Up to recently, non-surgical anti-aging treatments have been focused very much on the treatment of lines and wrinkles. Anti- wrikle injections typically is used in the upper face to weaken the muscles which cause wrinkling and dermal-fillers are used for filling out individual wrinkles and folds such as the nasolabial folds. Such treatments are effective and are still relevant within the range of available treatments in medical aesthetics.In treating individual lines, however, other aspects of the aging process are not being addressed. Loss of volumes plays a very significant role in creating an aged appearance. Volume loss comes about as a result of shrinkage of specific fatty tissues such as the fat pads on the cheeks and also migration of tissues southwards . The end results are a change of the shape of the face (with the jawline turning from a V to a U), loss of contours such as the high 'cheek-bone' that typifies youth and the deepening of lines and fold which conventional treatments target.In recent years, the industry has widened the emphasis of facial rejuvenation to include volume replacement. Specific fillers are now available for this purpose. I have always professed to being conservative and over-cautious when it comes to embracing new products and treatments. Over the last two years, I have looked into and tried out various volumising fillers in the market. Out of that process, I have decided to include Radiesse in the range of treatments I offer at my clinic.
Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite as the active ingredient. �The calcium hydroxypatite are in the form of micro-spheres within a gel matrix. When injected into the skin the gel matrix of calcium micro-spheres pushes up the contour defects, providing a lifting effect and giving instant volume. For an even greater benefit, the calcium micro-spheres stimulate the production of your own natural collagen which will further build volume. �I have found Radiesse to be more effective than the conventional hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane ) for its volumising and lifting effect. The other �advantage is that it lasts for about a year. Because of it��s collagenising effect, the volume required after each injection will also reduce. �The starting cost is more but the longer term financial savings is significant.Possible side effects are similar to all other fillers.Radiesse is very effective in many areas:�� For eyebrows, Radiesse can lift and give a more open appearance�� Temples, it can fill out hollows.�� Volumising cheekbones giving a more youthful look.�� Restoring volume to earlobes.�� Filling out nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth).�� Replacing volume incheeks.�� Filling marionette lines, (the lines that go from the corners of the mouth down to the jaw.�� Giving definition to the contours of the jaw.�� Smoothing out nasal imperfections.�� Filling chin folds and improving the contour of the chin.�� Plumping the back of hands.In conclusion, my choice for 'pumping up the volume' at this point in time is Radiesse.
