Radiesse Collagen Stimulation
Radiesse is a biostimulator, not a traditional filler. Instead of simply adding volume, it works by stimulating your body’s own production of collagen and elastin, leading to gradual improvement in skin thickness, firmness, and elasticity.
Depending on the treatment area, Radiesse is either diluted or hyperdiluted. In the face, diluted Radiesse is used to support subtle contouring while improving overall skin quality. When hyperdiluted, it spreads more broadly and is ideal for treating skin laxity and crepey texture without adding volume or heaviness.
In the face, common treatment areas include the cheeks, jawline, and lower face for structure and skin quality improvement. On the body, Radiesse is used to improve skin laxity and thinning in areas such as the neck, chest, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse was approved by the FDA as a facial filler at the end of 2006 and has been used as a volumizing filler since. Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous polysaccharide gel carrier. Once it is injected, the gel is absorbed over time. The body then metabolizes the CaHA microspheres, which stimulate the body to produce collagen.
What exactly is Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)?
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically lasts longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen and elastin production (to improve texture) in areas like the neck, chest, and arms. At Evolution Dermatology we use the FDA approved brand: Radiesse.
The Gold Protocol for Neck
The Gold Protocol is a comprehensive neck treatment that combines Radiesse, Belotero (a thin HA filler), and Botox or Xeomin to address skin quality, fine lines, and muscle activity at the same time.
Hyperdilute Radiesse rebuilds collagen and improves skin texture and laxity. Belotero refines surface texture without heaviness. Botox or Xeomin relaxes the platysma muscle, softening vertical neck bands and reducing downward pull on the jawline and lower face.
Together, these treatments create a smoother, tighter, more youthful neck while maintaining natural movement and avoiding an overfilled or stiff appearance. Most patients require 1–2 initial sessions. Botox or Xeomin is typically maintained every 3–4 months, while Radiesse and Belotero are refreshed annually.
What is hyperdilute Radiesse?
Hyperdiluted Radiesse is simply Radiesse that has been thinned out, with a mixture of sterile saline solution and lidocaine. This makes it an easily spreadable biostimulator capable of remodeling skin over a larger area.
What results can you expect?
When this diluted mixture is injected into areas of collagen loss, it triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin. The result is a skin rejuvenating treatment with pronounced and visible smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin. The benefits of this treatment are skin tightening and thickening, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness. Overall, skin tone, texture and elasticity can be markedly improved.
Where can you use Radiesse?
The areas where hyperdilute Radiesse are: your mid and lower face, neck, décolletage, hands, buttocks, upper arms, and above your knees.
Results develop gradually over 2–4 months as collagen production increases, with continued improvement over time. Most patients benefit from a series of 2–3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments approximately once yearly depending on the area and goals.
What is the downtime after Radiesse?
After your treatment, there is very little (if any) downtime. There can be some bruising, mild swelling and mild discomfort that can last up to a week. We will ask you to massage the area for 3 minutes, 3 times a day for 3 days to help incorporate the Radiesse evenly into your skin. Most patients tolerate this very well immediately after the procedure
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