Like other fillers, these results can be achieved with a simple in-office visit. The advantage of Radiesse^TM over some of the other existing "fillers" is that it lasts on average for 1 year. Some of the other existing "filler" products only last on average six months (Restylane® and Perlane®) and some only three months (Collagen products).

The results with Radiesse^TM can be seen immediately. As with any "filler" treatment or injectable there may be some bruising for a few days. Makeup usually adequately covers most bruising and patients are able to go about their normal daily routine. While this bruising may be minor, patients do need to be aware of it and not schedule treatments within a week of "important events."

Dr. Moss recommends that all patients avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, vitamin E, or St. John's Wort for two weeks prior to receiving any "filler" injectable treatment such as Radiesse^TM or Restylane^®. This is because these medications can increase bruising. If your physician has prescribed any of these medications such as aspirin please consult with him before you stop.

Radiesse^TM is a safe, biocompatible, biodegradable, injectable that is made up primarily of Calcium. The FDA approved Radiesse^TM in December 2006 for the correction and filling for moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles, including nasolabial folds. No skin testing is required. Prior to 2006, Radiesse^TM had also been approved for injection into the vocal cords and as a tissue marker. Before its December 2006 FDA approval, many physicians including Dr. Moss offered Radiesse^TM as an "off label" treatment for the softening of facial lines, including nasolabial folds, and for other facial cosmetic uses. Therefore, Dr. Moss now has over two years' experience with the use of Radiesse^TM.

Radiesse^TM is gently injected into the skin in small amounts with a very fine needle. Its exclusive calcium-based microsphere technology contains tiny particles that form a scaffold around which the body is stimulated to produce new collagen. This unique response provides immediate, visible improvement of folds and wrinkles, while the body's own collagen naturally restores a fuller, more youthful appearance that keeps patients looking better even longer. Radiesse's^TM tiny microspheres gradually break down into calcium and phosphate ions that are naturally taken up by the body over time.

Women or men who have facial wrinkles and folds common with aging and volume loss are candidates for Radiesse^TM. In particular, Radiesse^TM is the better choice for women who are familiar with other filler products but are frustrated by the inconvenience of injections every 3 to 6 months. In addition, these patients need to be willing to pay the slightly higher cost for the Radiesse^TM injection. However, in the long run, Radiesse^TM is more cost effective when you consider that it lasts on average twice the length of time as Restylane^®. In addition, there is slightly more material in the Radiesse^TM syringe.

Radiesse^TM is not recommended for use in enlarging or enhancing the lips. Dr. Moss would recommend that patients use Restylane^® for enlarging one's lips.

Since Radiesse^TM has no anesthetic in the product Dr. Moss recommends that patients have a "dental block" before they receive an injection of Radiesse^TM. Dr. Moss uses a technique that is similar to the technique that dentists use when giving "Novocain" for dental work. This "dental block" is identical to the "dental block" that is used before injecting Restylane^®. Dr. Moss provides this "dental block" at the time of treatment and it is included in the price of a Radiesse^TM injection.

Dr. Moss offers Radiesse^TM at a very attractive price of $700 for a 1.3 ml syringe. Two syringes of Radiesse^TM 1.3 ml syringe injected at the same visit costs $1300 ($100 discount). Prior to receiving their first treatment of Radiesse^TM a patient would need to have a consultation with Dr. Moss. You can expect that treatment could be provided at the same time as the consultation. The cost of this consultation is $75 if the patient elects to receive no "filler" treatment. If the patient elects to be treated on the day of consultation with either Radiesse^TM or another filler such as Restylane® or Juvederm^TM then the cost of the consultation is waived and the patient pays only for the treatment.