The cheeks are the fleshy region of the face, 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 presence of malar fat pads. These facial tissues lose their volume due to aging, resulting in unattractive sagging skin, sunken cheeks, and undefined cheekbones. Dermal fillers can 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 dermal filler that is manufactured by Merz Aesthetics. This pyrogen-free, latex-free, and biodegradable filler is made of 30% synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that are homogenously suspended in a 70% aqueous carrier gel. While the carrier gel helps to immediately plump the skin, the CaHA microparticles encourage the fibroblasts to manufacture more collagen fibers. As time passes, 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 by using deep dermal or sub-dermal injections. The appropriate filler volume and depth of injection will depend on the severity of aesthetic conditions. Physicians should also avoid injecting the filler too superficially, as it could result in palpable nodules and induration. Following adequate correction, any leftover filler should 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 will become more plump and lifted and deep creases are effectively reduced. This is caused by the action of the 70% aqueous carrier gel. As for the 30% CaHA microspheres, they will stimulate the body’s fibroblasts to stimulate the growth of more collagen fibers. As a result, the 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 (for example, age, skin health, lifestyle, etc.), the expertise of the injector, the volume of dermal filler used, and the particular injection technique used.

What are the side effects of Radiesse filler injections?

Patients are at mild risk of developing skin inflammatory reactions, that are associated with minimally-invasive injections. Such reactions may include redness, bruising, swelling, pain, and itchiness contained within the injection site(s). Most often, these reactions are mild in nature and should subside within a week as the injected skin heals from the treatment.