If you're into contouring, then you've heard of Radiesse. This is probably the most popular and certainly the most controversial drug. It has two big advantages. Firstly, this gel does not dissolve when you continue to care for your face using hardware cosmetology. Secondly, it does not attract water and you avoid the effect of a puffy face. But there is an equally impressive minus.
However, first things first. Cosmetologists will express their opinions and have different opinions about this drug.
What is Radiesse?
“Firstly, the drug is approved as an injection implant for plastic surgery and reconstructive cosmetology in the EU, America, Russia and Ukraine, and also has a registered medical technology.
Secondly, Radiesse, not being a permanent filler, guarantees the preservation of the aesthetic effect for a long time.
And the third factor, from my point of view, is very important, the drug is not hydrophilic (does not retain water), its mechanism of action differs from fillers based on hyaluronic acid.
It is a sterile, latex-free, pyrogen-free, semi-solid, cohesive, completely biodegradable implant. Available in syringes of the following volumes: 0.8, 1.5 and 3 ml. The key components of Radiesse are calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres (30%) and carrier gel (70%).”
How does Radiesse work?
Alla Aleksandrovna Somova, “Artimeda”, Moscow:
“After administration of the drug, macrophages gradually absorb the gel carrier, and fibroblasts form new collagen and connective tissue that “envelops” the microspheres. Thus, by the end of the second month, a structure of calcium hydroxyapatite and natural tissue is formed, which remains in place for 18-24 months. The carrier gel is destroyed faster than new tissue is formed, so by the end of the second month there may be a feeling of “resorption” of the drug. At this stage, it is possible to introduce an additional volume of the drug, but it is advisable not to rush and wait another 2-3 months. The duration of the effect depends on the area of injection and the individual metabolism of the patient.
The behavior of drug particles at implantation sites is predictable: there is no inflammatory or mutagenic reaction, no migration or signs of calcification.
Calcium hydroxyapatite is composed of calcium and phosphate ions, which are broken down through normal metabolic processes in the body, the degradable particles being metabolized through a homeostatic mechanism. The particle size of the drug varies between 25-45 microns, and migration through the lymphatic system is possible for particles smaller than 10 microns.”
Thus, it turns out that Radiesse should gradually dissolve and be replaced by its own tissues.
“Composition of Radiesse: calcium hydroxyapatite and 70% gel carrier. The carrier gel provides primary volume. Within three months, this volume disappears, but calcium hydroxyapatite begins to work, which triggers the production of new collagen. We see collagenogenesis; accordingly, the tissues are replenished using their own collagen. But then calcium hydroxyapatite also leaves: our macrophages, as elements of the immune system, take it and remove it. In theory, Radiesse completely biodegrades starting from the sixth month.
The manufacturer itself gives a period of up to a year, but, according to pharmacokinetics, it should not remain earlier. Very serious scientific research on Radiesse is currently underway - doctors independent of the manufacturer are monitoring the behavior of the gel using MRI and CT. They look at the condition of the tissues and the presence of calcium hydroxyapatite in the third and seventh months. The effect lasts up to two years, but the material itself, calcium hydroxyapatite, should not be in the body. If it persists, this is already a complication.”
However, this gel does not always dissolve properly.
Elizaveta Alekseevna Gintovt, SPIC, St. Petersburg:
“I couldn’t fully understand this drug, even after trying it on myself. I experimented on myself in the area of my neck and hands. It is believed that Radiesse is completely biodegradable starting from the sixth month. Four months have passed and the drug is present. I see him and my colleagues see him. My skin is quite thin in the neck area and the gel contours at the injection site.”
The photo shows the contouring area of the gel (tubercles).
The main problem is that while hyaluronic acid-based gel can be excreted from the body, things are not so simple with Radiesse.
Elizaveta Alekseevna Gintovt, SPIC, St. Petersburg:
The lack of possibility of correction is a huge minus. But Radiesse also has a plus that not every gel can boast of.
Elizaveta Alekseevna Gintovt, SPIC, St. Petersburg:
“However, after Radiesse, unlike other gels, a procedure such as RF lifting is excellent, which can be carried out within two weeks after the introduction of the gel. Radiofrequency treatment improves the effect on the skin after Radiesse administration. It is recommended and prescribed in all protocols, like other hardware procedures: hydro-vacuum massage, microcurrents, Beautytech therapy.”
Elizaveta Alekseevna Gintovt, SPIC, St. Petersburg:
“If for the neck area there are no recommendations from the manufacturer for Radiesse, then for the hands it is certified. In this area, it is used to make the skin firmer to slow down the aging process. It is impossible to hide very prominent veins using this gel, since the anatomy of the hands does not allow large volumes to be injected; there will immediately be overcorrection. Large volumes are possible only in the area of the cheekbones and cheeks, where the gel is placed deep enough on the bone. In the arm area we work only in small volumes, otherwise the product will be very visible.
Radiesse is preferable for use in girls who are pasty and prone to swelling; for them, this drug is better than hyaluronic acid.”
Alla Aleksandrovna Somova, “Artimeda”, Moscow:
"1. Super results are obtained by replenishing the lost volume of the soft tissues of the face, emphasizing the cheekbones (if you want - with a heart, if you want - with an oval...).
2. For non-surgical correction of the nasal bridge.
3. To correct the chin (change the shape, make a brutal chin for men).
4. Correction of nasolabial folds, oral wrinkles, marionette lines.
5. Aesthetic correction of the dorsum of the hands.”
Contraindications.
Elizaveta Alekseevna Gintovt, SPIC, St. Petersburg:
“It is strictly forbidden to inject this drug into the area between the eyebrows, in the lip area, in the periorbital and perioral areas.
In my opinion, people who have thin skin and who may have some kind of immunity problems should be very careful with Radiesse.”
Alla Aleksandrovna Somova, “Artimeda”, Moscow:
“1. All standard contraindications to injection procedures (pregnancy, oncology, inflammatory diseases, etc.).
2. Autoimmune diseases.
3. Patients with a history of permanent filler.
4. There are areas closed to Radiesse: lips, between the eyebrows.”
Elizaveta Alekseevna Gintovt, SPIC, St. Petersburg:
“At first, when Radiesse appeared in Russia, trainers said that large amounts of the drug could be administered. I have heard cases where both 10 and 12 syringes were administered. But at the latest summit held by Merz, much more modest numbers were announced. It was said that with small volumes we get the same effect as with large ones. The same amount of collagen is formed as a result of the injection of 10 syringes or a smaller amount. Now cosmetologists are trying to work more carefully.
I had patients who received Radiesse in America, and they were also disappointed because the promised long-term effect was not there. In America they are also switching back to hyaluronic acid. Apparently, there was some kind of boom for this gel and now it is declining.”
Each drug has its own pros and cons. Radiesse has rules, compliance with which will help you more likely get the desired result. Do not turn away from the recommendations of cosmetologists!
Alla Aleksandrovna Somova, “Artimeda”, Moscow:
“* If Radiesse is implanted using a volumetric technique and the problem of overall improvement of facial architecture is solved, there is no need to strive for a one-time complete correction. Multi-stage process is the key to an impeccable final result.
* The combination of the correct injection technique: the use of special cannulas, a adjusted amount of the drug, injected in different ways and to different depths, allows you to ultimately obtain the expected excellent result.
* I do not use Radiesse in patients with a “burdened” cosmetology history: if the number of drugs introduced over the last 3-4 years is off the charts. I explain that the risk of a nonspecific complication is unreasonably high, it is better to refuse the injection.
* If the introduction of Radiesse to a patient is on a tight list of procedures somewhere between laser resurfacing, mesothreads and radio wave lifting, expect trouble. But what does this have to do with the drug itself? This is a topic for another conversation.I wish everyone health and beauty!”
The question is, is your own fat better than “ready-made” injections?
DISADVANTAGES Most of the transplanted fat cells, approximately 50%, will undergo natural death - lysis, then the procedure will need to be repeated, which leads to additional costs. The advantage of the technique is the absolute compatibility of the introduced cell conglomerate with your tissues.
Lipofilling was invented BEFORE fillers; they are a more “ancient technology”. Fillers based on hyaluronic acid today have very clear advantages, as does the Redies volumizer. They not only help smooth out wrinkles (fill them in), but also correct facial asymmetry and add additional volume (cheekbones, lips).
But at the same time, they speed up metabolism, stimulating rejuvenation processes. Even in the case of a one-time injection of fillers or volumizers (as you know, their introduction must be repeated every six months, and the new generation - once a year, one and a half), your skin will become much younger. Thanks to fillers, we stop the processes of photoaging and chronological aging.
ADVANTAGES OF FILLETS AND REDIES. As a rule, modern fillers and volumizers have a wide range (depending on their density, etc.) for correcting different areas of the face - lips, wrinkles, nasolabial lips, etc. This is very convenient for the doctor; the desired effect can be guaranteed with great accuracy. Fillers today are already offered fully packaged (sterile syringe) - you can take them out of the package and, without performing additional manipulations, immediately make a correction - saving time and avoiding trauma when taking fat. By using filler, we can carry out more accurate work and more clearly predict the result, as approximately half of the fat cells transplanted to a new location will die. Some fillers (for example, glyton) stimulate collagenogenesis, and your own fat simply lives where it is placed. Radiesse injections are needed to grow tissue collagen structures, which give tissue strength. Sometimes additional volume (in the cheekbone area) cannot solve the problem of sagging skin; you need a Redies volumizer, and definitely not lipofilling. In combination with elos-rejuvenation procedures, microcurrents and peelings, fillers and volumizers can restore your youth. Lipofilling – volume only.
It's surgery after all. In certain cases this method is of interest; however, given the need to purchase additional equipment, train support staff, etc., the method becomes labor-intensive and requires a special organization of the process. We need high-level specialists. To organize lipofilling in a clinic, it is necessary to have an operating room and the ability to provide general anesthesia. Rehabilitation is the same as after the introduction of any fillers - 2-3 days. But this is very individual. The price is approximately the same.
CONCLUSION: It is very difficult to answer the question of profitability, because it is more interesting to work with fillers on the face, and when you need to do lipofilling of the breasts, buttocks, legs - you cannot do this with fillers, definitely - lipofilling.
Aesthetic medicine is developing more and more every year. At the same time, new techniques for rejuvenating the skin of the face and body are appearing, which constantly compete with each other, becoming overgrown with myths and rumors. And sometimes it’s very difficult to figure out what the essence of a particular procedure is.
Today we will talk about lipofilling and fillers: which one is better and which procedure is best to choose to eliminate any skin imperfections.
Lipofilling
Recently, it has become an increasingly popular procedure. In essence, it is a transplantation of your own fat tissue.
Numerous studies have shown that fat cells have a special ability to merge with the cells that surround them, thereby improving them and making them healthier.
Scope of application:
- with facial asymmetry;
- with unattractive shapes of lips, cheekbones, nose, cheeks;
- with age-related aging;
- with nasolabial folds;
- with sagging contours.
The main advantage of this technique is that the filler is your own tissue. However, it is worth noting that very often the percentage of cell engraftment is only 50%, so the result may be poorly expressed and at least one more procedure will be required.
This is due to the fact that, unfortunately, there is no unified lipofilling technique in cosmetology and the effectiveness and prospects of fat cell transplantation have not been fully studied.
But even despite this, lipofilling has undeniable advantages over other injection techniques, namely:
- high compatibility, as own cells are used;
- does not cause allergies;
- permanent result;
- low-traumatic.
Fillers
Fillers are fillers that are used to rejuvenate and remove wrinkles. They may be collagen, polylactic acid or calcium.
Their main task is to replenish the lost volume in the tissues, due to which wrinkles are smoothed out. Fillers are also used to correct the shape of lips, cheeks, cheekbones, and chin.
This method of getting rid of wrinkles is very popular and has several positive qualities:
- quick and non-traumatic procedure;
- low percentage of complications;
- the composition of the drug has a beneficial effect on the skin;
- the product is quickly absorbed and eliminated from the body on its own;
- if necessary, the drug can be removed.
When wondering what to choose: filler or lipofilling, you first need to decide what problem you need to deal with.
In fact, these are two identical techniques with the only difference being the drug and its effect on the problem. They can eliminate wrinkles and correct facial features. A controversial issue arises only in the area around the eyes, where the skin is very delicate and thin. Here, cosmetologists have not come to a consensus on which procedure is best to carry out: lipofilling under the eyes or fillers.
Comparison of procedures
Based on the above, we can draw a parallel between lipofilling and fillers and compare them.
The main differences between them are as follows:
- duration of the result: which resolve after a year, lipofilling can be permanent;
- rejuvenating effect: fillers, which include hyaluronic acid, enrich and nourish skin cells, unlike your own fat, which serves only as a filler;
- side effects: being a natural material, fat cells are safe for the body, unlike fillers;
- price: considering that filler injections are not cheap, and the results from them are not long-lasting, then in general you will have to shell out a “round” sum, while the lipofilling procedure can be done once.
Only a qualified cosmetologist will select the most optimal procedure for your skin, so you should take his choice seriously!
The condition and appearance of the skin is determined by the presence of elastin and collagen. It is these substances that give elasticity and provide a beautiful oval face. When natural aging processes begin in the body, the amount of collagen and elastin decreases, which leads to the formation of wrinkles and folds. Special preparations, including Radiesse volumizer, will help restore a healthy appearance.
Contouring and Radiesse
Contour plastic surgery refers to to non-surgical rejuvenation methods. This procedure involves the introduction of special drugs into the skin, so it is always performed on an outpatient basis. The products often contain collagen and hyaluronic acid.
The procedure itself is quite simple. The first changes can be detected within a couple of hours. The effect lasts approximately 1 year. This period may vary slightly depending on the filler and the concentration of the active substance.
Today, the drug Radiesse is increasingly used in cosmetology. Feedback from clients testifies to its effectiveness. The composition contains a special gel, as well as calcium hydroxyapatite. Accordingly, immediately after the injection there is a noticeable increase in volume. So, the gel gets into folds and wrinkles, smoothing them out. This procedure allows you to restore facial contours and get rid of sunken cheekbones.
Radiesse gel dissolves within 5 months, but the effect still remains. This is explained by the presence of calcium hydroxyapatite, namely its microcrystals. Their structure is very similar to human bone tissue. Accordingly, the drug turns out to be biocompatible. When the gel itself dissolves, new tissue will appear here, which allows you to prolong the effect of the injection.
The volumizer is indicated during the development of aging processes, that is, it can be used after 35 years. Radiesse provides the following results:
- correction of facial oval;
- elimination of scars;
- eyebrow raising;
- getting rid of deep wrinkles and folds;
- correction of the shape of the chin and cheekbones;
- smoothing of nasolabial folds.
Radiesse compares favorably with other gels with its long shelf life. Thus, fillers with hyaluronic acid will provide an effect for an average of six months, and Radiesse – for 1–1.5 years. In this case, the procedure will require a smaller amount of product. This gel can also be used to fill problem areas on both the face and other parts of the body.
First of all, you need to make sure that the surgeon or cosmetologist who will give the injection has the appropriate certificate. If the specialist does not have such a document, it is worth looking for another center.
To administer Radiesse you will need syringe with a very thin needle. Before the injection itself, the area can be numbed with a special gel. It will take about 20–40 minutes to treat the entire area.
It is worth noting that anesthesia is not used in most cases. Sometimes a minimal amount of lidocaine is added to the drug, so that the introduction of the gel will not cause any discomfort to the patient.
The first result will be noticeable immediately, and the maximum effect can be assessed after a month. Accordingly, there is no need to make additional injections with Radiesse during this period.
Complications and contraindications
Although Radiesse is considered biocompatible, this does not guarantee the absence of side effects and some complications. So, after the injection it may appear slight itching and redness. At the treatment site, a slight thickening or discoloration of the skin sometimes occurs. Such manifestations are observed for several days, after which they disappear on their own.
Radiesse should not be used if the following contraindications exist:
- diabetes mellitus;
- epilepsy;
- dermatological diseases;
- acute infectious diseases;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- impaired blood clotting.
What should patients remember?
If you decide to try Radiesse injections, be sure to keep in mind a few important points.
Reviews from cosmetologists
Radiesse has not been used in modern cosmetology for very long, which is why many are interested in reviews not only patients, but also specialists who perform the procedure with this drug.
I have been using Radiesse for 8 years and have become very familiar with its properties and features. This filler really helps to correct the oval of the face, while the cheekbones, nose and chin will look very natural and attractive. The drug is also effective if you need to eliminate tissue deficiency, that is, sagging cheeks. I classify Radiesse as a universal filler, because with its help it will be possible to eliminate most cosmetic defects on the face.
Ekaterina, Moscow
Previously, in my work, I only used gels with hyaluronic acid and laser technologies. However, sometimes such procedures were not enough. When Radiesse first came on the market, I decided to try it. Preparation turned out to be truly unique. Its special composition allows you to restore facial contours, as collagen production is activated. The difference between Radiesse and any hyaluronic acid-based fillers is the absence of swelling, which is very important for my clients.
Sergey, St. Petersburg
I increasingly use Radiesse when performing anti-aging procedures. Such injections ensure the elimination of wrinkles and folds for at least 1 year. At the same time, the filler itself promotes more active natural collagen production, which means you can stay beautiful longer without resorting to plastic surgery.
Elena, Kazan
Contour plastic surgery is gaining more and more fans, because it allows you to prolong youth and avoid surgical intervention. To really look good and get rid of wrinkles, you should try Radiesse injections. This drug is considered safe and has virtually no side effects.
Radiesse preparation
Correction of age-related changes on the face, which does not require large-scale surgical intervention, is in great demand. Two main methods compete with each other: lipofilling and plastic surgery using fillers.
Fillers are gel-like preparations that are administered as injections. They help correct the shape of cheekbones, lips, nose, as well as eliminate wrinkles. There are three main types of fillers used:
The advantage of fillers is that in addition to smoothing out wrinkles, they can add additional volume (for example, to cheekbones, lips).
Fillers are used, as a rule, to correct age-related changes on the face, and for the area of the buttocks, chest, and legs, the lipofilling procedure is more suitable.
Lipofilling is also called autologous filler. To carry out this procedure, the patient's adipose tissue is pumped out from problem areas, then special preparation is carried out. And only then the resulting substrate is introduced into problem areas. For this procedure, micropunctures are performed, which ensures low skin trauma.
An undoubted advantage of using lipofilling is that the compatibility of the injected processed fat with the body will be 100%, and it will not cause rejection by the body. But approximately half of the introduced cells, as a rule, do not take root. And this leads to the need to repeat the procedure and, as a result, to additional costs.
The disadvantage of lipofilling is that in one area the adipose tissue undergoes destruction more slowly than in another, and this can lead to asymmetry.
With the help of lipofilling, you can eliminate nasolabial folds, adjust the shape and volume of the lips, buttocks, mammary glands, and arms.
The undoubted advantage of lipofilling is that your own adipose tissue is absorbed more slowly than fillers, which means a long-lasting effect.
The doctor can advise which procedure to choose, taking into account not only the patient’s wishes, but also the characteristics of his body and the severity of the problem.
