Radiesse

Radiesse typically lasts 12-18 months, longer than many standard HA fillers.

Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals. Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, the active ingredient is microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite — a mineral compound naturally found in human bone — suspended in a gel carrier. After injection, the gel provides immediate volumising; over the following weeks the gel is metabolised and the CaHA microspheres act as a biostimulator, signalling fibroblasts to produce new collagen around the particles. The result is dual-action: immediate volume PLUS progressive collagen-driven improvement that outlasts the initial gel.

Yes — Radiesse holds FDA Premarket Approval (PMA, P040039), originally approved in 2006 for moderate-to-severe facial folds and wrinkles, and extended in 2015 for hand augmentation. This is the more rigorous FDA approval pathway (PMA) rather than the lower-threshold 510(k) clearance pathway used for some aesthetic devices. Radiesse is also CE-marked for use in the EU and UK.

Radiesse is best suited to STRUCTURAL areas of the face where lift and definition are the goals: cheekbones, jawline, chin projection, nasolabial folds, and (in some hands) temple volume. It is also commonly used on the back of the hands for rejuvenation. Radiesse is NOT used in the lips, NOT in the tear trough / under-eye area, and NOT for very superficial fine-line correction — the product's firmness and biostimulating mechanism are incompatible with these very mobile or thin-skinned areas. Your consultation will assess where Radiesse is appropriate for your face.

Most patients see results lasting 12–18 months from a single round of Radiesse — longer than typical HA fillers (which usually last 6–12 months). The longevity comes from the collagen-stimulating effect; even after the CaHA microspheres themselves break down over time, the new collagen they triggered persists. Some patients with strong collagen response see results closer to 24 months. Maintenance is typically once every 12–18 months.

This is one of the important practical differences. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved using hyaluronidase if there's a problem (unsatisfying result, asymmetry, or vascular complication). Radiesse CANNOT be dissolved by an enzyme — the calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres are gradually metabolised by the body but no rapid reversal exists. This is one reason Radiesse is typically reserved for experienced injectors and for patients with clear, structural goals. Conservative dosing and careful placement are especially important with Radiesse.

Topical anaesthetic cream is applied 20–30 minutes before treatment. Newer Radiesse formulations include lidocaine, which provides progressive numbing as injection proceeds. For more sensitive areas or larger volume placements, a dental nerve block can be added. Most patients describe the experience as pressure and intermittent stinging — uncomfortable but tolerable, typically a 4–5/10 on the pain scale during placement.

Before: avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning supplements for one week; avoid alcohol for 48 hours; schedule any dental work to be either completed 2 weeks before OR at least 2 weeks after treatment (bacteraemia from dental procedures can seed into freshly placed filler). After: avoid touching or massaging the area for 24 hours; sleep elevated for the first 2 nights; avoid intense exercise, saunas, and extreme temperatures for 48 hours; pause dental procedures for 2 weeks; protect with SPF 50 daily. The aftercare list on this page reflects this.

Yes — and this is a common combined approach. Radiesse is used for structural lift in cheekbones, jawline, and chin where its firmness is an advantage. HA fillers (Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft, Teosyal Ultra Deep) can be used in adjacent areas where softer integration is needed, or in the lips and tear troughs where Radiesse is not appropriate. Anti-wrinkle injections complete the plan for dynamic-line areas. Sequencing is usually staged across multiple appointments rather than combined in one session, to allow each placement to settle.