Radiesse
A calcium hydroxylapatite filler by Merz Aesthetics that delivers immediate volume correction while stimulating your body's natural collagen and elastin production for long-lasting results.
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is an FDA-approved injectable filler by Merz Aesthetics composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres -- a mineral compound found naturally in human bones and teeth. It provides a unique dual-action mechanism: immediate volume correction upon injection, plus long-term collagen and elastin stimulation as the microspheres are gradually absorbed. Results last 12-18 months in the face, and Radiesse is also FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation.
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is an FDA-approved injectable filler manufactured by Merz Aesthetics. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a smooth aqueous gel carrier. CaHA is a mineral-like compound that occurs naturally in human bones and teeth, making it highly biocompatible and safe for injection.
What makes Radiesse truly unique in the injectable landscape is its dual mechanism of action. Upon injection, the gel carrier provides immediate volume correction -- you see results right away. Then, over the following weeks and months, the CaHA microspheres act as a scaffold that stimulates your body to produce new collagen and elastin. As the gel carrier is absorbed and the microspheres gradually break down, they are replaced by your own newly formed collagen, providing lasting structural support.
Radiesse has been FDA-approved since 2006 for facial wrinkles and folds, and received additional FDA approval for hand augmentation in 2015, making it one of the most versatile non-HA fillers available.
Dual Mechanism of Action
Immediate Volume
The smooth gel carrier provides instant volumizing and wrinkle correction upon injection. Results are visible immediately, allowing both you and your provider to assess the outcome during the treatment session. The gel integrates with your tissue for a natural look and feel.
Collagen Stimulation
The CaHA microspheres create a biological scaffold that activates fibroblasts to produce new Type I and Type III collagen, as well as elastin. Over months, as the microspheres are naturally absorbed, they leave behind your own newly formed structural proteins for long-lasting support.
Radiesse Product Options
Radiesse
The original formulation. Available in 0.8 mL and 1.5 mL syringe sizes. Used for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, facial contouring, and hand augmentation. Provides immediate correction with lasting collagen stimulation.
Duration: 12-18 months | Treatment areas: Cheeks, jawline, chin, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, hands
Radiesse (+) with Lidocaine
The same CaHA formula with integrated lidocaine for enhanced patient comfort during injection. The lidocaine is premixed into the product, providing numbing as the filler is placed. This is now the most commonly used version of Radiesse.
Duration: 12-18 months | Benefit: Reduced discomfort during treatment
Treatment Areas
Radiesse is one of the most versatile fillers available, approved and commonly used in a wide range of treatment areas:
Important note: Radiesse should not be injected into the lips. The CaHA microspheres can create visible nodules in the thin lip tissue. For lip augmentation, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or Restylane are the appropriate choice.
Hyperdilute Radiesse for Skin Quality
One of the most exciting developments in aesthetic medicine is the use of hyperdilute Radiesse for improving overall skin quality. In this technique, Radiesse is mixed with saline and lidocaine to create a thinner solution that can be distributed across larger surface areas.
Rather than adding focused volume, hyperdilute Radiesse works by spreading CaHA microspheres across a broad treatment zone, stimulating widespread collagen and elastin production. The result is improved skin thickness, texture, firmness, and elasticity -- essentially rejuvenating the skin from within.
Common Hyperdilute Treatment Areas
Key Facts at a Glance
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Duration
Fill + Stimulate
Approved
What to Expect During Treatment
A Radiesse treatment is a straightforward office procedure that typically takes 15-30 minutes:
- Before treatment: Your provider will clean the treatment area and may apply topical numbing cream. Treatment areas will be marked, and photos may be taken for comparison.
- During treatment: Radiesse (+) contains lidocaine for comfort. Your provider will inject the product using a needle or cannula, then massage the area to ensure smooth distribution.
- After treatment: Results are visible immediately. Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur and typically resolves within 1-2 weeks. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Radiesse vs. Sculptra
Both Radiesse and Sculptra stimulate collagen production, but they work differently:
| Feature | Radiesse | Sculptra |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Calcium Hydroxylapatite | Poly-L-Lactic Acid |
| Immediate Volume | Yes | No (gradual only) |
| Sessions Required | Usually 1 | 2-3 sessions |
| Duration | 12-18 months | 2+ years |
| Ideal For | Immediate correction + stimulation | Maximum long-term collagen rebuilding |
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiesse
How long does Radiesse last?
Radiesse results typically last 12-18 months in the face and up to 12 months in the hands. The immediate volume correction is visible right away, while the collagen-stimulating benefits continue to develop over the following months. Some patients report results lasting beyond 18 months, depending on the treatment area and individual metabolism.
What is hyperdilute Radiesse?
Hyperdilute Radiesse is a technique where the product is mixed with saline and lidocaine to create a thinner solution that can be spread over larger areas. Rather than adding focused volume, hyperdilute Radiesse is used to improve overall skin quality, thickness, and texture. It stimulates collagen and elastin production across broad areas like the neck, decolletage, arms, and face.
Can Radiesse be dissolved like hyaluronic acid fillers?
No. Unlike HA fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, Radiesse cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. The CaHA microspheres are gradually absorbed by the body over time. If overcorrection occurs, it will slowly resolve as the product is metabolized. This is why choosing an experienced provider who practices conservative injection techniques is especially important with Radiesse.
Is Radiesse safe for hand rejuvenation?
Yes. Radiesse is FDA-approved for hand augmentation to correct volume loss in the back of the hands. It is one of the few fillers specifically approved for this purpose. The CaHA microspheres provide immediate volume to conceal visible tendons and veins while stimulating collagen production for longer-lasting improvement. The procedure takes about 15 minutes per hand.
What is the difference between Radiesse and Sculptra?
Both are biostimulators that promote collagen production, but they differ in key ways. Radiesse provides immediate volume correction plus gradual collagen stimulation (dual action), while Sculptra works solely through gradual collagen stimulation with no immediate volume effect. Radiesse uses CaHA microspheres and typically requires one session, while Sculptra uses PLLA and requires 2-3 sessions spaced weeks apart.
How much does Radiesse cost?
Radiesse typically costs between $650 and $1,000 per syringe. Most facial treatments require 1-2 syringes, while hand rejuvenation may require 1-3 syringes per hand. Hyperdilute treatments for skin quality improvement may require 1-2 syringes depending on the treatment area. Costs vary by geographic location and provider. Merz offers the Xperience+ rewards program for savings on future treatments.
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