Radiesse®: How it Works, Benefits & What to Expect
Restore volume and stimulate collagen with Radiesse. Learn how this unique filler works, its benefits, and why it’s trusted for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation.
What is Radiesse®?
Radiesse® is an FDA-approved dermal filler designed to smooth wrinkles, restore lost volume, and stimulate natural collagen production. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel. This unique formula not only adds instant volume but also works with your body to encourage collagen growth for longer-lasting results.
The science in simple terms
Radiesse adds immediate structure under the skin to fill folds and hollows. Over time, the CaHA microspheres stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, giving your skin renewed support even after the gel has been absorbed.
What makes Radiesse unique: It’s the only filler that both restores volume and stimulates collagen, creating natural results that improve over time.
FDA Approval
Approved in 2006 by the FDA for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Expanded approval in 2015 for hand rejuvenation to restore youthful volume and reduce visible veins and tendons. Backed by more than 15 years of safety data and global clinical use.
Global Popularity
Radiesse is used in millions of treatments worldwide each year. Its ability to both fill and stimulate collagen has made it a trusted option for patients seeking long-lasting rejuvenation.
Medical Uses
Beyond cosmetic use, Radiesse is sometimes used in reconstructive procedures to restore volume loss from trauma or medical conditions.
Fast Facts
Treatment Time
30-45 minutes (quick in-office procedure).
Downtime
Minimal (some swelling or bruising may occur).
Onset
Immediate volume restoration.
Collagen Stimulation
Gradual, continuing for months after treatment.
Longevity
12-18 months (sometimes longer).
Best For
Smile lines, marionette lines, chin, jawline, hands.
Unique Advantage
Dual action: instant volume + collagen stimulation.
Note: Individual results may vary. Consult with our Radiesse Cape Coral specialists for personalized treatment recommendations.
How Radiesse® Works
A helpful analogy
Think of Radiesse as both a filler and a collagen trainer. It provides instant support while teaching your skin to stay firmer and smoother over time.
Treatment Philosophy
The most natural Radiesse® results come from a balanced approach that restores volume where it has been lost, while respecting natural facial proportions.
Our approach includes:
When Radiesse is approached this way, results feel like you, just more refreshed and at ease.
Ready to See the Results of Radiesse?
Now that you know how Radiesse works, let’s personalize it for you. Our Cape Coral specialists create treatment plans that keep you looking refreshed, not frozen.
Radiesse Timeline
Most people notice results instantly, with ongoing improvement over several months.
| Stage | What happens | When you’ll see it |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation & Treatment | Review goals, map injection points, deliver filler precisely | Day 0 |
| Immediate Effect | Volume restored, folds softened | Same day |
| Collagen Activation | Microspheres stimulate new collagen | Weeks 4-12 |
| Peak Results | Fuller, smoother appearance that looks natural | 3-6 Months |
| Maintenance | Repeat session to maintain youthful volume | Every 12-18 Months |
*Timing varies based on product selection, metabolism, and treatment area.
Compare Dermal Fillers
All four options are FDA-approved and effective. They differ in material, feel, and how long results last. The right choice depends on your goals, facial anatomy, and timeline.
| Product | Onset | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiesse | Immediate | Often 12–18 months | Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. Adds structure and stimulates collagen. Great for folds, jawline, and hands. Not reversible. |
| Restylane | Immediate | Typically 6-18 months | HA family with specialized products for lips (Kysse), cheeks (Lyft), and under-eyes (Eyelight). Flexible and reversible. |
| Juvederm | Immediate | Typically 6-18 months | Smooth HA gels for folds, lips, cheeks, and jawline. Wide FDA approvals. Reversible. |
| Sculptra | Gradual (weeks) | 2+ years | Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulator. Results build over a series of sessions. Best for global facial rejuvenation and skin quality. Not for instant lip plumping. Not reversible. |
Guidance: Restylane and Juvederm are great first choices since they’re reversible and versatile. Radiesse and Sculptra are long-lasting biostimulatory fillers. Your provider will help match the right option to your goals.
Radiesse Treatment Areas
Radiesse® is versatile, with specialized options for nearly every facial zone.
Primary Treatment Areas
Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
Smooths deep creases from nose to mouth.
Marionette lines
Softens lines running downward from the corners of the mouth.
Chin & Jawline
Adds definition and structure for an improved profile.
Hands
Restores youthful fullness to aging hands.
Advanced Treatment Areas
Cheeks
Restores midface volume loss.
Pre-Jowl Sulcus
Smooths hollowing along the jawline.
Temples
Improves sunken appearance for balanced facial shape.
Who Is Radiesse For?
Best candidates:
Good to know:
How to Prepare for Radiesse
Preparation is simple. For best results:
Your practitioner will review every step so you feel prepared and confident before treatment.
Radiesse Aftercare
There’s little to no downtime after Juvederm, but following these tips helps your results last:
When to Avoid Radiesse
Absolute Contraindications:
Always consult your provider if you have medical conditions that may affect treatment safety.
Choosing the Right Radiesse Provider
Your results depend as much on your injector as the product. A skilled provider ensures your outcome looks refreshed and natural. Look for:
The right provider should make you feel comfortable, informed, and confident about your treatment – so your results look refreshed, never overdone.
Radiesse FAQs
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a biostimulatory dermal filler made with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that provide instant volume while stimulating natural collagen production.
What areas can Radiesse treat?
It is often used to restore volume in the cheeks, jawline, and chin, smooth deep wrinkles like nasolabial folds, and rejuvenate the backs of the hands.
How long does Radiesse last?
Results typically last 12 to 18 months. Longevity depends on the treatment area, the amount injected, and individual factors like skin condition and metabolism.
Is Radiesse safe?
Yes. Radiesse is FDA-approved and widely studied. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
How soon will I see results from Radiesse?
You will notice immediate volume after treatment, with continued improvement over several months as collagen production increases.
How does Radiesse compare to other fillers?
Radiesse provides strong structural support and long-term collagen stimulation. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane focus on softer, smoother results, while Sculptra builds gradual collagen-based volume.
Learn More About Radiesse Treatments
Want to dive deeper into Restylane®? Explore these helpful guides:
Coming Soon
Book Your Radiesse® Consultation
Ready to smooth fine lines and refresh your look? A personalized consultation will help determine if Radiesse® is right for you and how it can best achieve your goals. You’ll meet with an experienced injector, review your treatment options, and create a plan designed to deliver natural-looking results – so you look like yourself, just more refreshed.
Where is Radiesse Available?
Refresh MedSpa provides Radiesse® treatments throughout Southwest Florida:
Have Questions?
Choosing an aesthetic treatment is a personal decision. If you’re exploring options, our team is here to help you understand how treatments work, what to expect, and how they can be tailored to your goals.
Connect with us through the contact form, and we’ll answer your questions and guide you toward the next step in your journey.
