Skin Care - Radiesse


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Skin Care - Radiesse

What Is Radiesse?
Is Radiesse Safe?
Where Can Radiesse Be Used?
How Long Does Radiesse Last?
Your Radiesse Treatment
Post Treatment Instructions

What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a non-surgical, cosmetic procedure that supplements your skin's own depleted collagen to smooth out deep facial wrinkles and creases and minimize scars. It is injected just below the surface of the skin and is particularly effective smoothing out the deep wrinkles or creases that appear as folds between the nose and mouth or on the sides of the nose. Radiesse contains the same compounds found in human bones and teeth so there is almost no risk of allergic reaction. Radiesse is a safe and proven alternative to bovine collagen injections and solid facial implants.

Radiesse is approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA)and has been successfully used by thousands of men and woman over the last seven years. Treatment results are immediate and the results typically last several months. Of course, results may vary among individuals. The staff and doctors of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will work with you to develop a collagen replacement program to meet your individual needs and to give you the results you desire.

Is Radiesse Safe?
Radiesse was approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nearly a decade ago and since then has undergone continued testing in accordance with strict FDA requirements. Thousands of men and women have used Radiesse to safely and successfully smooth out deep facial wrinkles, creases, and folds. During your initial consultation, the staff and doctors of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will address any safety concerns you have regarding the use of Radiesse.

Where Can Radiesse Be Used?
Radiesse is injected just below the surface of the skin, filling in the deep creases and folds that often form between the nose and mouth and on either side of the nose. It can also be used to enhance the area surrounding the lips and to minimize acne scars. The doctor will determine which areas to inject with Radiesse based on an evaluation of the skin on your face and neck.

How Long Does Radiesse Last?
Radiesse supplements your skin's own depleted collagen, smoothing out wrinkles, minimizing scars, and improving the appearance of deep frown lines and nasal furrows. Radiesse is a safe, effective, non-surgical wrinkle treatment that provides immediate, natural looking results. Depending on the area treated, the improvement in wrinkles, creases, and folds may last for several months or even years. Some touch-up treatments many be necessary. As with all cosmetic procedures, results may vary and it is best to discuss your individual case with the doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery during your initial consultation.

Your Radiesse Treatment
Radiesse is a collagen replacement therapy especially suited to smoothing out the deep wrinkles or creases that appear as folds between the nose and mouth or on the sides of the nose. No anesthesia is required for your Radiesse treatment, although the doctor may numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The doctor uses an ultra fine needle to inject Radiesse into the areas of the face and neck that appear folded, creased, or wrinkled. Most patients compare the injection to the feeling of a small pinprick.

Unlike other dermal fillers, Radiesse is not absorbed into your system; therefore, the doctor does not need to overfill the wrinkled area. The entire treatment takes less than an hour, depending on the number of areas being treated. Results with Radiesse are immediate, so you can determine at first glance if you are happy with the results or if you would like additional injections of Radiesse. Usually one treatment is sufficient because Radiesse is not absorbed by the body and is long lasting.

No recovery time is required; you may resume normal activity immediately. Side effects of the procedure are minimal, other than short-term swelling and redness in the areas of the injections. Results appear immediately and can last for several months or even years.

Precautions
While no pre-treatment allergy tests are required, there are a few precautions you should take prior to your Radiesse treatment.

� Avoid using aspirin, non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicines, St. John's Wort, or high does of Vitamin E supplements for one week prior to your treatment because they may increase bruising or bleeding at the site of your injections.

� Do not consume alcohol leading up to and after your Radiesse treatment because alcohol can effect the circulation and blood flow in your body, which could impact the effectiveness of your treatment.

� You should avoid receiving Radiesse injections if you have an infection in the site where the infection will be placed.

� The safety of Radiesse for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been established.

� The safety of Radiesse for patients under 18 years of age has not been determined.

� You should NOT receive Radiesse injections if you have a hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the drug formula.

The doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will discuss these precautions and answer any specific questions you may have during your initial consultation.

Post Treatment Instructions
While there are limited side effects from the use of Radiesse, there are a few post-treatment instructions you should be aware of. The doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will discuss these instructions and answer any questions you may have prior to your treatment.

� Immediately after your treatment, if present, you may notice temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects are minor and typically disappear in about two weeks. Cold compresses may be used immediately after your treatment to reduce swelling. If the inconvenience continues beyond two to three days or if other reactions occur, call The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery.

� Until any initial redness and swelling have disappeared, avoid exposure of the treated area to intense heat (sunlamp or sunbathing).

� Avoid touching the treated area within six hours of your treatment. After that, the area can be gently washed with soap and water.

� Avoid exercise and alcohol for six hours after your treatment.

Questions You May Have

� Are there other procedures that could be done along with Radiesse injections to reduce wrinkles and restore the youthful appearance of my face?
Botox cosmetic is frequently used in combination with facial filler to achieve a multidimensional rejuvenation of the face. These non-surgical procedures complement each other to produce a refreshed appearance.

In addition, there are many surgical procedures that can be used to enhance the youthful appearance of your face and neck: facelift, forehead and brow lift, neck lift, and eyelid lift are a few examples. Complementary procedures will be discussed with you during your initial consultation with the doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery.

� Will my insurance coverage pay for my Radiesse injections?
Radiesse injections are considered a cosmetic treatment and, therefore, are not covered by your insurance. You are responsible for the full payment for your procedure. Cost and payment information will be discussed in detail with you during your initial consultation.