Radiesse

Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler offered at Dr Selina Clinics in London, specifically formulated to target deep wrinkles, restore facial volume, and stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production. Made from calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a smooth gel, Radiesse immediately replenishes volume and provides instant lifting and smoothing to facial contours, effectively reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles. Dr Selina offers hyper-dilute Radiesse by dissolving it in saline and injecting it over the face, temples, jaw and neck. A Radiesse ‘Neck Wash’ is a popular treatment, where hyper-dilute Radiesse is injected into the superficial skin of the neck to help tighten the loose skin in this area. Radiesse works in a different way from the pure hyaluronic acid-based fillers, by additionally triggering your skin’s own collagen production. This offers prolonged rejuvenation even after the initial filler is metabolised. Results typically last 12–18 months, providing a balanced combination of immediate improvement and sustained natural enhancement.

Your questions about Radiesse answered

How does Radiesse work?

Radiesse works as both a filler and a collagen biostimulator. Immediately upon injection, the calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres provide instant volume and smoothing to targeted areas of the face, reducing deep wrinkles. Over the following months, Radiesse further enhances your appearance by stimulating the body’s own collagen production, providing natural and enduring structural support even after the original filler material gradually dissolves.

At Dr Selina Clinics, I do not always inject Radiesse neat. Instead, I hyperdilute it to carefully treat the face, neck, and hands — improving skin texture, elasticity, and firmness without adding unnecessary bulk. Where enhanced volume is required, particularly in the hands, I may blend Radiesse with a skin booster or dermal filler for optimal results, a process called hybridization.

Rather than treating central areas like nasolabial folds or marionette lines, I focus on lateral zones of the face to maintain natural balance, lift, and harmony.

Common treatment areas include:

  • Lateral cheeks and midface
  • Neck and décolletage
  • Hands
  • Jawline and chin

 

Please note: Some uses of Radiesse, such as for skin quality improvement or in specific areas, are considered off-label. All treatments are carried out following a detailed consultation with Dr Selina to ensure suitability and safety.

One of the major advantages of Radiesse is its lasting impact. Results typically last between 12 to 18 months, but depend on individual factors such as age, skin condition, lifestyle, and diet. Because Radiesse stimulates collagen production, the beneficial effects continue long after the filler has naturally dissolved, giving patients a sustained improvement in facial volume and firmness.

With hyperdiluted or hybridised Radiesse, you may notice a softening of fine lines and an improvement in skin texture shortly after treatment due to the initial volume of the saline and carrier gel. However, the true regenerative benefits take time to develop. As the saline disperses, the calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres stimulate your own collagen production, with visible improvements in skin firmness, elasticity, and quality becoming more evident over the following 6 to 9 months. In some cases, a repeat treatment may be recommended after a couple of months to optimise collagen stimulation and results.

Downtime after Radiesse treatment is typically minimal. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately. Mild side effects such as swelling, redness, tenderness, or bruising at the injection sites can occur but usually resolve within a few days. To minimise swelling and support optimal healing, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat exposure, and alcohol for 24–48 hours after treatment.

Hyperdiluted Radiesse is ideal for individuals looking to improve skin quality, firmness, and elasticity rather than solely seeking volume replacement. It is particularly suited for those experiencing early signs of ageing, skin laxity, or textural changes in areas like the face, neck, or hands. Because Radiesse stimulates natural collagen production over time, it appeals to patients who are looking for gradual, natural-looking rejuvenation with longer-term benefits. During your consultation, Dr Selina will assess your concerns and goals to determine if Radiesse is the right treatment for you.

Both Radiesse and Sculptra are advanced collagen biostimulators, but they work slightly differently. Radiesse provides a subtle immediate improvement in skin texture (due to the initial saline and gel effect) with collagen stimulation beginning in the weeks following treatment. Sculptra, by contrast, relies entirely on collagen stimulation without providing immediate visible changes. If you are seeking both a gentle initial improvement and sustained skin regeneration over time, Radiesse may be the preferred option. 

Which one is right for you?

If you’re looking for a treatment that gives some immediate softening with longer-term skin quality improvements, Radiesse may be the better choice — especially for areas like the neck, jawline, hands, or if you prefer a gentle refresh.

If you’re aiming to rebuild deeper structural support, address moderate to significant volume loss, and are happy for results to appear more gradually over a series of sessions, Sculptra may be ideal.

At your consultation, Dr Selina will assess your skin’s needs and recommend the best treatment plan tailored specifically for your goals.