Blog with Dr. Irwin

Tag >> Radiesse

How much does a syringe of Radiesse cost? I was quoted $1000. How much does that cover? I want my lip folds and around the mouth to be treated. I think the price is outrageous.
That seems high to me unless you live in the poshest area of a large city like New York, London, etc.  See my article on the Average Costs of Cosmetic Procedures to get a better idea of... more

Hello Dr I, Would you explain why you don't like Radiesse? and the difference between two. i tryed juvaderm loved it but lasted on only 2 months and i don't have deep lines..what is your thoughts Ty

As I've mentioned before, there are many good doctors who use Radiesse and love it.  In my opinion, there is just as much variability in response to Radiesse as there is with Juvederm Ultra... more


Hi Dr. I, I know you are not a fan of Radiesse but I was hoping you can give me your opinion on it. My mom had a syringe injected into her nasolabial folds. One side of her nose became very swollen, it formed a large cluster of white/yellowish bumps and the skin under/around the bumps turned greenish, grayish and was very painful. It was a horrible experience for us all. She looked awful and I feel the guilt because I recommended the place to her!!!! We contacted the doctor and he put her on 2 antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and valtrex. He explained that the product caused the veins in the area to constrict and therefore became inflamed. The explanation was along the line that her veins were sensitive and had a negative reaction to the product. It doesn't really make sense to me. I was hoping you could explain it better. I know that without seeing it its hard but does the explanation make any type of sense to you? It has been 15 days and after the cocktail of pills she had to take it dried up, formed a scab and fell off a few days ago. The area is still red and the pores on her nostril are very open and still tender to the touch. I have pictures if they would help. Words can't describe how terrible it looked, she couldn't leave the house for a week and a half. I wonder what your opinion is on the explanation the doctor gave us. I know it is hard to say without seeing it but have you heard of this type of thing happening with Radiesse? Thank you again for your time.

I'm am so sad this happened to your mom.   These problems are the reason I don't use Radiesse.

First the good news,  the fact that it's healing, the scab has fallen off and her nose is red... more


Do you have any updates on how long radiesse lasts especially in the marionette lines?
This is my main issue with Radiesse and why I don't use it much.  In my opinion, the longevity of it is less predictable than with the Juvederm/Restylane products.   In some patients the... more

Hi Dr. Irwin, Can the tip of the nose be lifted without surgery?
Yes, a little with certain fillers.  This requires some skill.  Some of the better cosmetic dermatologists are good at it.  I think though that a facial plastics ENT (ear, nose & throat)... more

Would scuptra be a good choice to fill volume loss in my chin? I am 50 years old and the loss of volume in my chin brings out marionette lines. I have filled it with fat, restlene, and radiasse.Nothing has lasted more than 6 months. I have been told it is because it is such an active area. WIll scupltra last in this area. I was told it will last up to 2 years , But I was told radiasse would last 1 year too.

You bring up several good issues.  On the longevity issue, you are not alone in that fat transfer (while we all love the idea) is just not very predictable still.  As for Radiesse, I agree... more


Hi there, I am considering having sculptra to help with volume lost in my cheeks. After having the sculptra and due to economic issues could one (after 1 year) get Perlane or Radiesse injected into that same cheek area (where the sculptra was injected) for continued cheek volume? Thank you for your thoughts. LC

Good question.  There are no studies that I have seen on this.  But from talking to some of my collegues and my experience, here's what I'd recommend.

There doesn't seem to be any problem at... more


DR Irwin, i got your message and will ask my question again. I am 50 years old but have skin that looks more like 40. I do have volume loss in my chin and this shows the marionette lines. I have been using radiasse for this area because I had a bad reaction to restylene. Would sculptra be a better choice for this area? I have had good results with radiasse but do not yet know how long it will last as I had it put in in September and added to it in December.

Everyone's face is so different that it's almost impossible to answer without seeing you but some general principles still apply.  Look at your cheek area.  Is volume loss in your cheeks... more


Radiesse injected in the upper cheek area and and 2nd injection a week later in lower cheek bone area. Nodules have now formed in this area after swelling for a number of weeks. I have since. I now have sagging cheeks, sagging/pouches either side of my mouth, all of which I did not have before. Could this be from the heaviness of the product? Once the product has left my face, should my skin return to normal or is there permanent damage due to swelling and sagging over a period of time? I am 37years of age. Thank you.

You bring up some good points.  But, first let me reassure you that your skin should return to normal once the product is gone.   I am assuming though that you have seen the doctor who... more


I have used radiasse in the area of my chin and marionette lines. Would sculptra be a better choice for this area?
Okay wonderful readers - you have to give me your ages!!  The answer to this really depends on your age and the depth of the crease. Sculptra can be a great solution but don't rule out the... more

Dr. Oz had a cosmetic dermotologist on yesterday addressing the issue of jowls- uck! She treated a woman on the show with RADIESSE- instant results and lasts up to 1 1/2 years. Was really quite amazing and was wondering what your thoughts are on this. Thank-you Dr. Irwin! Connie

This episode was a few weeks ago but I thought it was interesting.  I generally don't like Radiesse in the cheeks because I think it looks too stiff and a little wooden when the face is... more


I want to get a dermal filler in my marionette lines. I was considering Radiesse for this area. Do you agree? If not what would you recommend for this area. I had Restylene last year and it caused horrible swelling. I am afraid to use that product again.

In your situation, Radiesse is a reasonable option. Just make sure your doctor is experienced and a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.  It's not a guarantee, but it helps.

A... more


What is the best filler for hollow checks? I am 57 and have good skin, but I see some hollowing in the middle of my upper center of my cheeks. I have a full face, but not fat. I do Thermage and it works great for me so far. I tred Radiesse, but I agree with your opinion that it looks a little wooden when smiling. It has worn off some since I tried it last year.
If you have only mild to moderate hollows, then try the more robust forms of hyaluronic acid like Juvederm Ultra Plus or Perlane.   These should last 6-9 months the first time and slightly... more

Your site is a wealth of information, Doctor Irwin. I am 48, and have the typical sagging because the collagen in my cheeks bones is being lost. Therefore, I have double parenthesis down between my nose and mouth on the sides. I have had Juvederm, and the first time loved it, but the next time with the same doctor, had weird results. It is as if the filler just shifted where the sags were. So, I sought out a new doctor, and still was not happy with Juvederm. Now, it is time to do something about these sags I mention, and even another doctor recommends Juvederm. A consult with another spa mentioned anti-aging bio-therapeutic treatments. I am so overwhelmed, but want to fix my face. Your website is great. Do you have a suggestion. That is a lot to ask, as there is so much out there. Thank you.

Thank you!!   It really helps to know your age but I wish I knew your facial structure as well.  So let's talk a little about the causes of those deep lines from the nose to the mouth.  In... more


Hi Dr. Irwin, First, I love your blog. You answer so many of my questions. I have been seeing a dermatolgist for approximately one year now. I have had perlane and restalyne and botox with him . But, I am very concerned over the staying power. In September of 2009 I had two vials of Radiasse placed in my cheeks (for some hollowing) and nasolabial lines. It looked fabulous for about 3 -4 weeks. In october I needed another vial. End of November 2 more vials and 90 units of botox (forehead, eyes, lines around mouth, chest) Now it is approaching Feb and I see that that I have hollowing again on the right side, and the laughlines are back (not as deep, certainly, but defintely back). I also get about 90 units of botox approximately every 2-3 months. This is breaking my bank! Is this normal? Prior to the Radiasse, I had almost 6 vials of perlane starting back in March of 2009 through August. I believe I have spent over $10,000 in less than a year on fillers. The Dr is now recommending Scuptra. I don't know anyone who has this problem. What do you think? Is this normal? I can send you a picture.

Thank you -  I LOVE doing this blog! 

 Something seems odd to me.  In  18 years of practice, I've never seen anyone go through so much product, unless you are in your 70s or 80s.  And, I... more


Hi Dr irwin. Is it okay to get an injectable filler like Radiesse 3 days AFTER drinking 3 glasses of wine or should I wait? Also, do you like to use Radiesse in he cheek and temple area for volume? Thanks

Radiesse is always a tough one for me because I don't use it.  I do know some excellent dermatologists and plastic surgeons who do use it and get great results.  I know a lot about it but... more


Radiesse vs Juvederm

Posted in Radiesse on Aug 05, 2009 | Permalink

hi dr. irwin, i'm 38 years old and i've been adviced by this nurse in the skin clinic i go to that i may consider getting radiesse for my nasolabial folds. they'r pretty mild, but they're noticeable especially when i'm not really smiling (know what i mean?). how is radiesse given? how will my face look after the treatment? will i be able to go back to work right away? how does radiesse differ from juvederm? what are it's side effects? do you use radiesse with your patients? are they satisfied with the results? thanks, tori

Tori - 

 Good questions.  I am not a fan of Radiesse because the higher molecular weight (translate into thicker) Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane (Restylane's version) are safer and, in... more


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