Radiesse® is the first and only FDA-approved calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) dermal filler. It is intended for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds in the lower face as well as correcting volume loss in the back of the hands. This product can also restore volume in the cheeks and improve jawline contour.
Dermal fillers are a type of injectable that help volumize the skin. Most are categorized into volume replacers or bio-stimulators. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are popular volume replacers that replenish or add volume to the skin. Sculptra, on the other hand, is a bio-stimulator that triggers the skin’s natural collagen production. Radiesse® is unique because it combines the benefits of both volume replacement and collagen bio-stimulation.
There are currently two forms of this injectable on the market: Radiesse® and Radiesse® (+). The latter contains diluted lidocaine (an anesthetic) to reduce discomfort during treatment. However, the benefits of Radiesse® (+) seem to go beyond greater comfort. Diluted forms of this product are used to improve skin texture and tightness because it spreads more easily than the original Radiesse®.