Long-lasting results with hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) facial filler.

BACKGROUND

This study examined the patient satisfaction and longevity of Radiesse, a calcium hydroxylapatite compound, as a facial soft-tissue filler for the glabellar lines, the lips, the nose, the face, and the infraorbital region.

METHODS

Radiesse, 0.5 to 2.0 ml, was injected into the designated area in each of the 40 Argentinian male and female patients in the study, using a fine needle. The age range of the patients was 25 to 60 years.

RESULTS

Patients were observed over a period of 18 months. No systemic effects, no immunologic responses, and minimal adverse events (ecchymosis and hematoma in 5 percent of the subjects) occurred with the treatment. In the patient satisfaction survey, 87 percent of the patients rated their level of satisfaction as acceptable or better.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiesse was shown to be a highly effective, long-lasting material for facial soft-tissue augmentation. The safe and well-tolerated compound drew high marks in patient satisfaction. A precise injection technique helped minimize potential effects such as nodule formation and helped avoid persistent overcorrection, livid coloring, and asymmetry. Radiesse can be considered a very good option for an aesthetic soft-tissue facial filler when real volumetric augmentation is needed.