Frequently Asked Questions

Radiesse (Radiance)

Q. What is Radiesse and how does it work?
A. Radiesse, previously known as Radiance, is a soft tissue injectable filler. It is made up of Calcium Hydroxyapetite, which can be found in our bones and joints. It is used to treat wrinkles and creases of the face; and shape or contour the face. Radiesse injections can provide a healthier, more vital appearance to the face by replacing volume, lost in the aging process. Radiesse helps in the aging process by stimulating the production of collagen, which helps reduce deeper lines and wrinkles. Radiesse may also be used for non-surgical rhinoplasty, cheek augmentation, chin augmentation and also to replace volume in the hands.

Q. Is Radiesse safe?
A. Yes. Radiesse is made of Calcium Hydroxyapetite, which is found in our bones and joints. No skin testing is needed because of this. It was recently FDA approved for cosmetic use, but had been used "off label" for cosmetic procedures for many years.

Q. Where can Radiesse be injected?
A. Radiesse can be used to correct moderate to severe nasolabial folds, marionette lines,and creases in the chin. It is also used to add volume to hands, cheeks, chin and nose.

Q. How do I know if I'm a good candidate for Radiesse injections?
A. Men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations and looking to improve their appearance by reducing the obvious signs of aging on their face and skin may be good candidates for Radiesse treatment. Radiesse may not be appropriate for women who are breast feeding, pregnant, or plan to be come pregnant soon. Nor is it appropriate treatment for anyone with a severe allergy history (Anaphalaxsis) to anything, including medications bees, environmental etc.

Q. What happens during a consultation for Radiesse?
A. You will meet with the Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner for the consultation. The Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner will take a thorough medical history, discuss your goals and expectations and will also explain all details of the procedure, including the technique, the benefits, the recovery, the risks and the costs. The Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner/Cosmetic Nurse Specialist will carefully examine and evaluate your face to determine what needs to be done. Photographs of all areas to be treated will be taken.

Q. Who Should administer Radiesse?
A. Any authorized health care professional can administer Radiesse, but Dr. Edwin F. Williams, a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in Latham, NY., recommends those seeking to receive Radiesse treatment should be treated by a health care professional with experience. Cosmetic Physicians and Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are generally more experienced professionals. Our Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are highly trained registered nurses/ nurse practitioners, practicing under the direction of Dr. Edwin F. Williams.

Q. Where will the injections take place?A. The Williams Rejuva Center, where the Radiesse injections typically take place, provides a relaxing spa-like environment to be treated in.

Q. What should I tell my healthcare professional before having Radiesse treatments?A. Notify your Doctor or The Cosmetic Nurse Specialist if you are taking Aspirin, aspirin like medication (Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen, Celebrex etc.), Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Herbal Supplements or alcohol, as these all can cause bruising and/or bleeding during the Radiesse treatment. Your healthcare professional may recommend that you stop taking any of these, if you can, for two weeks prior to treatmet, to help lessen the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.

Q. How is the actual Radiesse procedure performed & How long does it take?
A. For the procedure, anesthesia is first administered and the skin is cleansed. A very fine needle is then used to inject the Radiesse beneath the skin.Radiesse injections are quick procedures that typically take between thirty and sixty minutes to complete.

Q. What type of anesthesia is used during treatment with Radiesse?
A. The Willaims Rejuva Center Cosmetic Nurse Specialists pride themselves in providing Radiesse treatments with minimal or no discomfort. We have researched methods for optimum results with nearly pain free injections. Discomfort is minimal because we use anesthetic agents such as topical creams, gel, and/or local anesthetic.

Q. What are the risks or complications that can occur with Radiesse injections?
A. Complications associated with Radiesse are minimal, Side effects may include brusing, redness, swelling and tenderness, discoloration, edema, itching, and pain, at the injection sites. As with any procedure that involves an injection through the skin, there is always the possibility of infection. These side effects, if they occur will subside within 3 to 7 days.

Q. What can I expect of the recovery after a Radiesse injection?
A. Recover is minimal and patients are typically able to immediately return to their normal activities. Some minor inflammation and swelling can occur during the first two to four days. Discomfort after the procedure is minimal and typically fades quickly. Patients can expect an initial plumping of the skin to occur during the first three months after treatment. Radiesse also results in extended correction for up to twelve months as new collagen is stimulated to form.

Q. Will I need to take time off from work after my Radiesse treatment?
A. Most patients are able to immediately resume their normal activities and work after treatment.

Q. Does Radiesse have any limitations?
A. The limitations and realistic expectations of your Radiesse treatment will be discussed with the professional administering the Radiesse, at the Williams Rejuva Center. We want each patient to understand the cosmetic facial treatment and what to expect from Radiesse.

Q. How long can I expect the results of Radiesse to last?
A. Results will vary, but patients can generally expect the results of Radiesse to last for one year, though some patients do experience longer-lasting results.

Q. Does insurance ever cover the cost of Radiesse injections?
A. Radiesse treatments that are intended for cosmetic purposes only are typically not covered by insurance. Patients should check with their own insurance carrier regarding the degree and/or availability of coverage.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Q. What does board certified mean?
A. Please click here to see our web page on Board Certification.

Q. Does Radiesse provide permanent or temporary relief of facial wrinkles.
A. Radiesse replaces volume in the areas of the face such as cheeks, nasal labial folds or narrowing neck line areas. It is temporary and usually lasts approximately one year in most cases.