RADIESSE® is an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) biostimulator designed to provide structural support while stimulating the skin's regenerative processes.
SKIN QUALITY & BIOSTIMULATIONDepending on the formulation, treatment strategy, indication and local regulatory status, RADIESSE® may also be incorporated into protocols focused on:
Skin Firmness
Skin Elasticity
Crepey-Looking Skin
Age-Related Skin Quality Changes
Collagen & Elastin Support
About this treatment
Composition
calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Areas
Lower Face • Jawline • Facial Contours • Skin Quality
Results
initial and progressive changes
Duration
not a permanent treatment
What Is RADIESSE®?
RADIESSE® is an injectable product containing calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier.
This makes it fundamentally different from the hyaluronic acid fillers we use for many facial corrections.
With a traditional HA filler, the primary objective is often to restore or modify volume, contour or structural support.
RADIESSE® also provides an initial structural effect, but its CaHA microspheres additionally interact with fibroblasts and support regeneration of components of the extracellular matrix.
This is why RADIESSE® is commonly described as an injectable biostimulator.
How Does RADIESSE® Work?
01
CaHA MICROSPHERES
RADIESSE® contains precisely manufactured calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended within a gel carrier.
02
INITIAL STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
Following injection, the gel carrier provides an immediate volumising and contouring effect in appropriately selected areas.
03
FIBROBLAST ACTIVATION
The CaHA microspheres provide a scaffold and interact with fibroblasts involved in tissue regeneration.
04
EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX REGENERATION
Activated fibroblasts contribute to production and restoration of important extracellular-matrix components. These include: Collagen I • Collagen III • Elastin • Proteoglycans • Other Components Involved in Skin Structure
05
PROGRESSIVE SKIN & STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENT
As the gel carrier is gradually broken down, the regenerated tissue matrix contributes to longer-term structural and skin-quality effects.
The choice is not about which injectable is “better”. It depends on what the tissue needs. A patient requiring subtle lip enhancement may be better suited to an HA filler. A patient with selected lower-face structural changes and a need for biostimulation may have a completely different treatment plan. Different injectable. Different tissue. Different objective.
Who Is RADIESSE® For?
RADIESSE® may be considered for selected adults concerned about:
Lower-Face Structural Changeswhen reduced support contributes to age-related facial changes.
Jawline Definitionwhen structural support is an appropriate target.
Pre-Jowl Hollowingin selected patients following facial assessment.
Nasolabial Foldswhen treatment of appropriate moderate-to-severe folds is indicated.
Marionette Lineswhen structural and volume-related changes contribute to the concern.
Reduced Skin Firmnesswhen a biostimulation protocol is appropriate.
Crepey-Looking Skinin selected areas when diffuse CaHA biostimulation is clinically appropriate.
Age-Related Skin Quality Changeswhen collagen and elastin support is part of the treatment objective.
What Happens During RADIESSE® Treatment?
1
Medical Consultation
The doctor assesses: Facial Anatomy • Tissue Quality • Structural Support • Skin Laxity • Facial Proportions • Previous Injectable Treatments • Individual Goals
2
Treatment Strategy
We determine whether the primary objective is: Structural Support • Contouring • Biostimulation • A Combination of These
3
Product & Technique Selection
The doctor determines the appropriate treatment technique and whether standard or diluted use corresponds to the clinical objective.
4
RADIESSE® Injection
The product is carefully placed into selected tissue planes using an appropriate injection technique.
5
Reassessment & Aftercare
The treated area is reassessed and individual aftercare instructions are provided.
RADIESSE® Recovery & Downtime
RADIESSE® is an injectable medical procedure.
Temporary reactions may include: Redness • Swelling • Tenderness • Bruising • Injection-Site Sensitivity • Temporary Irregularity or Fullness
These reactions usually settle progressively. Recovery varies according to the treatment area, technique and individual response.
Read more about recovery and aftercare
RADIESSE® Aftercare
Patients should follow the individual instructions provided by their doctor.
Depending on the treatment area and technique, patients may be advised to temporarily avoid: Intense Exercise • Sauna • Steam Rooms • Excessive Heat • Alcohol • Pressure or Manipulation of the Treated Area • Other Aesthetic Procedures
Do not massage the treated area unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Aftercare may differ between structural and diluted biostimulation protocols.
Other complications are possible. These can include: Lumps or Irregularities • Nodules • Infection • Inflammatory Reactions • Vascular Complications
As with other facial injectable procedures, rare but serious vascular complications can occur.
RADIESSE® cannot be treated with hyaluronidase like an HA filler.
Appropriate anatomical knowledge, patient selection, injection technique and complication-management protocols are therefore essential.
Read more about RADIESSE®
Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, RADIESSE® contains calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier.
The gel provides an initial structural effect, while the CaHA microspheres interact with the surrounding tissue and activate fibroblasts involved in extracellular matrix renewal.
At Pearl Skin Polyclinic in Dubai, RADIESSE® is selected when the treatment goal goes beyond simply adding volume.
The objective is to improve facial support, contour and skin quality while working with the patient's natural anatomy.
RADIESSE® for the Jawline
Jawline definition can change because of several factors: Skeletal Anatomy • Loss of Structural Support • Changes in Facial Volume • Skin Laxity • Subcutaneous Tissue • Masseter Anatomy • Platysma Activity
RADIESSE® may be considered for appropriate loss of jawline contour when structural support is part of the problem.
But jawline treatment should not simply mean injecting along the entire mandibular border.
We first determine why the jawline has lost definition.
If structural support is the dominant issue, RADIESSE® may be considered.
If skin laxity, muscle activity or another anatomical factor dominates, a different or combination strategy may be more appropriate.
RADIESSE® for the Lower Face
Age-related changes in the lower face can include: Deepening Nasolabial Folds • Marionette Lines • Pre-Jowl Hollowing • Changes Around the Corners of the Mouth • Reduced Structural Definition
RADIESSE® can be used for appropriate moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds, including selected lower-face concerns.
The objective is not to erase every fold.
Normal facial movement and anatomical transitions should remain.
RADIESSE® & Skin Quality
One of the most interesting aspects of RADIESSE® is what happens after injection.
CaHA microspheres interact with fibroblasts and support extracellular-matrix regeneration.
The biological response includes processes involving collagen, elastin and other components responsible for tissue structure and skin quality.
This means RADIESSE® may be selected when we want to address not only contour but also appropriate age-related changes in tissue quality.
The treatment strategy, however, is different when the objective is structural support versus more diffuse biostimulation.
The same product can be used differently depending on the biological target.
RADIESSE® vs Hyperdiluted RADIESSE®
This distinction is important.
RADIESSE®In its standard form, the product can provide more concentrated structural support and biostimulation in appropriate areas.
HYPERDILUTED RADIESSE®Dilution changes the way the product is distributed through the tissues. Rather than focusing on projection or concentrated volume, a diluted or hyperdiluted protocol can distribute CaHA microspheres across a broader treatment area with an emphasis on skin-quality biostimulation rather than volumisation. Specific dilution, injection technique and treatment area are selected by the doctor according to the clinical objective. Hyperdiluted RADIESSE® may be considered in selected protocols aimed at improving:
Skin Firmness
Elasticity
Crepey-Looking Skin
Tissue Quality
Age-Related Skin Changes
Treatment indications and regulatory status may vary by country.
Hyperdiluted RADIESSE® for Skin Laxity
Skin laxity is not one uniform condition.
It can be influenced by: Collagen Loss • Elastin Changes • Tissue Thickness • Ageing • Sun Exposure • Weight Changes • Structural Support
When diffuse biostimulation is appropriate, hyperdiluted RADIESSE® may be considered as part of a skin-quality treatment strategy.
The objective is not to create artificial volume.
The objective is progressive improvement in tissue quality, firmness and regenerative support.
Patients with significant excess skin or advanced tissue descent may require a different treatment strategy.
RADIESSE® for Neck & Décolleté
The neck and décolleté can develop: Reduced Firmness • Crepey Texture • Fine Lines • Reduced Elasticity • Age-Related Skin Changes
In selected patients, a diluted CaHA biostimulation protocol may be considered for these areas when medically appropriate.
The anatomy and tissue thickness of the neck and décolleté differ from the face.
Treatment technique, dilution and product distribution therefore need to be selected specifically for the area.
RADIESSE® for Hands
Age-related changes in the hands may include: Reduced Tissue Volume • Increased Visibility of Tendons & Veins • Reduced Skin Quality • Structural Ageing
RADIESSE® has recognised use for selected hand rejuvenation indications in some markets.
Treatment suitability depends on anatomy, tissue condition and local regulatory status.
The objective is to improve appropriate age-related structural changes while preserving natural hand anatomy.
RADIESSE® for Nasolabial Folds
Nasolabial folds are normal anatomical structures extending from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth.
Their prominence may increase due to: Ageing • Facial Anatomy • Mid-Face Changes • Tissue Descent • Loss of Structural Support
RADIESSE® may be considered for appropriate moderate-to-severe folds depending on the patient's anatomy and treatment plan.
The goal is not to erase every natural facial fold.
RADIESSE® for Marionette Lines & Pre-Jowl Area
Changes around the lower face can create shadows, folds and loss of definition.
The pre-jowl area may become more noticeable as facial structure and soft tissues change with age.
Marionette lines can also become more visible due to a combination of volume changes, tissue laxity and muscular activity.
RADIESSE® may be considered when structural support is an appropriate treatment target.
However, if significant laxity or muscular pull is the dominant cause, additional or alternative treatments may be required.
RADIESSE® vs Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Both are injectable treatments, but they have different characteristics.
HYALURONIC ACID FILLERSPrimarily used for: Volume Restoration • Contouring • Projection • Lip Enhancement • Correction of Selected Folds HA fillers can also be dissolved with hyaluronidase when medically appropriate.
RADIESSE®Contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). It can provide structural support while also stimulating regenerative extracellular-matrix processes. RADIESSE® is not a hyaluronic acid filler and cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase.
The choice depends on: Treatment Area • Tissue Characteristics • Need for Projection • Need for Structural Support • Skin Quality • Desired Treatment Effect
RADIESSE® vs Sculptra®
RADIESSE® and Sculptra® are both commonly described as collagen biostimulators, but they contain different materials and are not interchangeable.
RADIESSE® contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) and can provide an initial structural effect together with progressive biostimulation.
Sculptra® contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and is primarily used for gradual collagen stimulation and progressive tissue support.
The appropriate treatment depends on: Facial Anatomy • Treatment Area • Degree of Volume or Structural Change • Skin Quality • Desired Timeline • Clinical Objective
There is no single biostimulator that is automatically better for every patient.
RADIESSE® vs Morpheus8
Both treatments may be incorporated into programmes for tissue quality and ageing, but they work through very different mechanisms.
RADIESSE® is an injectable CaHA biostimulator.
Morpheus8 uses fractional radiofrequency microneedling to create controlled thermal coagulation and tissue remodelling.
RADIESSE® may be selected when injectable structural support or biostimulation is appropriate.
Morpheus8 may be selected when the target is fractional treatment of: Skin Laxity • Texture • Acne Scars • Tissue Remodelling
Some patients may benefit from both treatments within a staged programme.
When Will I See RADIESSE® Results?
RADIESSE® can produce both initial and progressive changes.
The gel carrier may provide an early structural effect in appropriately treated areas.
The CaHA-related biostimulatory response develops progressively as extracellular-matrix remodelling occurs.
Patients may therefore notice changes in: Facial Contour • Structural Support • Skin Firmness • Tissue Quality • Elasticity
The timeline depends on the treatment strategy and individual response.
The immediate structural effect and progressive biostimulatory effect should not be considered the same process.
How Many RADIESSE® Sessions Will I Need?
There is no universal treatment course suitable for every patient.
The number of treatments depends on: Treatment Area • Clinical Objective • Degree of Structural Change • Skin Quality • Treatment Technique • Previous Treatments • Individual Response
Some patients may require one treatment followed by reassessment.
Others may benefit from a staged treatment or broader regenerative programme.
How Long Do RADIESSE® Results Last?
RADIESSE® is not a permanent treatment.
Duration varies according to: Treatment Area • Amount of Product • Technique • Tissue Characteristics • Individual Biological Response • Ageing Process
The structural and biostimulatory components of treatment may also evolve differently over time.
Maintenance is determined according to individual clinical assessment.
Can RADIESSE® Be Combined with Other Treatments?
RADIESSE® may form part of a personalised facial or skin-rejuvenation programme.
Depending on the patient's concerns, this may include: BOTOX® / Dysport® • Hyaluronic Acid Fillers • Sculptra® • Morpheus8 • BBL HEROic™ • Skin-Quality Treatments
These procedures address different biological and structural targets.
They are not necessarily performed during the same appointment.
The sequence and timing are planned individually.
When RADIESSE® May Not Be the Right Treatment
RADIESSE® is not intended for every aesthetic concern or anatomical area.
A different treatment may be more appropriate when the primary goal is:
The appropriate injectable depends on the anatomical area, tissue characteristics and clinical objective.
A biostimulator should be selected because the tissue needs biostimulation — not simply because collagen stimulation sounds desirable.
Can RADIESSE® Be Dissolved?
RADIESSE® is not a hyaluronic acid filler.
Its active component is calcium hydroxylapatite.
For this reason, it cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase in the same way as an HA filler.
This makes appropriate product selection, anatomical placement and injection technique particularly important.
Patients should inform their doctor about previous injectable treatments before receiving RADIESSE®.
RADIESSE® Consultation in Dubai
At Pearl Skin Polyclinic in Dubai, RADIESSE® treatment begins with determining whether the tissue requires structural support, biostimulation or another treatment entirely.
We assess facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of laxity, structural changes, facial proportions and previous injectable treatments.
The treatment strategy is then selected according to the clinical objective.
For some patients, RADIESSE® may be appropriate for structural support.
For others, a diluted biostimulation strategy may be considered.
And for some concerns, a hyaluronic acid filler, Sculptra®, Morpheus8 or another treatment may be more appropriate.
The goal is personalised CaHA treatment that improves structural support and tissue quality while respecting natural anatomy.
Visible Results
Results vary from person to person.
Quick FAQ
Radiesse is an injectable collagen biostimulator made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a gel carrier. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a biocompatible material related to minerals naturally present in the body. The Radiesse dermal filler is used to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines and deep wrinkles around the mouth. RADIESSE(+) is FDA-approved for the restoration of volume and definition in cases of moderate to severe loss of jawline contour in adults aged 21 and over, as well as for the pre-jowl area. Beyond facial rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction, it can be used for volume restoration in the hands and, in diluted protocols, for the décolleté. Hyperdiluted Radiesse is also widely used by clinicians to improve skin firmness and texture on the neck, although this is not a labelled FDA indication. In the U.S., Radiesse is the first and only FDA-approved injectable biostimulator for both the face and specific areas of the body.
Traditional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers mainly add volume through the gel itself. Radiesse gives immediate volume too. As the gel carrier breaks down, the CaHA microspheres activate fibroblasts, and Radiesse stimulates the body's natural collagen production, along with elastin. The result is structural support plus improved skin quality over time. One important difference: HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, but Radiesse cannot. That's why correct placement and injection techniques are essential.
Radiesse results have been shown to last up to 2 years, but they are not permanent. You get two effects that develop differently. The instant volume from the gel is visible right after the injection procedure. Meanwhile, the collagen your skin produces keeps improving firmness and skin health over the following months. How long this lasts depends on the treated area, amount of product, technique, your tissue and your natural aging process.
Duration varies by area, individual factors and the protocol used, and is best assessed at a follow-up appointment rather than predicted in advance. For facial wrinkles and folds, published clinical data generally show results lasting around 12 months or more, with individual variation. For the hands, clinical studies have demonstrated maintained improvement at 12 months. For the décolleté, data from the pivotal trial supporting FDA clearance showed maintained improvement through the study follow-up period. Because Radiesse acts as a biostimulator and supports the body's own collagen production, the longevity of results depends not only on the product itself but also on how much new collagen is generated over time. Many patients return for reassessment and top-up treatments to maintain their results. The number of sessions needed varies: some patients achieve their goal in one treatment followed by periodic reassessment, while others benefit from a staged approach. Your doctor will discuss a personalised maintenance plan based on your response and goals.
Radiesse is worth considering if you want natural looking results from a non-surgical treatment that combines immediate results with long-term collagen production. Key Radiesse benefits:
instant volume restoration for facial volume loss • support for sagging skin • improved skin quality, firmness and elasticity over time • minimal downtime: the procedure is quick, and most people return to their normal routine the same day
To minimize discomfort, a topical anesthetic cream may be applied, and some versions contain lidocaine, so treatment is usually associated with minimal discomfort. For Radiesse injections pricing, check our pricing page or ask during your consultation.
The most common side effects are mild redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, pain and itching at the treatment site. They usually settle on their own. Less common risks include lumps, nodules, infection and inflammatory reactions. The most serious rare risk is accidental injection into a blood vessel. Intravascular injection, though rare, can cause serious complications including skin necrosis, visual impairment, blindness and stroke. This is why Radiesse should only be administered by a qualified practitioner with appropriate anatomical knowledge and injection technique. Radiesse also cannot be dissolved like an HA filler. It isn't suitable if you have severe allergies, an allergy to its components, a bleeding disorder, or a skin infection that hasn't healed. Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners, have had skin peels or other cosmetic procedures, or have had previous injectables. After treatment, avoid strenuous activity, heat and sun for about 24 hours. Radiesse also doesn't correct significant excess or drooping skin; it is not surgical skin tightening.
Neither is automatically safer. Both are well-established collagen stimulators, and safety depends mostly on medical assessment, anatomical knowledge and injection technique. They simply work differently:
Radiesse uses CaHA. It gives immediate volume and then continues to stimulate collagen. Radiesse cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase and does not have an enzymatic reversal agent equivalent to that used for HA fillers. Lumps and nodules are a recognised risk with Radiesse as well. • Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It builds collagen gradually over a series of sessions. Papules and delayed nodules are a product-specific risk that is well documented for Sculptra, and correct preparation, injection technique and post-treatment care are important in reducing this risk.
Both products carry the general risks associated with injectable treatments, including the rare but serious risk of intravascular injection. The right choice depends on your facial features, degree of volume loss, skin quality and the timeline you want.
They treat different problems, so neither is better. Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid skin booster for hydration, elasticity, fine lines and crepey skin. It is not primarily designed to create projection or structural contouring like a dermal filler. It is worth noting that IBSA currently offers a separate PROFHILO Structura line aimed at structural tissue support, which extends the application of Profhilo products beyond traditional bioremodelling. Radiesse is for lost volume and severe volume loss, combined with collagen stimulation. If your skin looks dull, dehydrated or crepey, Profhilo may be the better fit. If you need natural looking volume and structure, Radiesse is usually more appropriate. Many patients combine both cosmetic treatments for more complete facial rejuvenation and healthy looking skin.
