Don't believe the claim that Radiesse lasts for 2 years
I'm Director Wi Young-jin of Beautys Doctor.
Please check this before reading
Q. Radiesse is said to last much longer
than other fillers—aren't they exaggerating?
A. No, it's not an exaggeration.
But the expression 'more than 2 years' can be misleading.
Thanks to the dual mechanism
where CaHA particles induce collagen,
it delivers a perceived duration of about 12 to 18 months.
Q. What is the key reason
for the difference in duration from HA fillers?
A. HA fillers gradually get absorbed
and disappear as the injected volume itself fades,
but Radiesse leaves behind
your own collagen as it is absorbed.
Key points of this article
Why does Radiesse last longer than other fillers?
The scientific basis of its duration
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is
a collagen-stimulating filler made by dispersing
calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) micro-particles
in a CMC gel.
If a typical HA (hyaluronic acid) filler
is a structure that just 'adds volume and ends when it fades,'
Radiesse is different because while the added volume fades,
new collagen takes its place.
This difference is the most decisive point
in creating the difference in duration.
Why does Radiesse last longer than other fillers?
Radiesse's lasting power comes not from 'firmness'
but from its 'dual volume mechanism.'
Step 1 — Immediate physical volume
Right after injection, the CMC gel provides volume.
This works on a similar principle to HA fillers.
Step 2 — Neocollagenesis
CaHA micro-particles
stimulate fibroblasts in the skin.
They play the role of waking up the cells
that make collagen.
As the CMC gel is absorbed and the volume fades, in that space
around the CaHA particles
new collagen has already begun to form.
This collagen creates a 'second volume'
and continues the lasting effect.
Director Wi Young-jin's key summary
The reason Radiesse lasts long
is not because the material is firm.
While the gel is being absorbed, the CaHA particles
create new collagen
so the 'second volume' continues naturally.
HA filler vs. Radiesse (CaHA) comparison
Item | HA filler | Radiesse (CaHA) |
Main ingredient | Hyaluronic acid | Calcium hydroxyapatite |
Volume principle | Volume from the injected gel itself | Gel volume + collagen neogenesis |
Average duration | 6 to 12 months | 12 to 18 months |
Dissolving (reversal) | Possible with an enzyme | No enzyme to dissolve it |
Collagen stimulation | Almost none | Yes (the key to lasting power) |
But this isn't all good news
One thing I must mention is
that Radiesse has no dissolving enzyme.
Once injected, you have to wait
until it naturally breaks down in the body.
That's why getting it placed accurately from the start
is more important than with any other filler.
For the first treatment, I don't fill 100% all at once
; instead, I inject about 70 to 80% and then check the progress after 2 to 4 weeks
and add more if needed.
Who is Radiesse suitable for?
Cases where Radiesse works well
People in their late 30s to 50s whose cheeks have gradually hollowed
People with deep nasolabial folds or marionette lines
People who kept repeating HA fillers but the results did not last long enough
People who want to maintain a natural-looking volume for a long time
Cases where HA filler is better
Delicate areas such as the lips or under-eyes
People trying filler for the first time
People who want it dissolved right away if they don't like the result
Frequently asked questions
Q1. What's the difference between Radiesse and Ellansé?
Radiesse is CaHA, while Ellansé is made of PCL.
It's not about which one is better,
but about choosing based on the area and purpose.
Q2. How can I make the duration last longer?
What should I do?
Avoid excessive sauna use or
strenuous exercise for 2 weeks after the procedure.
If heat and blood flow increase,
the initial gel may be absorbed faster.
Q3. What side effects can occur after the procedure?
Bruising or swelling usually subsides within 3 to 7 days.
Nodules can usually be prevented if an experienced clinician
keeps the proper depth and amount.
This has been Wi Young-jin.
Read more
▶They say filler can be used for dark circles, but that's only half true (it could be a blood vessel?)
▶Collagen injections—how are they different from fillers?
▶Can peanut-shaped faces be corrected with temple filler? Radiesse duration and side effects fact check
▶Sculptra side-effect nodules, how to prevent them
▶Hongdae filler: "Who performs it matters more than the price" (the difference when the director performs the procedure directly)
