Radiesse® Dermal Filler - Glossary
For you convenience, here is a brief glossary which includes terms used throughout this Web site as well as other terms related to HIV and dermal fillers.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
A
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – An epidemic disease caused by an infection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus that causes failure of the immune system.
B
Biocompatible – A material that is biologically compatible with the body. The calcium-based microspheres used in RADIESSE filler are biocompatible, breaking down into basic calcium and phosphate ions and then naturally absorbed by the body.
Botulinum toxin Type A (Brand name: BOTOX® Cosmetic) – A purified protein used to temporarily relax muscles that can cause lines to form. Although injectables like BOTOX® Cosmetic smooth and relax the lines and wrinkles caused by dynamic muscle movement, they do not fill tissue or replace volume to correct deep lines and wrinkles.
C
Calcify (or Calcification) – To become hard, stony, or inflexible.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) – The natural mineral that largely makes up bones and teeth in humans and animals. Micronized CaHA microspheres are a primary component to RADIESSE filler.
Clinical Trials – Studies in humans to establish the efficacy or safety of medical products.
Collagen – Fibrous proteins that assist in providing form and structure within the skin. The loss of collagen is a contributing factor to the visible signs of aging on the face.
E
Edema – Swelling of tissue due to accumulation of excess fluid.
Enzymatic Biodegradation – Enzyme-induced biological breakdown of materials.
Erythema – Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the capillaries. Photosensitivity is an example of erythema.
F
Facial Lipoatrophy – see Lipoatrophy.
Facial Wasting – see Wasting.
Fat Transfer –A procedure, also known as “fat grafting," where fat is harvested from one part of the patient’s body and then reinjected into the face. Fat grafting results vary widely.
FDA 510(k) Premarket Notification – A premarket submission made to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate that a device is at least as safe and effective (substantially equivalent) as a legally marketed device that is not the subject of a Premarket Approval (PMA).
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – A regulatory branch of the United States Government responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections.
H
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – A retrovirus that is known to cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
L
Lipoatrophy – The loss of fat stored under the skin, causing small indentations, especially in the face (see: hollowed eyes and sunken cheeks). A common side effect of antiretroviral therapy.
Lipodystrophy – The relocation of subcutaneous fat, commonly occurring in the extremities.
M
Marionette Lines – Also known as “oral commissures,” marionette lines run downward from the corners of the mouth.
Maxillofacial Surgery – The surgical correction of or relating to the upper jaw and face.
Microspheres – The particles of RADIESSE filler that stimulate the production of collagen and tissue at and around the point of injection.
Migration – As related to injections, the movement of material away from the injection site.
N
Nasolabial Folds – Deep folds which run from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
P
Perioral Lines – Vertical lines around the lips and mouth, sometimes called “Smokers Lines.”
Pre-Market Approval (PMA) – The FDA process of scientific and regulatory review to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Class III medical devices.
Poly-L Lactic Acid – A synthetic polymer made from “natural components” used to replace volume. Known by the brand name Sculptra ™ , it is only approved for the treatment of HIV-related Facial Lipoatrophy.
R
Retrovirus – A type of virus that has RNA instead of DNA as its genetic material. It becomes a part of a host cell's DNA, allowing many copies of the virus to be made. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of retrovirus.
S
Smile Lines – The lines or wrinkles that appear on the cheeks.
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) – The NaCMC material and sterile water are mixed to form a gel, which acts as a carrier for the CaHA particles in RADIESSE filler. Biocompatible, the gel is gradually absorbed by the body.
Static Lines – Lines or wrinkles that remain unchanged, even with dynamic muscle movement.
V
Vocal Fold Insufficiency (VFI) – a state in which one or both vocal folds (also called vocal cords) lack the physical capacity to vibrate. The FDA has approved RADIESSE filler for the treatment of vocal fold insufficiency.
W
Wasting – The process by which a debilitating disease causes muscle and fat tissue to "waste" away. Many drugs involved in antiretroviral therapy have been found to cause face wasting, or Facial Lipoatrophy.