What is Radiesse

Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler designed to tackle deeper facial lines and folds, like smile lines, marionette lines, and pre-jowl creases, by instantly restoring volume and encouraging your skin to produce more collagen and elastin over time. It's also FDA-approved to rejuvenate aging hands and treat facial volume loss in individuals with HIV-related lipoatrophy.

The product is a collagen-stimulating dermal filler made with calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres—similar to minerals found in bones—suspended in a gel. As the gel gradually absorbs, the microspheres encourage your skin to produce more collagen, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin over time.

What makes Radiesse stand out is its dual-action formula. It not only offers immediate plumping results but also works as a collagen stimulator thanks to its active ingredient, calcium hydroxyapatite. In recent years, practitioners have begun using a diluted version, known as hyperdilute Radiesse, to smooth and tighten areas of mild skin laxity and improve crepey skin texture and even cellulite, although this use is considered off-label.

Studies show that both full-strength and diluted Radiesse promote fibroblast activity, which leads to more elastin, collagen, and even new blood vessel formation, key factors in creating firmer, healthier-looking skin. Beyond rejuvenation, Radiesse is also a go-to option for contouring. Radiesse has the ability to sculpt the cheekbones and define the chin, restoring youthful proportions and providing a gentle lift in areas affected by age-related sagging. This makes Radiesse a versatile option for those seeking both refinement and rejuvenation with one powerful filler.

How much does Radiesse cost

The price of Radiesse filler treatments can vary widely depending on where you’re located and who’s performing the procedure. In the U.S., a single syringe typically costs between $600 USD and $1,200 USD. Meanwhile, in Australia, treatment sessions are often priced higher, anywhere from $1,000 AUD to $2,500 AUD. Those seeking more budget-friendly options may look abroad: clinics in Mexico generally charge between $380 USD –$700 USD for one to two syringes, while in Turkey, prices are generally more affordable, ranging from $150 USD to $400 USD per milliliter.

What you’ll pay depends on a number of factors beyond geography. A seasoned injector may charge more based on experience and technique, and certain facial areas may require a greater quantity of filler to achieve optimal results. Some clinics offer discounted packages when multiple syringes or sessions are purchased together, and different filler types can also come at different price points. It’s crucial to meet with a skilled provider for a detailed consultation to determine the exact amount you’ll need. For those considering international clinics, be sure to do thorough research into each provider’s credentials and the clinic’s safety protocols. Also, keep an eye out for any extra fees that may not be included in the initial quote—such as consultation charges or post-treatment care products.

How is a Radiesse treatment performed

Radiesse treatments are typically quick and efficient, often wrapping up in just about 20 minutes. During your appointment, your provider, ideally a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or a skilled nurse injector, will begin by having a thorough conversation about your aesthetic goals. This is the time they’ll determine if Radiesse is the best fit for your needs, how many syringes may be required, and the overall cost of the treatment.

To make the experience more comfortable, you can ask for a topical numbing cream or opt for Radiesse Plus, which comes pre-mixed with lidocaine. Before injecting, the treatment area will be cleaned to maintain a sterile environment and reduce the risk of infection.

The procedure is usually done with you seated or in a slightly reclined position, helping the provider see how your skin behaves naturally. Using either a fine needle or a blunt-tip cannula, they’ll carefully place the filler beneath the skin’s surface. Depending on the desired level of enhancement and the areas being treated, one or more syringes may be used. After the injections, your provider may gently mold and massage the treated areas to ensure the filler settles smoothly and delivers balanced, natural-looking results.

What are the risks and possible side effects of having Radiesse

Radiesse is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated filler, with adverse reactions being quite uncommon. Clinical studies spanning multiple years have shown that its long-term safety and effectiveness are comparable to other injectable treatments, with little to no serious complications reported in follow-up research.

Still, as with any injectable procedure, there are some risks to keep in mind. A small percentage of people, roughly 2%, may develop cellulitis, a skin infection that can occur if proper sterilization isn’t followed. Occasionally, small lumps under the skin can form after treatment. Although rare, allergic reactions are also possible, even though the formula is designed to be biocompatible. Severe swelling or itching at the injection site should be evaluated by a medical professional.

One of the more serious risks with all injectable fillers is the potential for vascular occlusion, which happens if the filler accidentally enters a blood vessel and disrupts normal blood flow. Because Radiesse is not a hyaluronic acid–based filler, it cannot be dissolved easily, so avoiding this complication comes down to choosing an experienced injector with a strong understanding of facial anatomy.

To stay safe, it’s essential to have the procedure done by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or medical professional who frequently performs injectables and uses meticulous technique. It’s also not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have bleeding disorders. With the right provider and precautions in place, Radiesse remains a trusted option for long-lasting facial rejuvenation.

How long do results from Radiesse treatment last

Radiesse delivers results that aren’t permanent but do hold up impressively well—often lasting between 12 and 18 months, and in some cases, even longer. The filler offers immediate volume thanks to its gel base, while the calcium-based microspheres it contains gradually stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, helping skin stay firmer and more lifted over time. Though the initial plumping effect fades as the gel is absorbed, the collagen boost can keep the treated area looking refreshed for months.

How long your results last can depend on factors like your metabolism, which area was treated, and daily habits such as sun protection, diet, and skincare. Some patients choose to schedule yearly maintenance sessions to keep up the youthful contouring, especially as the collagen stimulation naturally tapers off. Overall, with proper care and a healthy lifestyle, Radiesse can be a long-lasting option for restoring facial volume and definition.

Is Radiesse or Sculptra better

Sculptra is an injectable treatment made with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), designed to be placed deeper beneath the skin to help restore facial volume and enhance definition. While it's highly effective for facial contouring, it's not suitable for delicate areas like the lips or under the eyes. Beyond its FDA-approved uses, many practitioners now use Sculptra off-label to firm and lift areas like the buttocks, improve neck texture, smooth body wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

One of Sculptra’s standout features is its longevity—results can last more than two years. However, improvements take time. Because it works by kickstarting your skin’s natural collagen production, it usually takes a few months to see visible volume increase. If you're hoping for instant results, Radiesse may be a better fit, as Sculptra generally requires multiple sessions spaced weeks apart for a gradual transformation. Interestingly, some skilled injectors even combine Sculptra with Radiesse to blend their unique strengths and optimize results.