Radiesse

What it is

Radiesse® is a sterile, latex-free injectable implant with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in a carboxymethylcellulose gel with glycerin, from Merz North America. Intended for deep dermal and subdermal soft tissue augmentation.

Mechanism of action

CaHA particles (25–45 µm, 30 % v/v) are suspended in the gel. The gel disperses in the tissue and is replaced by soft tissue growth, while the CaHA particles remain at the injection site. The manufacturer (Merz) describes that the product stimulates the body's own collagen production. The result is long-lasting but not permanent.

Indications and treatment areas

Nasolabial folds, cheek volume, volume loss in the back of the hands, facial lipoatrophy in people with HIV, and – diluted 1:2 with 0.9 % saline – moderate to severe décolleté wrinkles. Not to be used in the glabella or nose, in the epidermis or superficial dermis.

Treatment protocol

• Injection: 27G needle or larger (2 × Terumo 27G supplied); subdermal or supraperiosteal.
• Dosage: 1:1 correction factor, no overcorrection. Max 10 ml per year for face and hands; max 3 ml per hand.
• Interval: at least 4 weeks on the same facial area, at least 6 months for hands. Aspirate before bolus in hands.

Expected results

Duration of at least 12 months for most patients at all indications (manufacturer's clinical data). Swelling usually resolves after 7–10 days.

Documentation and traceability

CE 0123 (MDR 2017/745), needles CE 0197. Manufacturer Merz North America, Inc.; EU representative Merz Aesthetics GmbH. The patient must receive an implant card – CaHA is radiopaque. Store at 15–25 °C. For use by qualified healthcare professionals only.

Sammensetning: Kalsiumhydroksyapatitt (CaHA) mikrosfærer suspendert i en biologisk nedbrytbar, vandig gelbærer med karboksymetylcellulose, sterilt vann og glyserin. Uten lidokain.

Kalsiumhydroksylapatitt (CaHA). Injiseres subdermalt med nålens skråkant ned i ca. 30° vinkel, som lineære tråder under tilbaketrekking. På håndrygg settes produktet mellom subkutant lag og overfladisk fascie som bolus 0,2–0,5 ml, maks 3 ml per hånd, med etterfølgende massasje. Bruksanvisningen tillater blanding med lidokain: 1,3 ml Radiesse + 0,2 ml 2 % lidokain via hunn-hunn-kobling, 10 blandeslag, brukes innen 2 timer. Til dekolletasje fortynnes produktet 1:2 med 0,9 % saltvann (1,5 ml Radiesse : 3,0 ml) og settes subdermalt med 22G kanyle. 1,5 ml ferdigfylt sprøyte; nål 25G ytre / 27G indre diameter. Skal ikke reinjiseres tidligere enn 7 dager etter forrige behandling.