Radiesse (also known as Radiance) is a popular long-lasting dermal filler. A dermal filler is a substance that is injected deep into or under the skin to erase wrinkles and deep lines. Radiesse can also be used to augment or fill-out areas such as cheekbones, the nose, and even the hands. Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxyapatite gel. This substance is derived from natural materials and is very long-lasting. It is gradually converted in the body to collagen, which accounts for the durability of its effects. It lasts an average of 18 months, which is significantly longer than hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm or Restylane.

With Radiesse, amazing changes can be achieved in the fight against aging. The smile lines around the mouth that get deeper with age can be completely smoothed out. A saddle deformity in the nose can be straightened without surgery. The hollowed areas that occur in the hands with more advanced aging can even be filled in, giving the hands the smooth texture of youth. Unlike Juvederm, Radiesse is not generally used in the lips due to the risk of nodule formation that might be visible under the thin skin of the lips. This is not typically a problem in other areas.
Radiesse is not the only long-lasting dermal filler. Artefill is another long-lasting dermal filler. Artefill is made of methyl-methacrylate microspheres and so is a permanent material. This has its own advantages and disadvantages. A permanent filler is not a good choice for a novice or first-time user of injectable fillers. Once in the skin, the microspheres cannot be removed without surgery. In select patients, however, this may be a good choice.

On June 19, TMD Medi-Spa had its first official Botox party.  Botox was discounted to only $9/unit!  Lots of people came for treatments and to find out more about what TMD offers.  Jeannine, our physician assistant won praise from patients for her technique and gentle touch.  Here are some of the testimonials:

I just had to tell you again how very pleased I am with the Radiesse injections I had yesterday.  I inspected your work again as soon as I got in my car and later in the evening when I got home and I can’t believe what a flawless job you did.  I usually leave the office looking swollen and blotchy but I was good to go the moment I left your office.  You are simply THE BEST!!!!!!!  Thank you so much for taking the time to do the job right.  I’ll see you again in a year or so when I need a touch up. - N. H.

Just wanted to let you know that I saw Jeannine for botox this afternoon.  While I was extremely nervous, she put me at ease and explained everything really well.  She was great!  I am very excited to have been introduced to your clinic.
I actually asked Jeannine about a couple other things and didn’t realize that today there were specials for Juvederm as well.  I am thinking I would love to try that too at some point in the future.  Just wondering if you guys have these “parties” periodically.?.? Hope to meet you next time.  I will definitely be recommending your clinic and Jeannine.  Thanks!!!  - M. B.

Botox and Juvederm are names that are often heard in discussions of cosmetic dermatology and beauty treatments. What they actually are may be mysterious for some people. This post will try to clarify what they are and what they are used for.

Botox is a chemical derived from bacteria that works by blocking the responsiveness of muscles to nerve impulses. In tiny doses, as in standard medical practice, when botox is injected into facial muscles, it causes them to relax and stop working for an average of 3 months. So, if someone has overactive facial muscles that are causing wrinkles, such as between the eyebrows and around the eyes, Botox can be injected in a pinpoint fashion to relax these. It targets those muscles only, producing a specific and predictable improvement in frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines. Such wrinkles are all caused by overactive muscles that are not necessary for a happy, normal appearance. They can be treated to produce a relaxed, youthful look. Obviously, you would not want to immobilize all the muscles of facial expression, as this would look unnatural. Some muscles in the face are essential for function, such as the lips and eyelids, and these are not typically treated either.

Juvederm is very different from Botox. It is not an active biochemical. Although it is made by bioengineered bacteria, it is consists of hyaluronic acid. This is a structural molecule within the skin that has no chemical activity on nerves or muscles. Juvederm acts by filling a depression in the skin where it is injected. Thus it can be injected under and within wrinkles to make them flatten out and to make them disappear. It can also be injected into lips to make them plumper. Juvederm is FDA-approved to last up to 1 year in the nasolabial folds. It can be used anywhere there are deep wrinkles, such as a very deep furrow between the eyebrows, deep lines around the corners of the mouth, and anywhere else.

Juvederm and Botox are often used together since they work on different aspects of lines and wrinkles. It is common to get Botox for upper face wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and forehead lines and Juvederm for lips or nasolabial folds. At Tattoo MD, a custom solution that addresses your specific needs will be tailored for you. Whether it is for Juvederm, Botox, or tattoo removal, consults are always free! Contact us for an appoinment.

As one ages, muscles and fat atrophy, causing some depressions and sagging skin in various places. One common location is the backs of the hands. Hollowing may develop between the bones of the hand and in the space between the thumb and the hand. There is no “face-lift” available for the hands, but a filler is the optimal treatment to reverse the appearance of this condition. Radiesse, a gel of calcium hydroxyapatite, is commonly used for facial rejuvenation by filling in deep facial folds and lines, such as the nasolabial folds. Now, Radiesse may also be injected into the backs of the hands, elevating the skin, smoothing out the depressions, and giving the hands a youthful look again. The effect is not permanent, but lasts up to 2 years.

In the procedure, Radiesse mixed with anesthetic is injected under the skin. Pain is minimal. The material is then massaged into the necessary areas. Initially, moderate swelling may develop that is treated with ice and elevation, but generally subsides within a week. Some bruising may also occur. Typically one 1.3 cc syringe is used per hand for significant muscle atrophy, but would depend on the amount of filling desired.

In addition to Radiesse, treatment of sun damage and skin discoloration may be desired as part of the rejuvenation procedure. A chemical peel such as a glycolic or a Vi Peel may be very beneficial to achieve a completely revitalized look to the hands.

Juvederm belongs to a class of cosmetic treatments called injectable fillers. These are gel-like substances that are injected into the skin, often to smooth out wrinkles. They differ from Botox in that the latter is biologically active but has hardly any physical substance to it. Juvederm is made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring skin polymer, which, along with collage and elastin, makes up the majority of the dry weight of the deep part of the skin, or dermis. The hyaluronic acid is grown in bacteria then made into a solid gel. The gel is cut into microscopic pieces that are small enough to inject into the skin.

The two main uses of Juvederm are for deep wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds, and for lip augmentation. The substance is injected along the line of the wrinkle, trying to elevate it and create a smooth transition from the cheek to the upper lip skin. This process can be used in other areas as well, such as deep lines on either side of the chin, the marionette lines. The most popular use for Juvederm is lip augmentation. Lips can be made to look fuller, more pouty, and better-defined. It is very important to not over-inject, as an obvious augmentation may make the lips appear “fake.”

Local anesthetic is very important to make Juvederm injections comfortable. For the lips, it is possible to do a nerve block that will make the procedure very comfortable. In areas where no specific nerve block is available, topic anesthetic gel is applied for at least 30 minutes.

Juvederm lasts approximately 8 - 12 months, but could last less or more time depending on how active the area of the face is and whether the person massages the area frequently. It is by no means a permanent injectable filler. The advantage of this is that it is forgiving and even unsatisfactory results are not permanent. Also, as skin ages and changes position, sites of injection may need to be altered to enhance appearance. Radiesse is a longer-lasting dermal filler that can be used in place of Juvederm for wrinkles and lines but not for lip augmentation.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about this post.

On Wednesday, May 7, 4-8 pm, Tattoo MD Laser Clinic and Medi-Spa will be open for appointments and walk-ins.  All of our services including tattoo removal and hair removal will be available and on display.  There will be price specials on Botox, Juvederm, and Radiesse.  Jennifer, our esthetician, will be performing introductory mini-facials.  Food and refreshments will be served, courtesy of Allergan, the makers of Botox.  Stay tuned for more news as we get closer. 

Juvederm is now available at Tattoo MD Laser Clinic. Juvederm is a dermal filler similar to Restylane, but lasts about 20% longer and goes in smoother. At $550 a syringe, Juvederm is an excellent value. Come in for a free consultation or to learn more.