Collagen Stimulating Fillers- Sculptra / Radiesse

As we age, we tend to lose fat and underlying connective tissue on our face. This eventually results in hollowing of the lateral checks and temples and downward and medial sagging of the facial skin. The result is jowls at the jaw line and wrinkles at the junction of the upper lip and medial cheeks, as well as around the eyes. To treat this, one can use injections of fat, silicon, or collagen stimulating fillers.
 

Radiesse® was the first of these products to be incorporated in our practice, it consists of calcium hydroxylapatite crystals suspended in a gel matrix. The matrix dissolves slowly in the skin exposing the crystals to collagen, which is then stimulated to thicken, correcting the defect. Like Sculptra®, Radiesse® is injected relatively deeply into the skin, and its skin tightening effects can last up to one year or more.
 
Before After Before After

Sculptra® was originally introduced into the United States in 2004, for use in the treatment of HIV facial atrophy. Approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in the summer of 2009, this product was introduced soon afterwards into our practice. It is generally placed into the skin below the dermis and depending upon the location, to the periosteum above the facial bones, to exert its collagen stimulating and tightening effects. Injections of this product generally requires use of multiple syringes which are filled with measured quantities of reconstituted product. Sculptra® is a relatively long-lasting product with effects after total corrections, lasting over two years.


Important attributes of both Radiesse® and Sculptra® include slow onset of results as collagen is being deposited requiring visits to be spaced approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart. The amount of product used depends on the degree of skin tightening and lifting needed and varies from patient to patient. Like Restylane® and Juvederm®, side effects may include temporary bruising, hyperpigmentation, tenderness, and swelling. Formation of bumps (papules) is rare, but has occurred in the past, and will be discussed at your consultation.

 
About the Doctor
Dr. Robert G. Shoss received his dermatology training at Albany Medical Center Hospital after graduating from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio.
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About Ari Fisher

Physician Assistant

Ari J. Fisher, MPAS, RPA-C has been with Albany Dermatology since 2001, and was previously employed at the Albany Medical Center where he practiced in the departments of medicine and emergency medicine.
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About Jessica Dunton

Jessica A. Dunton, MPAS, RPA-C, joined Albany Dermatology in June 2010. She is a graduate of the Albany Medical College Physician Assistant Program. She also holds a BA in Biology from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY.

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About Lindsey Swint

Esthetician

Lindsey Swint is one of the newest members of our office having joined us in August 2009. Lindsey is a licensed Aesthetician who graduated in June 2006 from the Aesthetic Science Institute.

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