Radiesse is a semi-permanent type of dermal filler. It works on the architecture of your bone and collagen to maintain your natural bony architecture. It is also known as Calcium Hydroxyapatite.  This type of filler is an amazing natural looking filler that helps to stimulate bone and collagen formation. Radiesse can be placed directly on the bone to help build bone, and maintain the youthful appearance of the natural bony structures of the face.  

As this is a dermal filler that stimulates bone, the longevity of it is longer than that of hyaluronic acid fillers. The effects of Radiesse can last up to 2 years.  

Since Radiesse stimulates bone, it is also known to stimulate collagen formation by motivating sleeping fibroblasts to come alive and create new collagen. Therefore, by diluting the Radiesse with water or saline, we can use this just under the skin to help increase the collagen synthesis and this helps reduce the appearance of crepe-like skin, tighten some of the more lax areas that make us look and feel old.

Expect to arrive with a clean face to your appointment. Appropriate numbing medicine can be given to help with the process although most people just feel a small prick when the needle enters the skin. You will get appropriate counseling on the risks and benefits of getting dermal fillers, pictures taken of you in different angles both before and after the procedure. There could be some swelling and bruising immediately after the procedure. Cold compresses and Arnica Montana gel or pills will help to reduce the signs of swelling and bruising.

PLLA stimulates fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells that cause collagen production. So Sculptra works on the initial phases of collagen formation. Over time, your body breaks down PLLA to water and carbon dioxide. The effects of PLLA appear gradually over a few months, producing natural results.

PLLA, is placed either in the deep layer, next to bone to stimulate fibroblasts to grow and build up and maintain your normal bony structure, or it can be placed more superficially, in the correct layer of skin, to stimulate the fibroblasts to make more collagen, which will leads to a tighter, more radiant façade.

Sculptra is not an instantaneous outcome. It has taken years for your skin and bones to age, and to reverse that, we need to take time to let the PLLA do it’s work. Each vial of Sculptra can create 2 ml of collagen. Typically, you will start with either 2 or 3 vials of Sculptra in your first appointment. Over the next 5 weeks, the PLLA does it’s job and over time you will start to see improvements in your skin quality. You will need to come back for a second and possibly a third appointment at 6 week intervals to get the desired effect.

The Sculptra is diluted in water in order to be placed in the exact locations to stimulate your fibroblasts. Feeling bruised or swollen for the first few days is normal.

Dermal fillers can cost between $700 to $1250 per syringe or vial. The reason there is such a difference in price is due to the type of filler as well as the advanced experience in injecting the filler in the correct location. Semi-permanent fillers cannot be reversed, so a high level of experience in injecting and a vast knowledge of anatomy must be known to prevent any possible complications. If a complication does arise, your injector should know exactly how to manage it so you can feel comfortable you are in good hands. You are paying not only for the product itself, but for the expertise of the physician injector and a tailored one on one experience making sure you feel and look your best.

Sculptra, also known as PLLA, ( Poly – l – lactic – acid) is also what we call a semi-permanent dermal filler which helps to imitate or maintain the natural bony and collagen structure in your body. Not only will it add volume but it also improves the quality of your skin. Think of Sculptra as fertilizer of your face. In order to help your garden grow, not only do we make sure we water and give good sunlight, but we add fertilizer, which helps the plants grow to their maximum potential. So, on top of taking good care of your skin with a good skin care routine, help your body maintain the natural glow of your skin, by adding a little bit of Sculptra yearly to help to ramp up your skin routine and keep that youthful appearance without the need for surgery or excessive fillers.

Sculptra can be used for adults without major medical problems wanting to maintain their youthful glow, or those that want to help prevent further bone or collagen loss.  Sculptra will give a natural look, not a pillow faced faux appearance. Those that are pregnant or breast-feeding should wait.  Those that are planning a special function the next few days should also wait. Bruising and swelling are common effects after treatment with Sculptra.