An Evaluation of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for Cosmetic Nasolabial Fold Correction

Abstract

The use of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse, BioForm Medical, San Mateo, California) for cosmetic soft tissue augmentation has increased significantly in recent years. Only a handful of authors have reported patient satisfaction data. A meta-analysis of published data was performed using a 5-point scale for patient satisfaction to allow data comparison across studies. A patient-centric outcomes study was also performed at our institution, using a blinded questionnaire. Five usable studies were identified for meta-analysis. Patient satisfaction was 4.16 of 5 in 324 patients at 3 to 6 months and 4.15 in 86 patients at 1 year. In our institutional patient-centric outcomes study, the early satisfaction rate was 3.7 of 5. At 1 year the rate was only 2.3 of 5. Calcium hydroxylapatite remains a viable option for augmentation of facial soft tissue structures. However, this report shows that further, accurate, large population outcomes assessments are absolutely required.

Long lasting facial rejuvenation by repeated placement of calcium hydroxylapatite in elderly women

“…27 Twelve months after a single treatment of nasolabial folds, patient's satisfaction decreases somewhat, but the condition was better than the original status. 28 Similar results…”

“…There were no long‐term or delayed‐onset adverse events 27 . Twelve months after a single treatment of nasolabial folds, patient's satisfaction decreases somewhat, but the condition was better than the original status 28 . Similar results were reported in a single center uncontrolled trial with 609 patients who received Radiesse once in several facial areas after 12 and 24 months 29 …”

Battle against Aging and Folds: Benefit and Risks of the Semi-Permanent Fillers Polylactic Acid and Calcium Hydroxylapatite

“…Since 2002, CaHA is approved for the augmentation of vocal cords as a symptomatic therapy for unilateral or bilateral vocal cord paresis [35]. In addition, it serves as radiological tissue marker because it has a low level of radiolucency [7]. As natural component of the inorganic bone and tooth substance, calcium hydroxylapatite is also used for the augmentation of osseous or dental substance defects [41].…”

“…Accordingly, the absolute number of wrinkle augmentation treatments has increased in the United States (US) by 205% plus from 2000 to 2011 [6]. According to reports, anti-wrinkle treatments with injections of lipids have already been carried out during the 19th century [7]. Since that time, the range of implantable filler products has increased steadily.…”

“…Since its launch in 1981, bovine collagen (e.g. Zyderm ® ) has been the filler, which was the most frequently used filler for wrinkle augmentation for more than ten years [7] [8]. One negative aspect of bovine collagen is the potential for causing allergic reactions because of the foreign proteins, which requires a twostage skin test prior to the actual treatment [8].…”