For Healthcare Providers

Re-Awaken Skin From Within

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these common questions for more info about RADIESSE and what you might expect from treatment.

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RADIESSE is a specific type of dermal filler called an injectable biostimulator which is approved for use in adults aged 22 and older.1,2 RADIESSE acts directly on cells inside the skin to replenish its natural reserves of collagen and elastin.1 RADIESSE and RADIESSE (+) are FDA-approved to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth).2,3 RADIESSE is also used for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands, and RADIESSE diluted 1:2 with 0.9% saline solution can be used to treat décolleté wrinkles.2,4

RADIESSE is injected under the skin in a quick procedure that can be done over the lunch hour.2

RADIESSE treatments are generally completed in a brief in-office visit by a trained healthcare provider.5

Restoration of volume and smoothing of the appearance of wrinkles and lines are visible immediately after a RADIESSE treatment.2,6 Over time, RADIESSE stimulates the production of collagen1,7-10 and elastin,8-11 supporting continued improvement in skin quality.9 Results have been shown to last up to 2 years.12

Yes. Rapid weight loss—especially from glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications—can lead to visible changes in the skin of the face, such as hollowness or sagging.13 RADIESSE helps your skin rebuild its own collagen,1,7-10 improving firmness,14 elasticity,8,9,11 and definition3 over time. Rather than simply “filling” space, it strengthens your skin’s foundation from within.1

Both RADIESSE® and Sculptra® are biostimulators, but they are formulated with different active ingredients. RADIESSE® is made with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), a mineral-like substance also found naturally in the body.1 RADIESSE® provides immediate volume correction and also stimulates collagen and elastin production over time.6,8,9

Sculptra® contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is designed to stimulate collagen production gradually over a series of treatments.15

Common side effects of RADIESSE and RADIESSE (+) include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, and itching at the site of injection.2,3 For a more comprehensive list of side effects for RADIESSE and RADIESSE (+), refer to the patient information guides.

To get more personalized information, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider. The first step is to find a provider in your area.

Yes. RADIESSE is the first and only injectable biostimulator in the U.S. FDA-approved to treat both the face and specific areas of the body in adults aged 22 and older. Beyond correcting facial wrinkles and folds, RADIESSE is specifically indicated to restore volume to the back of the hands. By using a specialized 1:2 dilution for the chest area, RADIESSE can also be used to improve the appearance of wrinkles on the décolleté (chest).1-4

Hyperdiluted RADIESSE refers to a specific preparation of the product where it is mixed with a higher volume of sterile saline prior to injection.2,16 While RADIESSE is often used in its more concentrated form to provide immediate lift and volume in the face or hands,2,4,6 hyperdilution allows the product to be spread more thinly across larger areas.2,16 This technique is specifically used for the décolleté (chest) to address concerns like fine lines and “crepey” skin texture.2,16

References:
1. Aguilera SB, et al. Aesthet Surg J. 2023;43(10):1063-1090.​
2. Radiesse [Instructions for Use]. Franksville, WI: Merz North America, Inc; 2026. ​
3. Radiesse (+) [Instructions for Use]. Franksville, WI: Merz North America, Inc; 2023. ​
4. Radiesse for Hands [Instructions for Use]. Franksville, WI: Merz North America, Inc; 2023. ​
5. Merz North America, Inc. Patient information guide. Published April 2023. Accessed March 2026. https://radiesse.com/app/uploads/2024/07/radiesse-patient-guide-nlf.pdf
6. Tzikas TL. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(suppl 1):S9-S15. ​
7. Yutskovskaya Y, et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13(9):1047-1052. ​
8. Yutskovskaya YA, et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):68-74. ​
9. Yutskovskaya YA, et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(4):405-411. ​
10. Nowag B, et al. CaHA microspheres: contact with fibroblasts and amount of spheres are key factors for collagen stimulation. Presented at: AMWC 2020; Monte Carlo, Monaco; April 2-4, 2020.​
11. González N, et al. Dermatol Surg. 2019;45(4):547-551. ​
12. Bass LS, et al. Aesthet Surg J. 2010;30(2):235-238.​
13. Ridha Z, et al. Aesthet Surg J. 2024;44(11):NP809-NP818.​
14. Silvers SL, et al. Plast Reconst Surg. 2006;118(3 Suppl):34S-45S.​
15. Sculptra [Instructions for use]. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P.; 2023.
16. McCarthy AD, et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(6):1973-1984.​

A little something for your future self

Discover how RADIESSE supports lasting, natural-looking results through biostimulation. This brochure breaks down everything you need to know—from how it works to what makes it different.

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Actual patient. Individual results may vary.

Radiesse in the news

In the spotlight for Regenerative Aesthetics

RADIESSE continues to be featured in leading aesthetics publications for its innovative approach to collagen regeneration.

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Actual patients. Individual results may vary.

What are RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+)?

RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) are dermal fillers that are used for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth).

RADIESSE® is also used for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands and, when diluted with saline to smooth away wrinkles such as those in the décolleté in patients 22 years of age and older. RADIESSE® (+) is also used for improving moderate to severe loss of jawline contour in adults over 21 years old.

RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?

You should not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) if you have an allergy to any component of the product, if you have a history of severe allergies, if you have a bleeding disorder. You should not use RADIESSE® (+) if you have an allergy to lidocaine or medicines like it.

What is the most important information I should know about RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+)?

One of the risks with using these products is unintentional injection into a blood vessel. The chances of this happening are very small, but if it does happen, the complications can be serious, and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin. If you have changes in your vision, signs of a stroke (including sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headache, dizziness, or confusion), white appearance of the skin, or unusual pain during or shortly after treatment, you should notify your health care practitioner immediately.

As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.

Do not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) if you have a skin infection until it has healed.

It is not known if RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) is safe or effective in the lips, or in the area around the eyes, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

It is not known if RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) is safe or effective beyond 3 years in the face, 1 year in the hand, and 84 weeks in the décolleté.

Injection of RADIESSE® (+) into the jawline may temporarily alter jaw function.

The safety of RADIESSE® in the décolleté in patients under 22 years of age has not been established.

The microspheres in RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) can be seen in X-rays and CT scans. It is very important that you tell your health care provider that you have had RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) dermal filler. A clinical study found no evidence of RADIESSE® injected in the décolleté being visible on mammograms or breast ultrasounds, but you should still inform your doctor and radiologist that you have received RADIESSE® in the treated area so they can interpret your imaging appropriately.

If you have a history of herpes, you may experience a herpes breakout after receiving RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+).

Injection in the back of the hand may result in temporary difficulty performing activities. RADIESSE® may cause nodules, bumps or lumps in the back of the hand and can last up to 1 year.

You should minimize strenuous activity and avoid extensive sun or heat exposure for about 24 hours after treatment and until any swelling or redness has resolved.

What should I tell my doctor before using RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?

Tell your health care provider if you are taking blood thinners or medicines that can interfere with the clotting of blood, such as aspirin or warfarin. These medicines might make it more likely that you will experience bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Tell your health care provider if you have any diseases, injuries or disabilities of the hand, if you have a history forming large, raised scars or if you have had any other skin treatments such as skin peels.

What are the most common adverse events with RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?

The most common adverse events seen in clinical studies of RADIESSE® used in the hands include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, nodules or bumps/lumps, difficulty performing activities, loss of sensation and other local side effects. The most common adverse events seen in clinical studies of RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) used in the face include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, difficulty chewing, and other local side effects.

Delayed-onset inflammation near the site of injection is one of the known adverse events associated with dermal fillers. Cases of delayed-onset inflammation have been reported to occur at the treatment site following viral or bacterial illnesses or infections, vaccinations, or dental procedures. Typically, the reported inflammation was responsive to treatment or resolved on its own.

These are not all of the possible side effects with RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+). Merz collects information about adverse events seen with RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) outside of clinical studies. These events are included in the RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) Patient Information Guide based on an assessment of seriousness and potential causal relationship to RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+). Please see the Patient Information Guide available at www.radiesse.com for list of these events. Tell your health care provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

Important: For full safety information, please visit www.Radiesse.com or call MyMerz Solutions at 1-844-469-6379

RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) are available by prescription only.