Radiesse

What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is an FDA-approved injectable dermal filler that provides immediate volume and corrects wrinkles while also stimulating the body's natural collagen production for long-term improvements in skin thickness, smoothness, and quality.

Radiesse is approximately 30% CaHA and 70% gel carrier by volume Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel, it is used to fill lines, restore volume in the face and hands, and improve the contour of the jawline, with results lasting up to two years.

Indications

Radiesse and Radiesse (+) injectable implants are FDA-approved for subdermal implantation for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Radiesse is also used for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands.Radiesse(+) injectable implant is also indicated for deep injection (subdermal and/or supraperiosteal) for soft tissue augmentation to improve moderate to severe loss of jawline contour in adults over the age of 21.   

How Does It Work?

Radiesse works through a dual mechanism: it provides immediate plumping with its gel carrier and stimulates the body's natural collagen production for long-lasting, structural benefits as the calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres are naturally metabolized.

This stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin, improving skin firmness and texture over several months, and ultimately resulting in a refreshed, youthful appearance that can last for up to 12-18 months.  Over time, the gel component is absorbed, and fibroblasts begin to appear.

This initiates the process of neocollagenesis, stimulating the gradual production of the patient’s own collagen. Radiesse specifically stimulates collagen type III, which is subsequently replaced by collagen type I. This results in a stable and organized balance of collagen types I and III, providing structure and support, which is more effective than stimulating collagen type I alone.

The results are immediate, natural, subtle, and long-lasting. Eventually, the CaHA microspheres break down and are metabolized by the body's natural processes.

What to Expect

Diagram showing the process of a calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres used in skin rejuvenation. Step 1: CaHA microspheres are injected into the skin, providing immediate volume and correction. Step 2: CaHA microspheres stimulate the formation of a scaffold to promote collagen growth. Step 3: The scaffold provides long-lasting tissue support, with an illustration of a network of collagen fibers.

Radiesse is injected under the skin in a minimally invasive procedure. Injection of the product provides an immediate and visible correction to the wrinkle. There is no skin sensitivity testing or reconstitution required.

Over time, the gel is absorbed, and fibroblasts appear. The process of neocollagenesis begins, stimulating the gradual growth of the patient’s own collagen. The collagen that forms results in extended correction and increased patient satisfaction.

Radiesse stimulates collagen III, which is gradually replaced by collagen I. This creates a stable organized ration of collagen I and III with structure and support, compared to collagen type I stimulation alone.

Benefits of Radiesse

Chart showing key benefits of skin components including Support, Structure, Elasticity, Glow, and Nourish, with descriptions of their functions.

 FAQs

 FAQs

  • The key differences are their composition and how they work: Radiesse provides immediate volume and stimulates long-term collagen and elastin production, whereas HA fillers primarily work by attracting water for immediate plumping, without the same level of collagen stimulation. Choosing between them depends on the desired result, treatment area, and longevity, as Radiesse is often used for deeper lines and structural support with results lasting 12-18 months, while HA fillers are better suited for softer, more delicate areas like the lips and are reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.  

    • Volume and lift: 

      Radiesse provides an immediate, noticeable lift and fills in wrinkles and hollows where it is injected. 

    • Smoother skin: 

      It improves skin texture and overall appearance, with results visible shortly after the procedure. 

    • Collagen stimulation:

      The active ingredient in Radiesse, calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, stimulates your body's fibroblasts to create new collagen. 

    • Long-lasting results:

      As the body naturally breaks down the filler over time, the newly produced collagen maintains the volume and smooth appearance, with results lasting for up to two years. 

    • Treatment area:

      Different areas of the face have varying muscle movement and resilience, which can affect how long the filler lasts. 

    • Individual metabolism:

      Your body's unique metabolic rate plays a role in how quickly it breaks down the filler. 

    • Lifestyle:

      Factors like age, sun exposure, stress, and smoking can impact how long the results last. 

    • Collagen production:

      How well your skin produces collagen will influence the results. The gel carrier dissolves in a few months, but the new collagen matrix remains for a longer period. 

    • Individual skin condition:

      Your skin type, texture, and current collagen levels are also considered. 

  • Traditional Radiesse is used to add immediate volume and contour, while hyperdilute Radiesse is a skin-rejuvenation treatment used to improve skin quality, texture, and laxity. The main difference is the preparation: traditional Radiesse is injected for immediate plumping and results are visible in about two weeks, whereas hyperdilute Radiesse is mixed with saline and injected in smaller doses to stimulate natural collagen and elastin production for gradual, long-term skin tightening. Hyperdilute Radiesse is often used on areas like the neck and chest, while traditional Radiesse is better for areas needing more structure, like cheeks or jawlines