A 52-month summary of results using calcium hydroxylapatite for facial soft tissue augmentation.
OBJECTIVE
In this large-scale clinical review, we investigated the safety and efficacy of Radiesse, an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) implant, in treatment of nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other areas of the face.


METHODS
After obtaining informed consent from the subjects, CaHA was injected in 1,000 patients (886 women and 114 men, ranging in age from 21 to 85 years) for a variety of facial aesthetic applications over a period of 52 months. Typically, CaHA was administered with a 27-gauge 1/2, or 1 1/4-inch needle.


RESULTS
The nasolabial folds were the most frequently treated site, followed by the marionette lines/oral commissure. More than 80% of patients reported persistence of results at 12 months. The most frequently reported adverse events were erythema and ecchymosis. The formation of nodules was rare and was chiefly confined to the lips. Only two patients experienced nodule formation outside the lips.


CONCLUSIONS
Over a period of more than 4 years, we found that CaHA performed well, with a favorable safety profile, high patient satisfaction, and good durability.
Tzikas
Thomas L
TL
Facial Plastic Surgery, Delray Beach, Florida, USA. tzikasmd@gmail.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D017886:Durapatite / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D017886:Durapatite