Is the volume (collagen) from Radiesse permanent?

Question

As part of an acne scar treatment I was pushed into subcision with Radiesse (1:1, 1ml total for both cheeks) on the spot instead with basically no information about the treatments. Its been over a year (april 2023) and the volume is still here very noticeably. I never wanted to change my face, just improve the scars. Im losing hope the visual changes (chubby cheeks) will ever go back to before (the 18 months are a lie). One derm told me the new collagen is permanent. Have you seen it go away?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Radiesse is a dermal filler that's often used to add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel, which provides immediate volume and stimulates natural collagen production over time. While the initial effects of Radiesse are immediate, the longevity of the results can vary. The CaHA microspheres stimulate collagen production, which helps maintain volume even after the filler itself gradually breaks down. However, Radiesse is not considered a permanent solution. The results typically last from 12-18 months, but this can vary based on individual factors like age, skin type, and the area treated.

I hope this helps and best of luck!

I hope this helps and best of luck!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. The gel provides immediate volume, which typically dissipates within a few months. However, the treatment also stimulates your body’s own collagen production, and that new collagen can last much longer — in some cases, indefinitely.

If you are still noticing significant fullness over a year after treatment, it is likely due to collagen deposition rather than the original product. While collagen can naturally remodel and diminish over time, complete reversal to your original facial contours is uncommon once a substantial amount of collagen has formed.

In my clinical experience, the 12–18 month duration often quoted refers mainly to the presence of the gel carrier, not the collagen your body produces in response, which can be long-lasting or permanent.

Falguni Patel, MD, FACOG · Answer

Hi!

Collagen from radiesse is technically permanent but over time will eventually fade just as our natural collagen does. In order to help the "chubby cheeks" as well as the acne scarring, a good treatment option would be to do Morpheus8. Morpheus8 uses microneedling to help with skin texture, such as acne scarring by allowing our body to create natural collagen and fill in those deep craters from acne. Morphues8 also uses RF (radio frequency) to help tight and lift the skin, but depending on the depth and energy used, can help to melt fat and unwanted tissue. Morpheus8 may help to reduce the effects of radiesse you feel happened to your cheeks but also will help treat the skin.

Is the volume (collagen) from Radiesse permanent?

Answers (3)

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