Radiesse (Calcium Hydroxylapatite)

How it works

The product contains tiny calcium-based particles suspended in a gel carrier. The gel provides immediate volume and is gradually absorbed, while the particles are thought to stimulate the body's own collagen production over the following months. It is used for cheeks, the jawline, the chin and sometimes the backs of the hands. Unlike hyaluronic acid filler, there is no routine enzyme that dissolves it, so placement and judgment matter.

Who it may suit

• People with moderate volume loss in the cheeks or along the jawline.
• Those wanting a structural lift as well as firmer skin over time.
• Anyone who has had a good evaluation and accepts that it is less easily reversed.

The treatment day

1. Assessment. The doctor looks at bone structure, skin thickness and where support would help.
2. Preparation. The product is used as supplied or mixed with lidocaine or saline, depending on the plan.
3. Injection. The product is placed with a needle or cannula in deeper tissue, with pauses to check shaping.
4. Review. A short review and, if needed, a later top-up are arranged.

Aftercare

• Avoid pressing or massaging the area unless instructed.
• Plan on a day or two without hard workouts, saunas or drinking.
• Use gentle cold compresses for swelling.
• Contact the clinic for severe pain, skin color change, vision change or lumps that persist.

Things to know first

• Swelling, bruising and tenderness are common for several days.
• Vascular occlusion is a rare but serious risk and requires immediate treatment.
• Nodules can form, especially if the product is placed too superficially, and they can be hard to remove.
• Not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active infection, or in people who may need later imaging in the area without telling the radiologist.
• Results vary by person and fade gradually.

What the price of Radiesse depends on

The syringe is the unit, usually 1.5 cc. Some practitioners use one syringe per cheek or jaw side, while others dilute it to cover a larger area with the same syringe. Ask how many syringes are planned, whether it is diluted, and how many treated areas the quote covers.

Product authenticity and origin matter in the quote as well. Radiesse is a branded product, and the packaging and batch details can be shown. A figure that is far from others for the same branded syringe is worth asking about.

The usual extras apply: consultation, numbing, a touch-up policy and VAT. Because the effect combines immediate lift and slower collagen change, some clinics suggest a second session. Ask whether that is priced upfront or decided after review.