Chicago / Naperville Radiesse Specialist – Dr. W. John Bull

Dr. John Bull is proud of his reputation as one of the leading Chicago and Naperville Radiesse specialists. In order to deliver the best possible results for all of his Radiesse Naperville patients, he uses a combination of refined aesthetic judgment and impeccable care. Please explore the paragraphs below to learn more about Radiesse and Dr. Bull's treatment approach.

What is Radiesse?

Radiesse (Radiance) is the latest injectable substance that is newly available for cosmetic purposes to fill in wrinkles and lines. Radiesse is made up of microscopic calcium particles (hydroxylapatite) that are found in bone and suspended in gel. This is a safe material that is already in use for dental reconstruction, bone growth, vocal cord injection and other procedures. Unlike Collagen it does not require an allergy test, and lasts at least 12 to 18 months.

How long does Radiesse last?

Radiesse usually lasts 12 months and sometimes longer! Newer studies done in 2004 show that injected Radiesse can potentially decrease about 30% after the gel resorbs over the first six weeks. To maintain the best results, Dr. Bull might recommend that Radiesse Naperville patients receive a touch up after the first 6 weeks.

What are the side effects of Radiesse (Radiance)?

Normal side effects are swelling for the first 2 days. Since calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal component of bone and does not contain any animal products, there is no allergy test required before treatment. In rare cases, a Naperville Radiesse patient may experience tiny calcium deposits that may rise to the surface of the skin and appear like small white bumps. If this occurs the deposits can easily be removed. The longest term studies with this product have been done in Italy, which suggest that "Radiance" shows promise as a new agent for facial contouring with no serious side effects.

Is Radiesse FDA approved?

BioForm Radiesse implants have been FDA approved and have been in use for many years in dental, facial, and orthopedic surgery and for vocal cord augmentation. BioForm Radiesse is still in the process of becoming approved for cosmetic use, and it is currently being used by doctors off-label until the FDA approval comes (expected sometime 2006).

How does Radiesse compare to Collagen or other injectables?

The advantage of using Radiesse is the potential for long lasting effect. Radiesse will last approximately 12 months (about 2 – 4 times longer than collagen). Radiesse contains no animal products and therefore requires no allergy test prior to treatments. Radiesse is also often more natural appearing and feeling. Radiesse requires fewer injections per area but Dr. Bull will recommend injections to numb the area, to prevent discomfort.

Where can Radiesse be used?

Radiesse can be used to improve wrinkles in areas like the smile lines (or nasolabial folds). It is usually used to improve lines and wrinkles on areas in the lower half of the face but can be used around the eyes, and forehead.

For more information please visit the Radiesse website.