As we grow older, signs of aging become more evident on our faces. We recognize these as wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. There are various injectable dermal fillers to help improve upon ones facial appearance and to achieve a more youthful look. These dermal fillers are used to smooth out wrinkles and add volume. Collagen and fat injections were used in the past, but are not often used today.

We have both Restylane and Radiesse available at this spa. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and will be discussed individually later. However, the indication and basic technique are similar with both materials.

Made of unique calcium-based microspheres (hydroxyapetitie) that are suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a tiny needle.

• No allergy testing prior to treatment
• Lasts 12-18 months
• FDA approved for treatment of wrinkles

	Radiesse (CaHA + Gel) initially performs as a filler
	Macrophages start to degrade gel carrier (2-3 months)
	Macrophages dissolve gel carrier as new collagen forms “scaffold” around particles. Collagen surrounds microspheres of CaHA and provides for a long term augmentation (1-2 year augmentation)
	CaHA particles start to degrade and are metabolized by macrophages (2-3 years)