REFINE
Structural harmony & natural support
Elevate your features with treatments that restore proportion, balance, and definition.
Feel Revitalixed with
Radiesse
Radiesse
Experience the best of both worlds, instant lift and long-term rejuvenation, with Radiesse.
Radiesse
is Perfect For…
- Providing immediate structure while stimulating long-term collagen production
- Enhancing definition in areas like the jawline, chin, and cheeks
- Improving skin firmness and texture through hyperdilute applications
- Supporting facial rejuvenation with results that feel both lifted and grounded
Treatment Length
Around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on areas treated.
Treatment Frequency
Results last 12 to 18 months for most patients.
Treatment Results
Radiesse provides instant lift and fill upon injection, so you walk out looking refreshed.
Treatment Recovery
Mild and brief. You might have some injection-site swelling or bruising for a few days.
What is
Radiesse?
Radiesse is a biostimulatory dermal filler known for its ability to provide structure and encourage your skin to renew itself. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a smooth gel. CaHA is a mineral naturally found in our bones, which makes Radiesse highly biocompatible and safe. When injected, Radiesse acts in two phases: First, the gel gives an immediate lifting and volumizing effect, filling in wrinkles or adding contour to cheeks, jawline, or hands. Second, and perhaps more excitingly, those CaHA microspheres stimulate your body to produce collagen and elastin over time. The gel is absorbed over a few months, but in its place, your own new collagen has formed, providing extended benefits. This means Radiesse not only corrects the visible signs of aging but also improves skin firmness and quality long-term.
How Radiesse Works
Instant Volume & Lift
Radiesse’s gel carrier provides an immediate scaffold beneath the skin. The moment we inject it, you’ll see creases and hollows diminish. This initial effect comes from the gel and the microscopic CaHA particles collectively occupying volume. Radiesse is known for being a bit thicker and more robust than some other fillers, which is why it’s excellent for areas where you want structure.
Collagen and Elastin Stimulation
Beyond the quick fix, Radiesse is busy initiating a rejuvenation process within your skin. The CaHA microspheres it contains act as biostimulators. Once injected, these tiny calcium-based spheres trigger your body’s natural wound-healing response. Fibroblast cells are attracted to the area and begin laying down new collagen fibers along the scaffold that the CaHA provides. Over the course of weeks and months, this new collagen and elastin matrix develops, essentially reinforcing the skin’s foundation. The CaHA particles gradually dissolve and are safely metabolized, but now your own tissue has taken their place.
Durable Structural Support
Thanks to the processes above, Radiesse provides results that are not only immediate but enduring. The combination of the filler’s natural heft and the body’s collagen response results in correction that can last a year, often longer. In practical terms, where some fillers might start diminishing around 6-9 months, Radiesse tends to hold up at the 12-18 month mark for many patients.
This Treatment is
Great For…
For those seeking not just a quick cosmetic fix, but a substantive improvement that endures, Radiesse is an outstanding choice. It’s especially suited for individuals who want a noticeable yet natural rejuvenation that also improves their skin over time.
Lifting Deep Facial Folds
If you have pronounced nasolabial folds (the lines from the corners of your nose to your mouth) or marionette lines (from mouth down toward the chin), Radiesse is formulated to tackle these robustly. This is perfect for the man or woman who finds that those lines make them look tired or stern; Radiesse can gently erase that “dragged down” look and restore a happier, more relaxed appearance.
Restoring Volume & Contour
Radiesse is often a go-to for rebuilding volume in areas that need a bit of oomph. Because it’s firmer, it can actually simulate a bony feel, meaning it’s superb for augmenting bony areas like the chin or cheekbones in a very natural-feeling way.
Improving Skin Firmness
As Radiesse spurs collagen and elastin, it’s an excellent option for individuals noticing skin laxity and crepiness in certain areas. It’s also FDA-approved for use in the hands, so it’s perfect for someone whose hands have become bony or veiny with age; Radiesse plumps them up and also improves the skin quality on the backs of the hands, making veins and tendons less prominent and the skin thicker.
Long-Lasting Rejuvenation
Radiesse is a great fit for busy professionals or anyone who prefers fewer maintenance appointments. If you don’t have the time or inclination to be back at the clinic every 6 months for filler top-ups, you’ll love that Radiesse can last a year or more. So this treatment is great for someone looking for a “one and done” (or at least infrequent) approach to staying youthful.
What to Expect at
REAL Aesthetics
Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation
During your consultation for Radiesse at our Santa Rosa clinic, we take time to thoroughly understand your goals and examine the areas of concern. Because Radiesse is slightly different from HA fillers, we might recommend it for certain areas and not others, we’ll explain why. Part of the consult is educational: we’ll show you on a model or diagram how Radiesse works (immediate fill + collagen stimulation) so you know what to expect. We’ll also review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate. By the end, you’ll have a customized treatment strategy, which may involve Radiesse alone or in combination with other treatments.
Step 2: Individualized Pre-Care
Prepping for a Radiesse treatment is relatively straightforward, but we tailor guidance to your situation. We’ll advise avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements for about a week before your appointment to reduce bruising (common theme for any injectable). Hydration is always good for skin health, so we encourage you to be well-hydrated. If you’re treating areas around the mouth and you have a history of cold sores, we may start you on a preventative antiviral medication, as injections can, in rare cases, trigger a cold sore. Because Radiesse is a thicker filler, sometimes we use a slightly larger needle, but we also mix it with lidocaine to ease discomfort, no special pre-medication is needed on your part. On the day of, come with a clean face (or we can cleanse here). It’s also a good idea not to schedule vigorous exercise or important social events immediately after, just in case of minor swelling or bruising.
Step 3: Precision Treatment
When you come in for the Radiesse procedure, we’ll begin by numbing the target areas. Radiesse is mixed with lidocaine, but we augment that with topical numbing or even a bit of injected local anesthetic to maximize comfort. Once you’re numbed and we’ve cleansed thoroughly with antiseptic, our injector will carefully map out injection points on your skin. The Radiesse gel is a bit thicker, so you may feel a gentle pressure or a slight pushing sensation as it’s injected, but usually minimal pain due to good numbing. We inject slowly and evenly, pausing to massage and mold the product as we go. Radiesse allows for sculpting, we can shape it somewhat under the skin, and our provider’s artistic eye ensures symmetry and natural contours. If we’re treating the hands, we’ll likely use a cannula to thread Radiesse across the back of the hand through a tiny entry point near the wrist, it’s fascinating how those hollow areas fill out almost instantly. By the end of the treatment, you’ll see immediate improvement.
Step 4: Recovery & Support
After Radiesse injections, we’ll review with you the simple aftercare steps to ensure a smooth recovery. You might feel a bit sore or tender at the injection sites, similar to the feeling of a bruise or mild stiffness. If we treated a bony area like the jawline or chin, you could have slight firmness to the touch; that’s normal and will soften as the product integrates. We typically advise avoiding heavy manipulation of the treated areas for a day or two, unlike Sculptra, Radiesse doesn’t require massage, so no rubbing or strong pressure beyond gentle cleansing/moisturizing. We also recommend skipping strenuous exercise or anything that makes you very red in the face for 24 hours, just to reduce swelling and bruising risk. If you do see any bruises, they are usually minor and can be covered with concealer; they’ll fade over a week. Swelling is generally mild with Radiesse, since it’s injected deeper in most cases; but if, say, the nasolabial area has a little puffiness, you can use an ice pack off and on that day. Many patients go right back to work or errands after leaving our office; some prefer to take the rest of the day easy at home.
Step 5: Maintenance & Refinement
With Radiesse, one of the beauties is that you get longevity, but we don’t just send you off for 18 months with no contact. We like to see you a few weeks after treatment to ensure the results have settled well and meet both our and your expectations. During this follow-up, we’ll assess if any refinements are needed. Occasionally, especially if a very deep area was treated, a touch more Radiesse might enhance the result, we can do a small top-up if necessary. We’ll likely set you up with a yearly aesthetic review, whether that means repeating Radiesse around month 12-18 or evaluating if other areas now need attention.
CURIOUS ABOUT RESULTS?
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR TRANSFORMATIONS
Neurotoxin to Frown Lines
Neurotoxin to Forehead Lines
Neurotoxin to Fix Gummy Smile – Lip Flip
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Holistic Aesthetic Assessment
Every treatment at REAL includes a comprehensive aesthetic assessment that looks at the big picture of your beauty and wellness. Rather than isolating a single concern, our experts consider how this treatment fits into your overall facial harmony, skin health, and personal goals. We may analyze factors like your facial anatomy, skin condition, or lifestyle influences to ensure our approach is truly bespoke. This holistic perspective means your treatment plan feels integrative and uniquely yours, as we aim for results that enhance your natural beauty in a balanced way.
Expert-Level Technique
At our Santa Rosa clinic, your treatment is performed using expert-level techniques honed by advanced training and experience. Dr. Drew Maynard and our team stay at the forefront of aesthetic medicine, whether it’s mastering the latest injection methods or operating cutting-edge laser technology. We uphold the highest standards of safety and precision, from using premium, FDA-approved products to employing meticulous protocols for your well-being. Our quiet confidence and technical excellence ensure you can relax and trust that you’re receiving world-class care with an artistic touch.
Optional Add-On Therapies
To elevate your experience, we offer thoughtful add-on therapies that can complement your main treatment for enhanced outcomes. For example, some patients choose to combine procedures, pairing a laser session with regenerative PRP, or following injectables with a calming facial, to amplify results in one visit. During your consultation, we will discuss any additional options that align with your goals, from specialized skincare infusions to wellness therapies like IV nutrient drips. These enhancements are always optional, but available if you desire a truly comprehensive rejuvenation journey curated just for you.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
WE HAVE THE ANSWERS!
Is Radiesse safe and what is it made of?
Yes, Radiesse is very safe and has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2006. It’s made of tiny, smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel. CaHA is a substance similar to minerals found naturally in our bones, which is why Radiesse is well-tolerated by the body. Over time, the gel carrier is absorbed and the CaHA particles stimulate collagen before they too are metabolized.
What areas can Radiesse treat, and are there areas it shouldn’t be used?
Radiesse is very versatile for restoring volume and structure in many areas. Commonly, it’s used in the mid to lower face: nasolabial folds, marionette lines, corners of the mouth, chin, jawline, and cheeks. It’s fantastic for enhancing a weak chin or sharpening a jawline. It can also be injected in the prejowl sulcus to smooth the jaw contour. Another FDA-approved use is the back of the hands, Radiesse is actually the only filler specifically approved for hand rejuvenation, filling the hollows and making veins/tendons less visible. We sometimes use Radiesse off-label in the temples if they’re very hollow (it works well there for deep filling).
Will the injections hurt?
We do everything to ensure you’re comfortable during a Radiesse treatment. Radiesse comes pre-mixed with lidocaine, which significantly reduces pain as we inject. We also apply topical numbing cream to your skin beforehand, and sometimes we might inject a little extra local anesthetic for very sensitive areas. Patients typically describe feeling a slight pinch or pressure. The filler itself is thicker than some others, so in certain spots you might feel a mild pushing sensation or “fullness” as it’s injected, but it’s not sharp or burning pain.
What will I look like immediately after, will I be very swollen or bruised?
Right after your Radiesse treatment, you’ll see the improvement of volume and lift right away. There is usually some initial swelling, but for most people it’s mild. Bruising is possible with any injection; we take steps to minimize it, but you might get a small bruise or two. If you do, they’re typically the size of a pencil eraser or smaller and can be covered with makeup. Bruises on the face usually turn lighter or yellowish by days 4-7 and are gone by ~10 days. Many patients have little to no bruising, especially when we use cannulas.
How soon will I see results and how do they change over time?
One of Radiesse’s great advantages is the immediate result. You will see the improvement in volume and contour as soon as we finish injecting, your folds will be reduced, your jawline or cheeks enhanced, etc. You likely won’t see a dramatic sudden change from one week to the next because collagen builds gradually, but you may notice subtle improvements, like the skin feeling firmer or even looking a bit tighter in the treated area by 8-12 weeks.
Can Radiesse be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely, Radiesse can play very nicely with other aesthetic treatments, and we often combine it as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan.
