Radiesse is not FDA approved for injection in the lips. It is a hydroxyapatite, a bone-like material, based. The FDA approval it did receive was with conditions, and for the nasolabial folds. Dissenting members of the FDA commission noted that after its approval, doctors would most likely start using it for unapproved "off-label" uses, such as the lips, which by your question has obviously already occurred. Extreme pain on injection, lumpiness and granuloma formation (permanent lumps) are the usual problems with Radiesse.
Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid and is a fine lip filler. I personally prefer Juvederm or Perlane for temporary filling of the lips (usual duration 4-6 months). They tend to be more supple for lip tissue and less "clumpy" than Restylane.
For patients wishing more permanent lip augmentation, we like our technique of LiveFill (autologous nontraumatized fat-fascial grafts). The disadvantage of LiveFill lip augmentation is the small numbers of doctors performing this technique, the necessity and expense of having an outpatient procedue. Advantages include permanent results, reduction in lip lines, no changes over time as filler wears off, and a high published safety profile.
I personally avoid all semi-permanent fillers in the face because of the chance of chronic inflammation, granuloma formation and lumpiness.
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