Radiesse Calcium Hydroxyapatite Filler

Radiesse is a calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) filler composed of microspheres suspended in a water-based gel carrier. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, it works on two levels: immediate volumisation from the gel carrier, and sustained collagen stimulation as the microspheres biodegrade over the following months. DermaStar uses Radiesse for deep facial contouring — particularly cheek augmentation, jawline definition, and chin projection — and for hand rejuvenation, where loss of subcutaneous tissue makes tendons and veins prominent. Results are visible immediately and last 12–18 months, which is meaningfully longer than HA fillers.

Radiesse (Merz Aesthetics) contains synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite — the same mineral compound found in bone and teeth — in the form of microspheres averaging 25–45 microns suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier. It is classified as a biostimulatory filler because, unlike HA fillers that work purely through volumisation, CaHA triggers a sustained fibroblast response: as the gel carrier absorbs over the first 1–3 months, the microspheres remain in the tissue and stimulate type-I collagen production in their immediate environment. This biostimulatory effect extends the visible result well beyond the initial volumising phase. At DermaStar, Radiesse is chosen specifically for indications where the product's stiffness is an advantage. Its high G-prime (elasticity modulus) makes it unsuitable for lips or very superficial wrinkles — where it would feel unnatural — but ideal for deep structural work: cheekbone and malar augmentation, lateral jaw definition, chin projection, pre-jowl sulcus correction, and hand dorsum restoration where tendons and veins have become prominent through fat and collagen loss. The product is available pre-filled in syringes. Where additional comfort is required, a small amount of local anaesthetic can be mixed directly into the gel immediately before injection — a technique specific to Radiesse that improves patient experience during placement in sensitive areas. Alternatively, EMLA cream is applied before the session. The injection technique uses standard needles for most facial areas. The product's cohesive structure means it spreads less than HA fillers and holds its position well in the tissue plane, which is precisely why it produces such reliable structural results. Results are visible immediately after treatment; any minor swelling resolves within several days. The total visible result persists for 12–18 months — considerably longer than HA fillers in comparable positions. As the microspheres eventually biodegrade (the calcium and phosphate are resorbed by the body naturally), the collagen scaffold they stimulated continues to provide support. Repeat treatments can be performed when the effect has diminished, and successive sessions often require less product as the native collagen density has improved. Contraindications: Radiesse is not appropriate for lip augmentation, superficial fine lines, or under the eyes. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, active skin infection over the treatment area, and known hypersensitivity. Because CaHA cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase (unlike HA fillers), placement by an experienced physician is particularly important — DermaStar's dermatovenereologists have specific training in injectable anatomy and complication management.