US FDA approval was granted to Radiesse wrinkle filler for treating facial folds, lines, and wrinkles.  This follows on the heals of the approval of Juvederm cosmetic treatment.

These wrinkle filler introductions may be a win for consumers because Restylane has held a near monopoly on the facial fillers business.  And when there's limited competition you get little price pressure.  Restylane easily runs over $1000 a year once you factor in the cost of multiple injections and dermatologist office fees.  According to the Radiesse announcement" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116717996596960052.html">comments made by the CEO of BioForm Medical (maker of Radiesse), the annual cost for a Radiesse customer is $850 vs. $2,400 for a year's worth of Restylane.  Restylane argues this estimate is wrong, but clearly Radiesse intends to be the price leader in the wrinkle filler market.

Radiesse works for extended periods (up to 18 months) by triggering your body to form new collagen.  Collagen is a key building block in our skin that gives it structure.  As collagen degrades with aging, we form depressions that become wrinkles or facial folds.  Since Radiesse is reportedly long-lasting, it reduces the number of injections required over time.

See Radiesse reviews by real people to get the insider view of Radiesse injections.

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