Differentiating the Dilutional Rheology of Radiesse, Radiesse (+), and Radiesse With 0.26 mL of Lidocaine

Abstract

The rheological properties of injectable dermal fillers and biostimulators influence their clinical performance, cellular and tissue responses, and adverse event profiles and remain a crucial component in understanding product selection and placement [1-3]. In our previous publication titled “Dilutional Rheology of Radiesse: Implications for Regeneration and Vascular Safety”, we provide novel insight into the rheological properties of calcium hydroxylapatite-carboxymethylcellulose (CaHA-CMC; Radiesse, Merz Aesthetics) gels at various dilutions, revealing that CaHA-CMC is rheologically sensitive to even small aqueous dilutions [4]. However, these experiments were conducted using only Radiesse classic (CaHA), leading to an influx of inquiries regarding the rheological properties of both Radiesse (+), which contains 0.3% integral lidocaine (CaHA+), and Radiesse classic diluted with 0.26 mL of lidocaine (CaHA Mix Kit), all three of which bear US FDA approvals for injection [5, 6]. Therefore, we have repeated the rheological testing with CaHA(+) and CaHA Mix Kit with measurements taken at 1 Hz using the same methodology and same testing conditions reported in McCarthy et al. and compare the elastic modulus (G′), viscous modulus (G″), and tan(ẟ) with different dilutions of CaHA previously reported [4]. Each of these rheological properties provide insight into both the physical and clinical performance of viscoelastic gels [7]. Their summaries can be found in Table 1.

Summary values G′, G″, and tan(ẟ) are listed in Table 2. CaHA(+)'s G′ is approximately 18% lower than CaHA, but does not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0849), while CaHA Mix Kit is approximately 60% lower and does reach statistical significance (p < 0.0001) (Figure 1A). The G″ values of CaHA(+) and CaHA Mix Kit are both significantly lower than CaHA (p = 0.0003 and p < 0.0001, respectively) (Figure 1B). The tan(ẟ) of CaHA(+) is lower than CaHA, but not significantly (p = 0.9903) (Figure 1C). A summary of pairwise comparisons between each rheometric property and each CaHA product and dilution are given in the Supporting Information. These values suggest that CaHA(+) retains excellent volumizing properties. Clinically, CaHA(+) in its undiluted form may be exceptionally suited for deep injections and contouring, as the inclusion of lidocaine does not necessitate manual dilution, which is a standard practice when using CaHA as the addition of an FDA-approved 0.26 mL of lidocaine is generally added to mitigate injection site pain. The findings also suggest that CaHA Mix Kit has significantly lower direct volumization compared to undiluted CaHA and CaHA(+), but compared to other FDA approved hyaluronic acid fillers, would have one of the highest G′ values at 1 Hz [8]. For example, Restylane, Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Juvederm Ultra have G′ values of approximately 760, 580, 300, and 180 Pa when measured at 1 Hz [9]. Therefore, CaHA, CaHA(+), and CaHA Mix Kit should be regarded as high G′ fillers relative to commercially available HA fillers.

Overall, undiluted CaHA, undiluted CaHA(+), and CaHA Mix Kit possess high G′ values relative to previously reported HA fillers and exhibit predominantly solid-like behavior, making them uniquely suited for supraperiosteal injections, direct filling, and contouring [10, 11]. Aqueous dilutions of CaHA or CaHA(+) under 1:1 ratios retain direct filling, while dilutions greater than 1:1 function purely through biostimulation. The general understanding of these concepts is reflected in dilution schemes used in clinical practices and in the on-label dilutions (or lack thereof) by anatomical site, such as a 1:2 dilution for decolletage and undiluted for jawline [5, 12].

All authors have made substantial contributions to the conception and design, or acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data, and have been involved in drafting the manuscript or revising it critically for important intellectual content. In addition, all authors have given final approval of the version to be published and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

The authors have nothing to report.

Dr. McCarthy, Radia El-Banna, and Nadine Hagedorn are employed by Merz Aesthetics. Dr. van Loghem is a paid speaker, trainer, and researcher for Merz Aesthetics.