What Is Radiesse Made of & How Long Does It Last?

Jun 7

Radiesse functions as a biostimulating injectable treatment using calcium-based microspheres within a soft gel to rebuild facial volume and reduce deep wrinkles. This treatment offers immediate elevation and ongoing collagen activation, which establishes it as the top choice for contouring cheeks, jawlines, and hands without resorting to surgery.

WHAT IS RADIESSE MADE OF?

The Radiesse formula combines CaHA (Calcium Hydroxylapatite) microspheres with a gel carrier system. Pure CaHA serves as a non-degradable mineral component in bone grafts and dental implants. But Radiesse contains CaHA microspheres, which break down over time, resulting in temporary effects. The engineered CaHA microspheres in Radiesse induce collagen production as they get metabolized by the body during a period of 12 to 18 months.

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CAN RADIESSE BE DISSOLVED?

The short answer is no. Radiesse belongs to a category called biostimulatory fillers, since it contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres rather than hyaluronic acid (HA). The enzyme hyaluronidase effectively dissolves HA fillers but cannot do the same for Radiesse.

Case reports and studies have looked at sodium thiosulfate (STS) to soften or reverse Radiesse when vascular occlusion or overcorrection occurs. Although STS has been used to dissolve the CaHA imicrospheres in Radiesse, how exactly it works remains unclear—plus this approach lacks FDA approval and broad medical acceptance.

STS presents substantial risks, such as tissue necrosis and hemorrhage, even when administered by skilled practitioners, and produces unpredictable results.

Sculptra, another biostimulatory filler made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), is also irreversible and cannot be dissolved or removed once it is placed under the skin. However, both Radiesse and Sculptra do break down naturally over a period of time.

HOW LONG DOES RADIESSE LAST?

Clinical studies demonstrate that Radiesse remains effective for a period of 12 to 18 months, although outcomes differ from person to person. Research findings show that while some patients experience effects for up to 24 months post-treatment with Radiesse, others notice reduced visibility in results after 6 months, particularly in areas with high movement, such as the mouth or hands.

The differences result from multiple interacting elements, including individual metabolic rates as well as the specific treatment region injected, alongside both injection technique and product quantity. The perceived duration of a filler's effectiveness varies based on whether volume retention, skin firmness, or patient satisfaction is used as the measurement standard.

What sets Radiesse apart from most other fillers, including other biostimulators like Sculptra, is its dual action. Radiesse offers immediate volume with its gel base while also boosting natural collagen creation through calcium microspheres. The skin benefits from collagen stimulation, which persists beyond the initial volume boost to maintain a lifted and firm appearance.

RADIESSE VS. SCULPTRA VS. BELLAFILL

  
      Filler
      Made Of
      Effects
      Duration
    

  
      Radiesse
      CaHA (calcium hydroxylapatite) in gel, bio-degradable
      Lifts instantly, stimulates collagen over 2–3 months for firmer skin
      12–18 mos
    

      Sculptra
      PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid), bio-degradable
      Builds collagen gradually, creating natural-looking volume over months
      Up to 2 yrs
    

      Bellafill
      PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) in collagen gel which does not degrade
      Adds volume right away, forms a permanent collagen matrix for lasting support
      5+ yrs
    