The rise in popularity of regenerative aesthetics is undeniable, with biostimulators leading the charge. The beauty of regenerative aesthetics, especially biostimulators, is that they use your own skin’s power to bring out your natural beauty.
Regenerative Biostimulators 101
Regenerative biostimulators work by activating the body’s own repair and renewal processes, rather than simply adding volume or creating a temporary effect. They aim for gradual, natural, long-lasting results. “Regenerative biostimulators are designed to wake up your own fibroblasts so you build new collagen and elastin over time. On top of acting like a space-occupying gel, they act like a temporary scaffold that signals the skin to repair, thicken and firm from within,” explains board-certified Pasadena facial plastic surgeon Kay Durairaj, MD.
“After injection, the particles sit in the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissue, creating gentle mechanical stimulation. This triggers neocollagenesis (new collagen production), neoelastogenesis (new elastin) and even improved microcirculation,” says Dr. Durairaj.
Dr. Durairaj explains that, “Over time, the carrier gel is resorbed and the particles are gradually broken down by the body. What remains is your own remodeled tissue—thicker dermis, better support and smoother transitions between facial compartments.”
Regenerative Biostimulators vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
“Hyaluronic acid fillers are gels that give immediate volume and structure. They attract water, support the tissues mechanically and are excellent for precise shaping of lips, tear troughs and delicate contours,” says Dr. Durairaj. “Regenerative biostimulators provide some immediate support, but their main value is in stimulating collagen and elastin production over time. The results are more about improved firmness, elasticity and lift.”
The Radiesse Difference
Radiesse is one of the most popular options for regenerative biostimulators among those seeking a younger and healthier-looking complexion. “In my practice and research, Radiesse has become a workhorse for patients who want structural support and true tissue regeneration, especially in the midface and lower face where bone, face and skin are all changing at once,” says Dr. Durairaj.
Important Safety Information for RADIESSE® appears at the end of this article
Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) biostimulator suspended in a gel carrier. It has a dual action: immediate structural support from the gel and delayed stimulation of collagen production from the CaHA microspheres as the gel is resorbed, says Dr. Durairaj. She notes, “This combination gives patients an early ‘lift’ with progressive improvement in firmness and contour over the following months.”
The biggest distinguishing factor for Radiesse, according to Dr. Durairaj, is its versatility. Outside of showing significant improvement of collagen and elastin versus baseline, Radiesse also shows a 48 percent improvement in skin thickness.1 Radiesse supports the formation of new microvessels, ensuring robust nutrients and oxygen delivery for optimally nourished skin. Radiesse also boasts strong evidence. “Histologic studies show robust stimulation of collagen types I and III, elastin and angiogenesis, which aligns with what I see clinically: better snap, density and luminosity of the skin rather than a ‘filled’ or puffy appearance,” says Dr. Durairaj.2
The Ideal Biostimulator Candidate
The best candidate is someone who is noticing laxity, deflation or ‘softening’ of their facial contours and wants a natural, gradual improvement on top of instant lift and contour, notes Dr. Durairaj, who has recommended it for patients from 30 through 70. She says signs of a good candidate include flattening of the cheeks, early jowling or loss of jawline definition, skin crepiness and volume loss on the backs of the hands. Dr. Durairaj notes it’s a prime option for patients who care about long-term skin health and collagen production. “They understand that results build over several months and that maintenance is part of a long game for aging well.”
Dr. Durairaj notes that Radiesse is not appropriate for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have active infections or uncontrolled autoimmune disease in the treatment area. Additionally, it might not be the best option for those who need very superficial fine-line refinement, in which case hyaluronic acid fillers or other approaches may be better suited.
Radiesse During Your GLP-1 Weight Loss Journey
Rapid weight loss that comes with GLP-1s often leaves the face a bit more gaunt than desired. “Rapid weight loss can deflate the midface, temples and lower face, making the face look drawn, older and more skeletal. You lose not only fat, but also support from fascia and skin thickness, so folds deepen and jowls show up sooner,” explains Dr. Durairaj.
It’s crucial to consider longevity when on GLP-1s, says Dr. Durairaj, who emphasizes the importance of “adequate protein intake, micronutrient support, hormones and lifestyle, since the goal is not only to fill a hollow face but to keep tissues strong as weight stabilizes.” She says, “When Radiesse is combined with healthy weight-maintenance and skin care, it becomes a powerful tool to help patients look like a fresher version of themselves rather than someone who suddenly lost a lot of volume.”
References:
- Silvers SL, et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;118(3 Suppl):34S–45S.
- Aguilera SB, et al. Aesthetic Surg J. 2023;43(10):1063–1090.
Indication:
RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) Injectable Implants are FDA-approved for subdermal implantation for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. RADIESSE® is also indicated for hand augmentation to correct volume loss in the dorsum of the hands. Radiesse (+) injectable implant is also indicated for deep injection (subdermal and/or supraperiosteal) for soft tissue augmentation to improve moderate to severe loss of jawline contour in adults over the age of 21.
RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Contraindications:
These products are contraindicated for patients with severe allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis, or history or presence of multiple severe allergies; patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components; and patients with bleeding disorders. RADIESSE® (+) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lidocaine or anesthetics of the amide type.
Warnings:
Introduction of product into the vasculature may lead to embolization, occlusion of the vessels, ischemia, or infarction. Take extra care when injecting soft tissue fillers, for example inject the product slowly and apply the least amount of pressure necessary. Rare but serious adverse events associated with the intravascular injection of soft tissue fillers in the face have been reported and include temporary or permanent vision impairment, blindness, cerebral ischemia or cerebral hemorrhage, leading to stroke, skin necrosis, and damage to underlying facial structures. Immediately stop the injection if a patient exhibits any of the following symptoms, including changes in vision, signs of a stroke, blanching of the skin, or unusual pain during or shortly after the procedure. The treating physician should be knowledgeable regarding any pretreatment evaluation and appropriate interventions in the event of intravascular disseminated injection. Prompt intervention by an appropriate medical specialist should be given should these signs or symptoms of intravascular injection occur.
Use of these products in any person with active skin inflammation or infection in or near the treatment should be deferred until the inflammatory or infectious process is controlled.
Do not overcorrect (overfill) a contour deficiency with these products.
Injection into the dorsum of the hand may cause adverse events that last for more than 14 days, and may result in temporary difficulty performing activities (48% of study patients reported this adverse event). RADIESSE® may cause nodules, bumps or lumps in the dorsum of the hand (12% reported this event) and can last up to 1 year.
The safety and effectiveness for use in the lips has not been established. There have been published reports of nodules associated with the use of these products injected into the lips.
Precautions:
In order to minimize the risk of potential complications, this product should only be used by healthcare practitioners who have appropriate training, experience and who are knowledgeable about the anatomy at and around the injection site. Healthcare practitioners should fully familiarize themselves with the product, the product educational materials and the entire package insert.
The safety and effectiveness of RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) in the following situations has not been established:
• Beyond 3 years in the face and 1 year in the hand
• In the periorbital area
• Interactions between RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) and drugs or other substances or implants
• Use during pregnancy, or in breastfeeding women
• In the face in patients under 18 years old
• In the dorsum of the hand in patients under 26 years old and over 79 years old
• In patients with increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring
• With concomitant dermal therapies such as epilation, UV irradiation, or laser, mechanical, or chemical peeling procedures
These products contain calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) particles that are radiopaque and are clearly visible on CT Scans and may be visible in standard, plain radiography.
As with all transcutaneous procedures, injection of these products carries a risk of infection. Injection in the jawline may temporarily alter jaw function.
Use of RADIESSE® in the dorsum of the hand may result in significant swelling of the dorsum of the hand.
To help avoid needle breakage, do not attempt to straighten a bent needle or cannula. Discard it and complete the procedure with a replacement needle.
Patients who are using medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin, may experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
Patients with a history of previous herpetic eruption may experience reactivation of the herpes.
Patients should minimize strenuous activity and exposure of the treated area to extensive sun or heat exposure for approximately 24 hours after treatment or until any initial swelling and redness has resolved.
Adverse Events:
Common adverse events observed in clinical studies of RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, lumps/bumps at site of injection, difficulty chewing and other local side effects.
Cases of delayed-onset inflammation have been reported to occur at the dermal filler treatment site following viral or bacterial illnesses or infections, vaccinations, or dental procedures. Typically, the reported inflammation was responsive to treatment or resolved on its own.
Information on adverse events from post-market surveillance of RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) are included in the Instructions for Use (IFU) and Patient Information Guide (PIG) based on an assessment of seriousness and potential causal relationship to RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+). Please see the IFU and PIG available at www.radiesse.com for a complete list of these events.
To report a problem with RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+), please call MyMerz Solutions at 1-844-469-6379.
For complete Safety Information please refer to the Instructions for Use at Radiesse.com.
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