Radiesse For Cheeks Augmentation

The cheek is the fleshy region of the face that is located below the eyes and between the nose and the left or right ear. This region tends to be plump and round due to the placement of malar fat pads. These facial tissues lose their volume easily due to aging, which results in unattractive sagging skin, sunken cheeks, and undefined cheekbones. Dermal fillers can then be used to instantly add volume and definition to the cheeks with very little recovery time.

How does Radiesse help to augment the cheeks?

Radiesse is a soft tissue implant that is manufactured by Merz Aesthetics. This pyrogen-free, latex-free, and biodegradable filler are made of 30% synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that are homogenously suspended in 70% aqueous carrier gel. While the carrier gel helps to instantly plump the skin, the CaHA microparticles encourage the fibroblasts to manufacture more collagen fibers. Over time, the underlying skin structure becomes strengthened and cheeks appear volumized and smooth.

Due to this unique process, doctors often prefer using this filler for areas that require large amounts of volume. The collagen growth encourages a more natural fullness in the area that lasts for longer, making it a top choice for patients who don’t want to get injections every six months.

How is Radiesse injected to augment the cheek?

Radiesse should be injected to volumize and redefine the cheeks via deep dermal or sub-dermal injections. The appropriate filler volume and depth of injection depends on the severity of aesthetic conditions. Physicians must also avoid injecting the filler too superficially, as it could result in palpable nodules and induration. Following adequate correction, any leftover filler must be discarded. The entirety of the treatment session must be performed under strict aseptic standards.   

How long will the results last?

Immediately after injection, the skin becomes plumper and lifted and deep creases are effectively erased away. This is due to the action of the 70% aqueous carrier gel. As for the 30% CaHA microspheres, they will stimulate the fibroblasts to stimulate the growth of more collagen fibers. As a result of this growth, the reinforced skin will then remain plump, elastic, and smooth for up to a year or more before being disintegrated into the surrounding tissues. This duration of action is influenced by physiological factors (e.g. age, skin health, lifestyle, etc.), the expertise of the injector, the volume of filler used, and the injection technique.

What are the side effects of Radiesse filler injections?

Patients receiving Radiesse treatment(s) are regularly at risk of developing skin inflammatory reactions that are associated with minimally-invasive injections, such as this. The reactions range from redness, bruising, swelling, pain, to itchiness within or near the injection site(s). Most often than not, the reactions noticed are mild in nature and should subside within a week, once the skin in the area of the injection site heals from the trauma. Should you be experiencing volume loss in the cheeks, creating an older and more gaunt facial appearance, talk to your doctor about the possibility of Radiesse injections. Radiesse is also favored by doctors for use on the backs of the hands, temples, and jawline, giving it the habit of being referred to as a “liquid facelift”.