When signs of aging begin to impact how you feel about yourself, having the right expertise matters. Dr. Vivian Bucay, a board-certified dermatologist with national recognition in aesthetics, works alongside her board-certified team to create personalized treatment plans.
From our San Antonio offices in La Casita and Sonterra/Stone Oak, you have access to trusted dermal filler options like Radiesse® and Belotero®. In fact, Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics is recognized as a “Center of Excellence” in the United States for Radiesse Hands.
What Is Radiesse®?
Radiesse® is an FDA-approved dermal filler used to restore lost volume and smooth the appearance of the skin. It's commonly used to treat facial wrinkles and folds, and it can also help restore volume in the cheeks and jawline.
In addition, Radiesse is the first and only filler specifically approved to correct volume loss in the hands. By replenishing fullness and softening the look of prominent veins or tendons, Radiesse can make your hands look more refreshed.
Watch Dr. Bucay Perform a Radiesse Hands Treatment
What Is Radiesse Made Of?
Many of today’s dermal fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, or HA. Radiesse, however, is formulated with calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, which is how it stimulates the body’s production of collagen, a naturally occurring substance that eventually becomes depleted in your body. Many of the common signs of aging can be attributed to the breakdown of collagen, which is needed to keep your skin elastic and taut.
What Radiesse Corrects
Over time, the skin’s natural support system weakens due to aging, stress, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or even the type of makeup used. Radiesse helps restore structure and volume, making it a versatile treatment for:
- Deep facial folds, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin
- Pre-jowl folds along the jawline
- Chin wrinkles and creases
- Volume loss in the cheeks and midface
- Hollow or sunken temples
- Backs of the hands, reducing the appearance of veins and tendons
- Collagen stimulation for overall skin firmness and support
When Will I See Results From Radiesse?
Radiesse goes beyond simply filling areas with depression in its encouragement of collagen production. Due to its design, the results achieved with this filler are seen over several weeks. Once achieved, the results can last up to a year.
Radiesse for Hands
The hands don’t lie. Your age can easily be given away by the appearance of your hands, even with a youthful face. Radiesse is the first and only FDA-approved filler for hands.
Radiesse Before & After
Radiesse Also Available for Men!
Belotero®
Of the same family as Radiesse®, Belotero® is an excellent addition to our comprehensive list of anti-aging solutions.
What Is Belotero®?
Belotero® is a non-animal, FDA-cleared hyaluronic acid filler. A smooth, gentle solution, Belotero is practical for many situations, some of which may not have responded optimally to other anti-aging treatments. The lightweight consistency of this filler makes it suitable even for superficial injections.
What Belotero Corrects:
Areas commonly treated with Belotero include:
- Frown lines
- Tear troughs
- Nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth
- Marionette lines between the mouth and chin
- Lips
- Smile and laugh lines
Belotero Before & After
Why Choose Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics?
Dr. Bucay is recognized as an Ambassador Provider with MERZ Aesthetics, the makers of Radiesse, Belotero, and Xeomin — an honor that represents the highest level of distinction nationwide. She also serves as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for MERZ Aesthetics, sharing her expertise with peers across the field.
During your visit with Dr. Vivian Bucay, she takes the time to listen to your concerns and create a personalized anti-aging treatment plan that reflects your goals. She works alongside Dr. Rachna Bhandari and Dr. Talia Noorily, offering patients in San Antonio comprehensive dermatologic and aesthetic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Radiesse, Belotero, and Juvederm?
Radiesse is a calcium-based filler best for deeper wrinkles and volume loss, Belotero is a hyaluronic acid filler ideal for fine lines and delicate areas, and Juvederm is another hyaluronic acid filler that comes in multiple formulas to treat a range of wrinkles and volume concerns.
How Long Does Belotero Last?
Belotero generally lasts about six to 12 months, depending on the treatment area and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle.
Which Filler Is Better for Deep Wrinkles?
Radiesse is usually recommended for deeper wrinkles and folds because it provides structural support and stimulates collagen, making it stronger and longer-lasting in these areas.
Which Filler Is Better for Fine Lines?
Belotero is better suited for fine lines and delicate areas since its lightweight formula integrates smoothly into the skin without creating bumps or heaviness.
Is Radiesse Permanent?
No, Radiesse is not permanent. Results should last about a year or longer, but the filler gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body.
Is Belotero Reversible?
Yes, Belotero can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which specifically breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers.
Do Radiesse or Belotero Injections Hurt?
Both Radiesse and Belotero treatments are generally well tolerated. Patients may feel mild stinging, pressure, or discomfort during the injections, but the sensation is brief. To make the experience more comfortable, numbing agents or local anesthesia can be used.
Can Radiesse Be Used Under the Eyes?
Radiesse is generally not recommended for under-eye treatment because of its thicker consistency, which may cause unevenness. Belotero is a safer option for this delicate area.
How Much Do Radiesse and Belotero Cost?
The cost of Radiesse and Belotero varies depending on the number of syringes needed and our fees. We will discuss pricing during your consultation.
Is There Downtime After Radiesse or Belotero?
Downtime is minimal. You may notice temporary swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site, but you can usually return to normal activities right away.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Bucay, Dr. Bhandari, and Dr. Noorily, and the rest of our team love helping patients feel better about their skin. We can help you reverse many of the signs of aging with customized anti-aging treatments.
For more information on Radiesse, Belotero, or any of our other cosmetic treatments, contact us today for your one-on-one consultation! We serve San Antonio and Boerne, TX. Call either of our two convenient locations: La Casita at 210.692.3000 and Sonterra/Stone Oak at 210.370.9995.