Calcium hydroxyapatite Radiesse®

General info
Radiesse® is an innovative dermal filler made from calcium hydroxylaptite that can do more than just fill in wrinkles: It combines immediately visible results with long-term skin tightening by stimulating the body's own collagen production and is a biostimulant. In contrast to classic hyaluronic acid-based fillers, Radiesse not only adds volume but also improves the skin's structure and firmness in the long term.
The special composition of calcium hydroxyapatite ensures a natural, fresh appearance - without any artificial "plumping effect". Ideal for patients who want a gentle but effective alternative to classic wrinkle injections.
What exactly is calcium hydroxyapatite?
Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is a biocompatible, resorbable substance consisting of calcium and phosphate ions - both natural components of the human body, especially in bones and teeth. It has the positive property of stimulating the tissue to form new collagen and elastin. In Radiesse, the CaHA particles are surrounded by a carrier gel. This has the immediate effect that the gel provides an immediately visible volume after the injection and the long-term effect that the CaHA particles stimulate the body's own collagen formation, which leads to a long-term improvement in the skin structure.
Brief overview:
Duration of treatment:
15-60 minutes
Anaesthesia:
local ointment, local anaesthesia
Follow-up treatment:
Slight reddening, minor swelling possible
Load restrictions:
No sport, sauna, sun for 1-2 days
Result:
The effect is fully visible after 4-6 weeks
What is the difference between Radiesse and Radiesse diluted?
It is used in undiluted form for wrinkle treatment, skin tightening and volume build-up. Radiesse diluted is a specially prepared form of Radiesse filler in which the product is diluted with saline solution so that it is no longer used as a volume filler but as a biostimulator for the skin's surface quality.
Radiesse is used for:
- Filling deep wrinkles (e.g. nasolabial folds)
- Volume build-up in the cheek area or jaw angle
- Chin moulding
- Hand rejuvenation
Radiesse diluted for:
- Face (cheeks, chin, lower half of the face)
- Neck
- Neckline
- Upper arms
- Thigh
- Knee area
- Hands
What happens during treatment with calcium hydroxyapatite?
First, the areas to be treated are disinfected and then the injection sites are marked.
For patients who are sensitive to pain, an anaesthetic cream can be applied beforehand. Depending on the area to be injected and the treatment objective, either fine needles or blunt cannulas are used. With the latter, the diluted Radiesse is usually placed in the skin in a fan shape and superficially in order to cover as much of the skin as possible.
When will I see the result and how long will it last?
After treatment with undiluted Radiesse, an immediate effect is visible, the final result appears after 4-6 weeks. With Radiesse diluted, there is no immediate effect as the carrier gel is highly diluted. Results can also be expected after 4-6 weeks.
The effect usually lasts for 12-18 months, depending on the metabolism and treatment area.
Am I suitable for a Radiesse treatment?
Radiesse is a well-tolerated filler, but as with all medical applications, there are contraindications - i.e. situations in which the treatment is not recommended or excluded.
These include:
- Pregnancy & breastfeedingas no data available
- Acute skin infections or inflammations such as herpes, acne, eczema, bacterial infections
- Autoimmune diseases or ImmunosuppressionB. Lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis (depending on the course)
- Severe allergies / history of anaphylaxis
- Coagulation disorders / blood thinners
- Presence of other permanent fillers in the treatment area
- Unclear reactions or interactions possible - Chronic inflammatory skin diseases
- Fresh aesthetic interventions (laser, microneedling etc.) - waiting time recommended
Advantages:
- Very natural result
- Long-lasting effect due to new collagen formation
- Good tolerability, as the substance is biocompatible
What are the risks of Radiesse treatment?
Like any medical treatment, injections with Radiesse also have possible side effects. These include temporary redness, swelling and small haematomas. In very rare cases, overcorrection, nodule formation or vascular complications can occur if the treatment is not carried out professionally. This treatment should therefore only be carried out by experienced specialists.
Does the treatment with Radiesse have to be repeated?
Even though the results of Radiesse and Radiesse diluted last longer than treatments with hyaluronic acid fillers, we recommend a top-up approximately every 12-18 months, depending on age, skin quality and lifestyle.

Radiesse competence centre
Dr Michaela Montanari's practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery has been named a Radiesse® Competence Centre. In a Radiesse® Competence Centre, you will find specially trained specialists who are highly experienced in the use of Radiesse® and have outstanding expertise in aesthetic wrinkle and volume treatment You can recognise the Radiesse® competence centres by this award.
Further information on Radiesse®: Information about Radiesse from Merz
Top 5 user award for Dr Montanari
Dr Montanari's practice was awarded the Top 5 seal for Radiesse® users on 12 November 2014. Alongside clinics and practices in Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Munich, Dr Montanari is therefore one of the top 5 clinics and practices in Germany for wrinkle and volume treatment with Radiesse®.
What should you look out for when choosing a doctor?
When choosing a specialist, make sure that you use the term Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.
Make sure that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.