Radiesse is an injectable filler that’s FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, including smile lines (aka nasolabial folds), marionette lines, the corners of the mouth, and pre-jowl folds. It’s also FDA-approved to rejuvenate the back of the hands, and to treat HIV-associated facial fat loss (lipoatrophy).
This biostimulatory filler creates immediate volume while stimulating new collagen and elastin production, for long-lasting results. Recently, facial plastic surgeons and dermatologists have also started using diluted Radiesse—dubbed hyperdilute Radiesse—in superficial injections, to treat skin laxity and textural concerns. This off-label (not yet FDA-approved) technique has been shown to improve crepey skin and cellulite.
“Scientific studies show that the calcium hydroxyapatite particles in full concentration and hyperdilute Radiesse stimulate dermal fibroblast growth, as well as increased elastin, collagen, and blood vessels,” says Dr. Jennifer Reichel, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in Seattle. “This means we see a direct improvement in skin quality and texture.”
Radiesse works especially well for counteracting volume loss and restoring a more youthful appearance, but this versatile filler can also add definition and contour to the chin and cheekbones. Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Westlake Village, California, says that “Radiesse can be placed directly over the cheekbone, to give a natural lift and help reversing the sagging of the cheeks that occurs with age.”
RealSelf Tip: This is not the filler of choice for lip augmentation or the under-eye area. “The calcium crystals are white and can be seen when placed under areas of thin skin like the under-eyes,” explains Dr. Reichel. Also, "Radiesse is fairly firm and can cause irregularities in the lip," says Dr. Michael Echavez, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco. Instead, providers recommend hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers.
