The aesthetic industry is filled with myths spread through social media and misinformation, which is why it’s so important to turn to qualified experts to get your information. “Myths can cause fear in those who are good candidates and would benefit from filler injections” that could improve self-esteem, confidence and overall appearance, says Miami, FL board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD. To help separate fact from fiction, we asked Dr. Del Campo to debunk the most common myths about fillers.

Myth: Fillers make you look fake

“When the right products are chosen and the right amount is placed in the right locations by a qualified and well-trained injector, results can be extremely natural-looking and offer an enhancement rather than making someone look fake.”

Myth: Fillers are extremely painful

“In an experienced injector’s hands, the treatment can be done with minimal to no discomfort. There are also opportunities to use topical anesthetic and other techniques to minimize discomfort.”

“Fillers can vary by thickness (viscosity), flexibility, cross-linking, longevity, and even mechanism of action.”

Biostimulator fillers versus hyaluronic acid fillers—what are the differences?

“Hyaluronic acid fillers are fillers that are nearly identical to naturally produced hyaluronic acid in our skin. These fillers can help increase hydration and volume.

Biostimulatory fillers stimulate collagen production (or other skin quality boosters such as elastin or proteoglycans), thereby, over time, improving skin quality and offering a long-lasting effect. Also, depending on which biostimulatory filler is chosen, it can offer an immediate volumizing effect.”

Can getting a biostimulator impact facelift outcomes down the line?

“Biostimulatory fillers such as Radiesse stimulate collagen and elastin prodcution, offering more support to the skin.”

Are filler fatigue, pillow face and filler migration real concerns? How is Radiesse a good solution for these concerns?

“Absolutely. Unfortunately, I see this all too often in our community, where people are overfilled or have a distorted look to their face because of poor injections. Also, if a product is not injected in the correct skin plane, migration can occur. Therefore, it is important to seek out a qualified injector.

This is also one of the reasons why I love Radiesse. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse is not hydrophilic and does not rely on water uptake for its volumizing effect. Its properties support contour and definition with natural-looking results when injected properly.”

What does Radiesse/a biostimulator do that other filler options cannot?

“In my opinion, it is extremely versatile. It can be used in its natural state to add subtle volume, contour the face, give a lifted appearance, and improve skin quality. Radiesse (+) is the only filler with a specific jawline contouring FDA indication. It works on the five key components of a healthy skin—collagen type one and three, elastin, proteoglycans and angiogenesis—to improve skin quality.”

What are RADIESSE^® and RADIESSE^® (+)? 

RADIESSE^® and RADIESSE^® (+) are dermal fillers that are used for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth).  RADIESSE^® is also used for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands. RADIESSE^® (+) is also used for improving moderate to severe loss of jawline contour in adults over 21 years old.

RADIESSE^® and RADIESSE^® (+) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not use RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+)?

You should not use RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+) if you have an allergy to any component of the product, if you have a history of severe allergies, if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  You should not use RADIESSE^® (+) if you have an allergy to lidocaine or medicines like it.

What is the most important information I should know about RADIESSE^® and RADIESSE^® (+)?

One of the risks with using these products is unintentional injection into a blood vessel. The chances of this happening are very small, but if it does happen, the complications can be serious, and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin. If you have changes in your vision, signs of a stroke (including sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headache, dizziness, or confusion), white appearance of the skin, or unusual pain during or shortly after treatment, you should notify your health care practitioner immediately.

As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.

Do not use RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+) if you have a skin infection until it has healed.

It is not known if RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+) is safe or effective in the lips, or in the area around the eyes. 

It is not known if RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+) is safe or effective beyond 3 years in the face and 1 year in the hand.

Injection of RADIESSE^® (+) into the jawline may temporarily alter jaw function.

The microspheres in RADIESSE^® and RADIESSE^® (+) can be seen in X-rays and CT Scans. It is very important that you tell your health care provider that you have had RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+) dermal filler.

If you have a history of herpes, you may experience a herpes breakout after receiving RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+).

Injection in the back of the hand may result in temporary difficulty performing activities. RADIESSE^® may cause nodules, bumps or lumps in the back of the hand and can last up to 1 year.

You should minimize strenuous activity and avoid extensive sun or heat exposure for about 24 hours after treatment and until any swelling or redness has resolved. 

What should I tell my doctor before using RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+)?

Tell your health care provider if you are taking blood thinners or medicines that can interfere with the clotting of blood, such as aspirin or warfarin.  These medicines might make it more likely that you will experience bruising or bleeding at the injection site.  Tell your health care provider if you have any diseases, injuries or disabilities of the hand, if you have a history forming large, raised scars or if you have had any other skin treatments such as skin peels. 

What are the most common adverse events with RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+)?   

The most common adverse events seen in clinical studies of RADIESSE^® used in the hands include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, nodules or bumps/lumps, difficulty performing activities, loss of sensation and other local side effects.  The most common adverse events seen in clinical studies of RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+) used in the face include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, difficulty chewing, and other local side effects. 

These are not all of the possible side effects with RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+).  Merz collects information about adverse events seen with RADIESSE^® and RADIESSE^® (+) outside of clinical studies.  These events are included in the RADIESSE^® and RADIESSE^® (+) Patient Information Guide based on an assessment of seriousness and potential causal relationship to RADIESSE^® or RADIESSE^® (+).  Please see the Patient Information Guide available at www.radiesse.com for list of these events.  Tell your health care provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

Important: For full safety information, please visit www.Radiesse.com or call MyMerz Solutions at 1-844-469-6379

RADIESSE^® and RADIESSE^® (+) are available by prescription only.