What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is a biocompatible injectable collagen biostimulator and filler in Singapore produced by Merz Aesthetics. It consists of approximately 30% Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier made of 70% carboxymethylcellulose. Radiesse delivers a triple effect of face lifting, contouring, and collagen stimulation.

Radiesse is used for facial rejuvenation (volume augmentation and contouring of the face), skin quality improvement (face, neck, body), acne scar resurfacing, stretch marks, cellulite and hand rejuvenation.

How does Radiesse work?

Before we can understand how Radiesse works, we must first understand the components of our skin and how ageing impacts them.

The structure of our skin is primarily composed of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s structural integrity, elasticity, and overall health. Within the ECM are four significant components, namely:

• Collagen: collagen is the most well-known and abundant protein in the ECM. It is responsible for giving our skin structure and strength.
• Elastin: as its name suggests, elastin gives our skin elasticity and the ability to stretch and return to its normal shape. Elastin and collagen are interwoven and contribute to our skin’s strength and firmness.
• Proteoglycans: one of the roles of proteoglycans is to help maintain moisture in the skin.
• Glycoproteins: glycoproteins aid in structural support and allow for effective communication between cells and the ECM.

Fibroblasts are another important skin component. These cells produce collagen, elastin, and other ECM components. They maintain the skin’s integrity and are also responsible for wound healing.

As we age, these vital components are affected—collagen and elastin production reduces, weakening the extracellular matrix, and the skin loses its intrinsic ability to retain moisture. Furthermore, fibroblasts’ ability to repair tissue and respond to injury diminishes, and they are more likely to enter a state of senescence, where they stop dividing and release inflammatory factors, contributing to skin ageing and loss of structural integrity. These changes contribute to a decline in skin elasticity, firmness, and overall vitality.

This is where Radiesse comes in. It contains key ingredient Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel carrier. Upon injection, Radiesse works through a dual function—the CMC gel helps to provide immediate volume to the treatment area, while the CaHA microspheres stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, providing structural support and further improving skin elasticity. Furthermore, Radiesse (+) contains lidocaine for added patient comfort. Its components are biodegradable and metabolised naturally.

Is Radiesse safe?

Radiesse is the OG Collagen Biostimulator, with over 20 years of clinical experience, >250 clinical publications and 15 million treatments completed worldwide.

In 2003, Radiesse received CE Certification, the European Union standard for product safety. In 2006, Radiesse was approved by the FDA, the American Regulatory Authority. Most recently, Radiesse was the first facial filler to receive US FDA approval for hand augmentation. Radiesse® has more than 250 publications and is proven to be safe and effective.

What conditions can Radiesse treat?

Radiesse can be used to treat the following:

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Volume loss
• Skin laxity
• Acne scars
• Stretch marks
• Hand rejuvenation
• Facial contouring

Benefits of Radiesse

• Immediate and long-lasting results: Radiesse allows for immediate results, with the collagen-stimulating effects lasting up to 12-18 months post-injection.
• Natural results with minimal downtown: Radiesse is biocompatible and stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen, allowing for natural-looking results. Additionally, Radiesse + contains lidocaine, which makes the procedure more comfortable.
• Versatile and safe: Radiesse can treat a plethora of issues ranging from wrinkles, scars, and volume loss. Furthermore, Radiesse has a well-established safety profile.

What to expect during a Radiesse treatment in Singapore?

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa, our team is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable experience. Upon arrival, our doctors will conduct a thorough consultation with you, checking your medical history to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for Radiesse.

Next, a bespoke treatment plan will be created, and financial counselling, photo-taking, and consent-taking will be conducted. Next, your skin will be cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic will be applied to minimise discomfort. Radiesse is then carefully injected using a needle or cannula into the treatment area.

After the treatment, you will see immediate volume restoration and smoothing of wrinkles following your Radiesse treatment. As collagen production increases, the skin will continue to improve in texture and firmness over the following months. Bear in mind that individual results may vary, but most clients experience a youthful and refreshed appearance that lasts.

Mild redness and swelling may occur for one to two days after treatment, but you can continue to apply makeup and return to normal activity the next day.

How soon will you see results after Radiesse Treatment in Singapore?

Results are visible immediately, with full results in 1-2 months after new collagen has been formed. Results last for 12-18 months, and annual touch-ups are recommended.

What are the risks or side effects of Radiesse?

Side effects of Radiesse are rare, with multiple published clinical studies concluding that Radiesse is safe.
However, some common adverse events include bruising, discomfort, and swelling. Rare adverse events include nodule or granuloma formation, infection, vascular occlusion, and allergy.

Radiesse vs. Juvederm, Restylane, or Belotero: What is the difference?

Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero are hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers that restore volume and smooth skin. HA fillers can be used in areas with thinner skin and can be dissolved by hyaluronidase. HA fillers are recommended for treating delicate areas such as the lips or undereye, especially for a client wishing to dissolve the fillers in the future. However, HA fillers lack the longevity of Radiesse and do not stimulate collagen in the skin- making Radiesse the product of choice for clients seeking long-lasting rejuvenation.

Radiesse vs Sculptra vs Ellanse: what is the difference?

Radiesse, Sculptra, and Ellanse are Collagen Biostimulators with long track records and good clinical outcomes. For a detailed discussion of their various merits, read this blog post here.

Frequently asked questions