What is the difference between Radiesse and Ellansé?

Radiesse is made of CaHA, and Ellansé is made of PCL.

How can I extend the retention period?

Please avoid excessive sauna use or strenuous exercise for two weeks after the procedure.

For Radiesse, is the entire volume injected all at once during the first treatment?

Instead of filling it completely all at once, we often recommend filling only about 70 to 80% first and monitoring the progress. Since there is no enzyme to dissolve it, over-injection can make correction quite difficult. It is much safer to see how it heals and add a little more after 2 to 4 weeks if needed.

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Don't believe the '2-year Radiesse' claim

Q: What side effects can occur after the procedure?

Bruising and swelling usually subside within 3 to 7 days.

Radiesse lasts 12–18 months, not 2 years. Here's the science and how it compares with other fillers.

Published -

Apr 24, 2026

Updated -

Sep 5, 2026

Author

Wi Young-jin · Chief director

Seoul National University College of Medicine · Seoul National University Hospital Specialist

→

Don't believe the '2-year Radiesse' claim

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.

▶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)

Don't believe the claim that Radiesse lasts for 2 years

I'm Director Wi Young-jin of Beautys Doctor.