Radiesse®

Radiesse® is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)with collagen-stimulating properties. At LIVO, it may be used for jawline contouring and other carefully selected structural areas, creating immediate support while the surrounding tissue continues to renew over time.

Where facial structure begins to soften

Facial aging affects more than the surface of the skin. Collagen declines, fat compartments change, retaining ligaments become less supportive, and bone gradually remodels. Together, these changes can soften projection, transitions, and jawline definition.

Some injectables primarily restore volume, while others focus on gradual tissue renewal. Radiesse® brings these ideas together: the gel provides immediate support, while the CaHA microspheres encourage longer-term collagen remodeling.

Rather than chasing a single line, we use Radiesse® to restore support in carefully chosen areas when that change improves the balance of the face.

How Radiesse® works

Radiesse® contains calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a smooth carrier gel. Calcium hydroxylapatite is chemically similar to a mineral naturally present in bone and teeth, while the product itself is manufactured specifically for medical use.

The gel provides immediate support after injection. As it is gradually absorbed, the CaHA microspheres act as a temporary framework around which new collagen can develop, before they too are slowly broken down by the body.

Radiesse® compared with dermal fillers

The products are not interchangeable. Hyaluronic acid may offer softer flexibility and precise shaping in some areas, while CaHA may be preferred when a firmer sense of structure is desired. We will help you understand the difference during consultation.

Radiesse® compared with Sculptra®

The best choice depends on your anatomy, how quickly you would like to see change, and whether your goal is defined contour, broader collagen renewal, or a combination of both.

Areas we may consider

Radiesse® can be used in selected facial areas and on the backs of the hands, while Radiesse® (+) is designed for specific structural goals such as jawline contour.

During your LIVO consultation, we will recommend the formulation and approach that best fit your anatomy and goals.

Depending on the product, anatomy, and indication, areas that may be assessed include:

• Jawline contour
• Chin and pre-jowl transition
• Nasolabial folds and selected lower-face folds
• Cheek support in selected cases
• Volume loss on the backs of the hands and Décolleté wrinkles using the specifically approved diluted protocol

When Radiesse® may be worth considering

Radiesse® may be worth considering when an area would benefit from clearer structure or firmer support. This may include:

• Moderate loss of jawline definition
• A weak transition between the chin and jawline
• Selected moderate-to-severe facial folds
• Age-related volume loss on the backs of the hands
• A preference for immediate correction with a biostimulatory component
• Adequate skin and soft-tissue quality to support the intended contour

Our provider will review your health history and the condition of the treatment area during consultation to confirm that Radiesse® is a suitable choice for you.

Planning for proportion, not simply volume

We will assess facial proportions, bone structure, skin thickness, soft-tissue support, natural asymmetry, and the way your face changes in movement. The goal is to decide whether added support will improve balance—not simply add volume.

Because Radiesse® is designed for lasting structural support, thoughtful and conservative planning matters. In some faces, hyaluronic acid, Sculptra®, skin-tightening treatments, or no injectable at all may create a more elegant result.

If Radiesse® is selected, we will tailor the formulation, injection layer, amount, and technique to your anatomy and desired result.

What the appointment is like

Your provider may use a needle or blunt-tip cannula, depending on the product, area, and technique. Appointments commonly take about 30 to 45 minutes.

The gel carrier usually creates an immediate contour change. Mild early swelling can make the area appear slightly fuller, so we review the result again once it has settled.

Collagen remodeling continues over the months that follow. At LIVO, we allow the result time to develop before deciding whether any additional support would be helpful.

Preparing for your appointment

Before your visit, tell us about your health history, allergies, current medicines and supplements, previous fillers, recent dental work, and any active skin concerns. This helps our provider tailor the plan to you.

To help minimize bruising, avoid excessive alcohol for about 24 hours beforehand. Do not stop prescribed blood thinners or other medicine unless your prescribing provider advises you to do so.

Standardized photographs are usually taken so that we can review your starting proportions and follow the result over time.

After your appointment: what to expect

Temporary swelling, tenderness, bruising, redness, firmness, or small areas of texture can occur and usually improve over several days. We will explain what to expect and remain available if you have questions while the area settles.

Follow the simple aftercare guidance provided for your product and treatment area. Avoid pressing or massaging unless your provider specifically recommends it, and postpone vigorous exercise or prolonged heat until the following day.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. RADIESSE® Injectable Implant Instructions for Use (2026).

2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. RADIESSE® (+) Lidocaine Jawline Instructions for Use.

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. RADIESSE® (+) Jawline Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data.

4. Merz Aesthetics. RADIESSE® Official Product Information.

5. Goldie K, et al. Global Consensus Guidelines for the Injection of Diluted and Hyperdiluted Calcium Hydroxylapatite.

6. Moradi A, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Calcium Hydroxylapatite With Lidocaine for Improving Jawline Contour.

7. Guida S, et al. A Systematic Review of RADIESSE® / Calcium Hydroxylapatite Clinical Evidence.