Radiesse: Stories

Late 20s female. I recently lost about 25 lbs and got myself in shape. Although I did so over a 6 mos time span, I had noticeable fat loss in my tear trough/mid face area/naso-labial area.

I am only 28 but the sunken appearance where fat had been was distressing enough that I sought out a PS and inquired about how to volumize that area. I had looked into Juvederm which I liked because it is reversible, and I was really nervous that people would notice or something would go wrong. I wanted subtle results. My PS discussed why Radiesse was a better option for me - it is thicker, a better volumizer for mid-face/under eye fat loss than Juvederm, it is more like a molding clay.

We mapped out the areas on my face where I wanted to restore volume. He recommended the larger syringe size, then mixed up the Radiesse with Lidocaine which helps it 'glide' under my skin with the injection, and helps him to mold it better. He injected next to my nose and in the tear trough area, well into my skin next to the bone to get the most natural look, then via massage moved it around my face a little to provide natural placement. Just a few pricks, really didn't hurt.

He told me that it would swell in the next couple of days, and then settle down while it was 'setting up' which takes approx 3 days. I felt I was noticably swollen the next day but I went to work and no one was the wiser, which was what I wanted.

I just looked refreshed, revived, younger - less gaunt (mind you, at 5' 6 and a 130lbs mostly lean muscle, I am truly not gaunt). It took about 5 days for the swelling to subside - I had some pain but no noticable bruising in that 5 day period. I also couldn't smile right for the first couple days but that subsided once the swelling went down too. It looks and feels so natural.

When I look at my profile in the mirror, I have no sunkenness under my eyes, and even when I am not well rested, I look like I am. I have noticed just a little depletion as it has been 4 months now but I am going back in Dec/Jan to get a touch up. My PS thinks I will only need the smaller syringe at that time since there is already a base. Smaller syringe is $450. Seek out a skilled PS who knows what they're doing, who has before & afters and makes you feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to do it if you are in your 20's either - why wait? SO worth it!