RADIESSE®? - The Next Generation Dermal Filler

With such an enormous array of facial aesthetic choices now available for men & women looking to regain and/or preserve their youthful appearance, the process of choosing what's just right for you can be daunting.

Dr. Picerno, Denver's only female double-board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon recognizes that "Patients want results to be immediate and noticeable; their new look to last, and for the procedure not to take them away from their busy daily lives for any longer than it has to." She points out that one of the best features of Radiesse®? fillers is that it is . . .

"Absolutely a 'lunch hour' treatment option."

" Radiesse®? has a lot of volume, is a thicker substance and is wonderful for cheeks," Dr. Picerno adds with a smile. "It is an attractive option, both in terms of longevity and price as it generally lasts a year and costs approximately $699/syringe."

Dr. Nicolette Picerno ( www.nicolettepicernomd.com) is Denver's only female double-board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. Faces First offices are located in Denver at 950 E. Harvard Ave, Ste 570 (303) 744-2300 and in Lone Tree at 9218 Kimmer Drive, Ste 202 (303) 708-8787. Visit Faces First online at www.facesfirst.com

Botox®? and other non-invasive forms of facial rejuvenation have become increasingly popular and widely used in the United States and beyond. Individual results vary, but the majority of patients who have used fillers of varying degrees and strengths have had amazing success. As more research is done and as technology changes, cosmetic fillers will continue to reach higher levels of ease and potential.

Radiesse®?, formerly known as Radiance FN, is an FDA-approved dermal filler that corrects the signs of aging and adds natural contours to the face without invasive or lengthy surgical procedures.

Patients suffering from lipoatrophy (facial fat loss) as a result of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also benefiting greatly from Radiesse®? injections. Radiesse®? is the first filler with an FDA approval for treatment of lipoatrophy for its safety and effectiveness. It can last from 1-2 years.

Radiesse®? is truly a naturally superior product. Made from a biocompatible substance that is identical to naturally occurring collagen in the body, it uses advanced, calcium-based microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel to produce natural-looking results, with virtually no risk of allergic reaction and very few side effects. Usually there is no need for pre-treatment skin testing with Radiesse®?.

Upon injection, Radiesse®? starts to work with your body in a very unique way: It immediately adds volume to facial folds and wrinkles, filling them and beautifying the overall look and texture of your skin. And unlike other dermal fillers, Radiesse®? injections start a process called collagenesis, stimulating collagen production and essentially providing a matrix into which your body's own tissue can grow and add volume.

Dr. Picerno emphasizes that, "When you compare the options, there really isn't a comparison: the long-lasting and continuous effects of Radiesse®? can reduce the need for multiple treatments, thus saving you time and money."

Depending on age, skin type, lifestyle and muscle activity, individual results from Radiesse®? may vary. Some patients may only require one injection for optimal results, while others may respond more slowly and may require additional injections to look their best. Radiesse®? injections have typically been shown to last for one to several years; whereas the typical results of collagen or hyaluronic acids only last between three to twelve months.

Radiesse®? is also a great option for patients who are allergic to collagen, as it does not require several weeks' worth of allergy tests and it is not known to produce allergic side effects after multiple treatments.

Yes, Radiesse®? is a relatively new treatment; however, the main component of Radiesse®? - hydroxyapatite - has been utilized in medical treatments such as dental implants, orthopedic surgeries and facial surgeries, for decades. In the Radiesse®? dermal application, hydroxyapatite takes on the characteristics of the surrounding tissue, maintaining the softness and pliability needed for smoothness. Unlike the collagen or hyaluronic acid injections, the calcium-based microspheres in Radiesse®? are not absorbed by the body, allowing it to last much longer.

A final note from Dr. Nicolette Picerno: As with any type of cosmetic procedure, whether non-invasive treatments or reconstructive surgery, a patient must be completely evaluated for associated benefits and risks. Patients need to understand the limitations of cosmetic surgery as well as the remarkable innovations and possibilities. Consulting with a cosmetic surgeon (or several) to get a realistic picture of the outcome of a treatment before undergoing a procedure is vital.

Contact Dr. Nicolette Picerno ( www.nicolettepicernomd.com) at Faces First in Denver, 303-744-2300 or at the Lone Tree location, 303-708-8787 to learn about a collection of fabulous packages and monthly promotions.