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For many, the ideal shape and size of the buttocks are round, full, and smooth, but many of us find that due to age or genetics, the buttocks can look flat and be dimpled on the surface due to cellulite or stretch marks. Previously, many patients believed that the only option for butt augmentation was a plastic surgery procedure known as the Brazilian Butt Lift, which involved a fat transfer, long amounts of recovery time, and a high potential for adverse side effects. Luckily, there is a non-surgical procedure that can be quickly, safely, and easily performed with comparable results at a board-certified dermatologist’s office: the injectable dermal filler Radiesse.

Radiesse, produced by the company Merz Aesthetics, was originally FDA-approved in 2006 to treat moderate to severe wrinkles on the lower face, including the nasolabial folds and marionette lines around the nose and mouth. In 2015, Radiesse was then approved to restore age-related volume loss in the hands. But Radiesse is also extremely effective when used on the buttocks for a non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift. When injected into the buttocks or hip dips, Radiesse boosts collagen production to add volume, contour the butt for the ideal round shape, and reduce the appearance of dimples, cellulite, and stretch marks. All of these effects can be achieved in a 30-minute treatment session with no downtime necessary at the experienced dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green’s office.

Dr. Green has been expertly treating patients in her Upper East Side New York City office for more than 25 years. A master of all forms of cosmetic and medical dermatology, Dr. Green has a wide range of treatment options available at her office, which range from dermal fillers, such as Radiesse, Sculptra, Restylane, and Juvederm, Botox, laser treatments, chemical peels, CoolSculpting, and much more. Dr. Green also has her line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, to provide patients with the ability to maintain smooth, clear, and youthful-looking skin at home. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of New York City’s best healthcare providers by such publications as Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and New York Magazine.

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What is Radiesse?

Made by the company Merz Aesthetics, Radiesse is a dermal filler that has been FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe lower-face wrinkles and volume loss on the hands. Formulated with the active ingredient calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), Radiesse works to increase volume in the treatment area, fill in wrinkles, and boost collagen production in a process known as collagenases. Radiesse can be effectively used as an off-label treatment for butt augmentation and body contouring as a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift. When injected into the buttocks and hip dips, Radiesse adds volume to the treatment area for a subtle lift, contours the area to achieve the ideal shape, and decreases the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. Radiesse butt enhancement is an excellent alternative to the surgical Brazilian Butt Lift, helping patients to achieve their desired results without the need for any downtime or risk of significant side effects.

Radiesse vs. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Radiesse dermal filler injections and the surgical Brazilian Butt Lift are two procedures that target the buttocks to increase the volume, roundness, and texture of the buttocks. They differ in several key ways, however, most notably in how the procedure is performed. As a dermal filler treatment, Radiesse butt enhancement is performed by an injector, such as a board-certified dermatologist. It involves the injection of the calcium hydroxylapatite-based filler into various points across the treatment area. Radiesse treatment is a quick and relatively painless procedure that requires no downtime and, other than mild side effects that can include bruising and soreness, limited risk of adverse events. The Brazilian Butt Lift, on the other hand, is a form of plastic surgery that requires ample recovery time and has a greater risk of serious side effects. Performed by a plastic surgeon, the Brazilian Butt Lift involves a surgical fat transfer from another area of the patient’s body, such as the abdomen or thighs, to the buttocks. The fat transfer is performed via liposuction, which is a procedure that involves an incision and the insertion of an instrument known as a cannula to gather fatty tissue. The fat tissue is then grafted to the buttocks for butt augmentation.

When choosing between the non-surgical Radiesse butt lift and the surgical Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, there are several factors to remember. Due to the surgical nature of the Brazilian Butt Lift, the results of that procedure will be more dramatic than the results that can be achieved with the Radiesse butt lift. Radiesse is an excellent option for subtle lift, natural-looking contouring, improving skin texture, and dimple and cellulite reduction. If you are looking for more dramatic butt enhancement results, plastic surgery will likely be the option to help you achieve your desired results. Some patients also turn to Radiesse over BBL if they do not have a high enough fat content in other places in the body to perform the fat transfer. If that is the case, Radiesse can be the best solution to provide patients with the butt lift they desire.

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Is Radiesse better than Sculptra?

Radiesse and Sculptra are both bio-stimulator dermal fillers, meaning that they work similarly to trigger collagen growth at the injection site to restore lost volume and fill in wrinkles. Neither treatment option is inherently “better” than the other. While Radiesse and Sculptra share those similarities, there are several key differences: First, Sculptra is formulated with the active ingredient poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic, biocompatible substance that promotes collagen growth at the treatment area. With the poly-L-lactic acid-based gel, Sculptra butt lift results are incredibly long-lasting, with the effects of the treatment visible for up to two years. While the results of Sculptra treatment tend to last longer than Radiesse, it can take longer for the effects of the Sculptra injections to become visible. Both Radiesse and Sculptra have results that improve over time due to increased collagen production. Still, Radiesse injections add volume to the treatment area immediately and continue to improve, whereas the full effects of Sculptra are not visible for 4-6 months post-treatment. Both Radiesse and Sculptra butt lifts are highly effective at producing round, contoured buttocks. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she can help you determine which treatment will provide you with the best individual results.

What is the best filler for buttocks?

When it comes to choosing the dermal filler that will help you access your aesthetic goals, it is best to begin by consulting with an expert, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Green. Both Radiesse and Sculptra work well for butt augmentation, boosting the volume in the treatment area, contouring the buttocks, and improving skin texture. When you have your initial consultation, Dr. Green will examine the treatment area, ask you questions about your desired results, and recommend which filler will be best for you.

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How does Radiesse work?

Radiesse works to boost collagen production and add volume via the combination of the active ingredient calcium hydroxylapatite and the patented microsphere technology. When injected into the treatment area, these microspheres present in the gel work as a sort of scaffolding, boosting the volume at the injection site immediately and providing a framework around which new collagen can grow. The active ingredient, calcium hydroxyapatite, acts as a bio-stimulator, which triggers the body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is a structural protein that makes the skin smooth, firm, and flexible. Even as the body absorbs the filler, collagen production continues over time, and the treatment results continue to improve for months after the initial procedure. When injected into the buttocks, Radiesse provides a natural-looking enhancement to the butt, and the increased collagen production helps to provide smoother-looking skin, reducing the appearance of dimples and cellulite.

How long do Radiesse injections take?

The Radiesse butt augmentation process begins with a consultation between you and Dr. Green, where you will share your treatment goals, and Dr. Green will examine the treatment area to determine the best treatment plan for you. Following your Radiesse injection appointment, Dr. Green recommends refraining from consuming blood thinners such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen to decrease the likelihood of bruising post-treatment. The injections themselves are quick – generally taking approximately 30 minutes, making Radiesse a true “lunchtime” procedure. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the injections as Radiesse is formulated with lidocaine, a numbing agent. Dr. Green may also apply a topical numbing cream before the procedure to further minimize potential discomfort. There is no downtime involved with Radiesse treatment, so you can immediately return to your regularly scheduled work activities, whether that is website design or modeling. Dr. Green recommends that patients avoid strenuous physical activity and intense sunlight for 48 hours after treatment.

How many syringes of Radiesse do you need for a BBL?

The number of syringes of Radiesse needed for BBL depends on each patient’s aesthetic goals and physical needs. On average, the number of syringes necessary to create natural-looking volume and enhancement is 5-10. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will consider your desired results to decide the total number of syringes needed.

How long does Radiesse last?

Radiesse is a long-lasting treatment for butt augmentation with non-permanent results. Over time, the body begins to break down the filler that has been injected into the treatment area, resulting in effects that begin to fade over time. Typically, the effects of the Radiesse treatment can be seen for up to a year, and consequently, patients will schedule an annual touch-up appointment to maintain the treatment results.

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What are the side effects of Radiesse?

Radiesse is a safe and effective treatment for butt augmentation and reducing dimples and cellulite on the buttocks with minimal side effects. The most common side effects of Radiesse treatment are mild and go away on their own within several days of receiving the treatment, and include swelling, soreness, redness, and bruising at the injection site. These side effects are common for any type of injectable treatment, including other dermal fillers such as Sculptra or Restylane and neuromodulators such as Botox. When seeking treatment from a less experienced injector, the risk of adverse events increases. Less experienced injectors may accidentally inject the filler into a blood vessel, resulting in cellulitis, nodules under the skin, or even death of the surrounding tissue (necrosis).

What is the cost of a Radiesse BBL?

When patients ask about the cost of Radiesse for butt augmentation, the answer is that the cost depends on several factors, including the number of syringes necessary to achieve the desired results, your geographic location, and the type of institution at which you receive treatment. The average number of syringes necessary for Radiesse BBL is 5-10, and Radiesse is priced by syringe, meaning the more syringes necessary, the more expensive the treatment will be. The total cost will increase if you pair Radiesse with other treatments, such as Thermage for skin tightening or Botox for dynamic wrinkles. Where you seek treatment also impacts the price of treatment. While MedSpas may have lower prices due to specials and free consultations, you are more likely to experience adverse events when seeking treatment from a less experienced injector. That is why receiving treatment from a board-certified dermatologist and expert injector, such as Dr. Green, is safer and more effective.

What is the best type of Radiesse to use?

There are only two types of Radiesse: Radiesse and Radiesse Plus. Both forms of Radiesse contain patented microspheres and have the active ingredient of calcium hydroxylapatite. The only difference between them is that Radiesse Plus is formulated with lidocaine, which is a numbing agent to increase patient comfort during the procedure. Dr. Green uses Radiesse Plus in her office for maximum comfort during the injections.

Who is the best candidate for Radiesse treatments?

Radiesse BBL is the ideal treatment for any patient who is looking to enhance the buttocks by adding subtle volume, contouring for perfect roundness, and reducing the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, and dimples on the skin. The treatment is also good for patients who would like to avoid the potential for adverse events due to a surgical procedure like the Brazilian Butt Lift or for patients who do not have enough fat content in their body for a fat transfer. Plastic surgery is best for patients who want a very dramatic augmentation, while Radiesse is best for patients who are hoping to achieve a more natural-looking enhancement.

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How do you get started with Radiesse treatments for butt augmentation today?

Radiesse dermal filler injections are a safe and effective way to augment the buttocks. Patients who feel self-conscious about flat buttocks or the appearance of hip dips, cellulite, dimples, or stretch marks, can now turn to Radiesse, the non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift for butt augmentation. Providing patients with a subtle, natural-looking lift, roundness, and smooth texture to the buttocks, Radiesse is advantageous because it produces stunning results without downtime. It is best to start with a consultation with Dr. Michele Green in her discreet private NYC office to see whether Radiesse BBL treatment is right for you.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients worldwide with the best non-invasive cosmetic treatment options available, including the non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts with dermal fillers. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors consistently identify Dr. Green as one of New York’s best dermatologists for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding rejuvenation, customizing the treatment plans for each patient to provide natural-looking, long-lasting, optimal results. To schedule a consultation for non-surgical body contouring with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, call the office at 212 535 3088 or contact us online today.

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