Long-lasting results with hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) facial filler.

Background: This study examined the patient satisfaction and longevity of Radiesse, a calcium hydroxylapatite compound, as a facial soft-tissue filler for the glabellar lines, the lips, the nose, the face, and the infraorbital region. Methods: Radiesse, 0.5 to 2.0 ml, was injected into the designated area in each of the 40 Argentinian male and female patients in the study, using a fine needle. The age range of the patients was 25 to 60 years. Results: Patients were observed over a period of 18 months. No systemic effects, no immunologic responses, and minimal adverse events (ecchymosis and hematoma in 5 percent of the subjects) occurred with the treatment. In the patient satisfaction survey, 87 percent of the patients rated their level of satisfaction as acceptable or better. Conclusions: Radiesse was shown to be a highly effective, long-lasting material for facial soft-tissue augmentation. The safe and well-tolerated compound drew high marks in patient satisfaction. A precise injection technique helped minimize potential effects such as nodule formation and helped avoid persistent overcorrection, livid coloring, and asymmetry. Radiesse can be considered a very good option for an aesthetic soft-tissue facial filler when real volumetric augmentation is needed.