List of products by brand RADIESSE – MERZ PHARMACEUTICALS

Laboratory: Merz Pharmaceuticals / Merz Aesthetics Category: Tissue Inducer (Biostimulator) / Calcium Hydroxyapatite-Based Dermal Filler. Key Composition: Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous carrier gel.

1. Description & Technology

Radiesse® is a unique product in the medical aesthetics market. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, which primarily work by hydrating and adding volume, Radiesse® is a collagen stimulator. It is composed of: 30% calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres: A mineral component similar to that naturally found in bones and teeth, ensuring complete biocompatibility. 70% carrier gel (carboxymethylcellulose): Allows for easy injection and an immediate corrective effect.

2. Mechanism of Action (Dual Effect)

Radiesse® works in two stages to restore the skin's structure: Immediate Correction: From the moment of injection, the carrier gel fills wrinkles and restores lost volume, providing an instantly visible result (lifting effect). Long-Term Stimulation (Neocollagenesis): Over the weeks, the gel is absorbed by the body, but the CaHA microspheres remain in place. They act as a scaffold, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new natural collagen and elastin. This redensifies the skin and improves its structural quality over the long term.

3. Main Indications

Radiesse® is particularly indicated for areas requiring structural support, contour definition, or improved skin quality.

• Jawline: Definition of the jawline and correction of jowls.
• Deep lines and wrinkles: Treatment of pronounced nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
• Chin: Projection and correction of a receding chin.
• Cheekbones: Volume restoration (V-shape effect).
• Hands: This is one of the few products specifically approved (notably by the FDA) for rejuvenating the backs of the hands, to conceal visible veins and tendons while restoring volume.

4. The Different Formulas

Radiesse®: The standard formula. Radiesse® (+) Lidocaine: Formula containing a local anesthetic (lidocaine) to improve patient comfort during injection.

5. Key Benefits

• Powerful Lifting Effect: Thanks to its high viscosity and elasticity, the product offers a lifting capacity superior to many hyaluronic acids.
• Improved Skin Quality: Beyond volume, the skin becomes firmer, denser, and more elastic thanks to the production of new collagen.
• Long-Lasting Results: The effects can last 12 months or more, although the product is fully biodegradable and metabolized by the body over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Radiesse

1. What is the main difference between Radiesse® and a hyaluronic acid like Belotero®?

The difference lies in the composition and the mechanism of action. Hyaluronic acid is a gel that attracts water to create volume. Radiesse® (calcium hydroxylapatite) is a biostimulator: it provides volume mechanically, but more importantly, it encourages your skin to produce its own collagen and elastin for structural tightening.

2. Is the product absorbable or permanent?

Radiesse® is a completely absorbable product. The calcium microspheres degrade naturally and are eliminated by the body's metabolic system over time. It is not a permanent implant (like silicone).

3. Can hands be treated with Radiesse®?

Yes, absolutely. Radiesse® is a global leader in hand rejuvenation. It restores lost volume on the backs of the hands, reducing the visibility of veins and tendons, giving the hands a more youthful and smoother appearance.

4. How long does it take to see the final result?

A result is visible immediately after the injection thanks to the carrier gel (volumizing effect). However, the improved skin quality and redensification linked to the production of new collagen develop gradually over the months following treatment, with a peak of improvement often visible around 3 to 4 months.