radiesse® treatments

Standard fillers are typically made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is a soft gel that attracts water to hydrate and plump the skin. RADIESSE is a calcium-based biostimulator. While HA fillers are fantastic for lips and soft volume, RADIESSE is much firmer. It provides a more significant “lift” and actually changes the health of your skin by forcing it to produce new collagen and elastin, whereas HA fillers eventually dissolve without changing the skin’s underlying structure.

Because RADIESSE is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (the same mineral found in your teeth and bones), the microspheres can occasionally be visible on CT scans or X-rays. It is completely harmless and does not interfere with your health, but it is always a good idea to let your doctor or radiologist know you have had the treatment so they don’t mistake it for something else.

Usually, yes. It is very common to layer different types of fillers to get the best result. For example, we might use RADIESSE for deep structural support and an HA filler for fine surface lines. However, we always recommend a consultation first so we can feel the tissue and make sure your previous filler has settled properly before adding more.

You will walk out with an immediate lift from the gel carrier, but the “rebuilding” phase takes time. Your body begins to produce new collagen within a few weeks, and you will likely notice the peak of your results (tighter, smoother skin) around the 3 to 4-month mark. These results are very long-lasting because it is your own biological tissue doing the work.

Most of our clients describe the sensation as a series of small pinches or a feeling of pressure. We use RADIESSE (+), which has lidocaine (a numbing agent) mixed right into the formula, so the area numbs from the inside out as we work. If you are nervous about needles, we can also apply a topical numbing cream beforehand to make the process even easier.

Directly after treatment, the area might feel a bit firmer than usual, which is normal for a structural filler. As it integrates with your tissue over the first week or two, it softens and becomes virtually imperceptible to the touch. It is designed to mimic the natural feel of your own facial contours, so you won’t feel like you have “something” in your face once it has settled.

We do not use Radiesse for lip injections. The formula is quite firm and structural, which makes it prone to forming small, hard lumps in highly mobile areas like the mouth. Lips require a soft, flexible product that moves naturally when you talk or smile, so we always recommend a hyaluronic acid filler for that specific area. We save Radiesse for the parts of your face that need a strong, stable foundation, such as the jawline, chin, or cheekbones.

Beyond pregnancy and breastfeeding, which are standard contraindications, we avoid Radiesse for people with very thin or translucent skin in certain areas. For example, we do not inject it under the eyes because the skin there is too delicate to hide a structural filler. It is also not suitable for anyone with a known allergy to lidocaine or a history of severe allergies. If you have a current skin infection or inflammation near the treatment site, we will wait until that has completely cleared up before we begin.