Radiesse

Radiesse is an injectable made by Merz Aesthetics. Its active material is calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in the form of microspheres suspended in a gel carrier; the manufacturer describes CaHA as a mineral-like substance also found naturally in the body. It belongs to the bio-stimulator category rather than the hyaluronic acid filler category, and Kaiteki uses it within its bio-stimulator treatment.

Once placed, the gel carrier provides support immediately and is then absorbed, leaving the CaHA microspheres in the tissue. Those microspheres act as a stimulus around which the body forms its own collagen, and the manufacturer also describes an elastin response. The CaHA itself is bioresorbable (it is broken down into calcium and phosphate components and cleared over time), so what remains later is your own tissue response rather than the injected material.

The manufacturer also describes a diluted application in which Radiesse is thinned with sterile saline so it can be spread across a broader area rather than used for focal support; this is the approach usually referred to as hyperdilute or HD Radiesse, and the manufacturer's own labelling covers a diluted preparation for the décolletage. Whether standard or diluted preparation is appropriate, at what dilution, where and in what quantity are all decisions for the treating doctor after examining you. Kaiteki does not publish dilution ratios, volumes or injection technique, because those are not choices a reader should make. Results develop gradually and vary between individuals.

The buyer's distinction is what happens on the day versus what happens later. A hyaluronic acid filler adds volume immediately and can be dissolved if needed; a pure collagen stimulator such as a poly-L-lactic acid product works mainly over months. Radiesse sits between the two in behaviour: the manufacturer describes immediate volume correction from the gel carrier alongside stimulation of the skin's own collagen and elastin over time, with the CaHA microspheres being gradually resorbed. Whether that profile suits your concern is a clinical judgement your doctor makes at an in-person consultation.

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, it has no dissolving agent, so it cannot be reversed on demand. The calcium hydroxylapatite is bioresorbable and is cleared by the body over time, and your own tissue continues to age, so duration varies between individuals and is not something we quote as a promise.

Radiesse is one of the few injectables in this category with manufacturer-cleared use beyond the face, on the hands and décolletage. Within Kaiteki's bio-stimulator treatment, Radiesse is commonly considered where structural support and skin quality are both part of the concern. The manufacturer's cleared indications include facial folds, the back of the hands, the décolletage in diluted form and jawline contour. It is not suitable for everyone, and a consultation determines whether it is appropriate for you.

Radiesse is aimed at adults who want structural support with a collagen response building afterwards. Because the mechanism is biological rather than light-based, skin tone does not limit suitability the way it can for laser treatments, so it is used across a range of skin tones. Your anatomy, how much support has been lost, the area concerned and any previous injectable work all influence whether it is appropriate.

Radiesse is not appropriate for anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to its components, and the manufacturer advises against use where there is a bleeding disorder or an active skin infection or inflammation at or near the intended site. It is not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Blood-thinning medication, autoimmune and connective-tissue conditions, a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, and previous permanent or semi-permanent implants in the same area are all relevant. Calcium hydroxylapatite is radiopaque, which means it can be visible on some imaging. Tell your doctor if you are due to have imaging of the treated region. Please share your full medical history and medication list at consultation.

The visit begins with a doctor consultation and assessment of the area, your medical history and whether a bio-stimulator or a different category is the right answer for your concern. If Radiesse is appropriate, the doctor decides the preparation and plan, the area is cleansed, and topical or local anaesthetic is used for comfort. The injection is then carried out to the assessed plan: the injecting portion is usually brief, with most of the appointment given to assessment, comfort and aftercare.

The area is commonly shaped or massaged afterwards, particularly on the hands, and your doctor will explain aftercare and when to return for review. Some plans are a single session with a review; others are staged over more than one visit depending on the area and how it responds. Your doctor will set out what to expect for your case.

Most people carry on with normal activity the same day, though this varies. Swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising or itching at the injection sites is common in the first days and generally settles; the manufacturer notes that lumps can occur after hand treatment and may take longer to resolve, which the doctor will discuss with you if the hands are being treated.

Your doctor will give aftercare instructions specific to the area, commonly including avoiding pressure, vigorous massage, heat and strenuous exercise for a short period. Where the décolletage or hands are treated, sun protection on the area is advised. Raise anything unexpected with the clinic promptly rather than waiting for your review appointment.

As with any injectable procedure, Radiesse carries risks, which are explained during consultation. The manufacturer lists common effects including bruising, redness, swelling, pain and itching at the injection site, and notes that nodules may occur, particularly in hand treatment, and can persist for a period. Rare but serious vascular complications are recognised for facial injectables generally. These are uncommon when the treatment is appropriately selected and performed by a trained doctor working to an assessed plan, and your doctor will explain which symptoms warrant contacting the clinic immediately.