RADIESSE® & RADIESSE® (+) Lidocaine (1 x 1.5 mL) | Merz Aesthetics

Short Description

An FDA-approved, dual-action regenerative biostimulator and structural dermal filler formulated with 30% Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres (25–45 µm) suspended in a 70% aqueous carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel carrier. Calibrated for subdermal, deep subcutaneous, and supraperiosteal placement, RADIESSE® delivers immediate mechanical volume and vector projection while triggering a sustained, five-strand regenerative tissue remodeling process—stimulating Type I and Type III neocollagenesis, elastogenesis, angiogenesis, and dermal redensification with clinical durability lasting 12 to 18+ months.

Detailed Description

RADIESSE® (and RADIESSE® (+) with 0.3% Lidocaine) is an advanced, sterile, non-pyrogenic, semi-solid cohesive injectable implant manufactured by Merz Aesthetics (Germany / USA). Widely recognized as the gold standard in regenerative mineral biostimulation, it provides both immediate hydraulic contour correction and progressive, patient-driven biological tissue regeneration.

The mechanism operates through two distinct, synchronized phases:

1. Immediate Mechanical Projection (Aqueous CMC Gel Matrix): Upon extrusion, the 70% sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier immediately lifts skin depressions, restores deep fat pad volume, and sharpens skeletal contours. This carrier is gradually absorbed and cleared via native macrophage phagocytosis over the initial 8 to 12 weeks.

2. Sustained Cellular Biostimulation (Smooth CaHA Microspheres): As the carrier gel recedes, the 30% spherical Calcium Hydroxylapatite microspheres (25–45 µm) remain anchored at the injection plane. Acting as an osteoconductive-mimetic 3D scaffold, the smooth microspheres activate resident tissue fibroblasts, driving:

   • Neocollagenesis: Extensive de novo synthesis of Type I collagen (tensile strength) and Type III collagen (elastic youth collagen).

   • Neoelastogenesis: Renewal of damaged elastic fibers to restore dermal bounce and mechanical recoil.

   • Angiogenesis: Microvascular sprouting that enhances localized tissue oxygenation and nutrient perfusion.

   • Dermal Architecture Restructuring: Thickening and redensifying the skin envelope over time.

Eventually, the CaHA microspheres undergo natural enzymatic breakdown into physiological calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) and phosphate ($PO_4^{3-}$) ions, leaving behind an organized, self-sustaining structural framework of the patient’s own collagen and elastin bundles.

Treatment Areas & Indications

• Lower Face Contouring & Profile Harmonization:

  • Mandibular angle definition and crisp linear jawline sculpting

  • Pre-jowl sulcus effacement and lower face vector lifting

  • Chin augmentation, forward projection, and mental crease structural correction

  • Severe marionette lines and oral commissure structural descent

• Midface Structural Volumization:

  • Malar and cheekbone projection (Zygomatic arch structural enhancement)

  • Correction of severe midface volume collapse and deep submalar atrophy

  • Deep nasolabial fold effacement (deep subcutaneous or pre-periosteal bolus)

• Dorsal Hand Rejuvenation (FDA-Approved):

  • Subdermal replenishment on the back of the hands to conceal visible veins, extensor tendons, and bony prominences

• Hyperdilute Biostimulation & Tissue Tightening (Off-Label Consensus Protocols):

  • 1:1 to 1:4 dilution with bacteriostatic saline/lidocaine for wide-area subdermal vectoring

  • Neck rings (“necklace lines”) and lateral platysmal band laxity

  • Décolletage sun-damage crepeyness and sleep-induced cleavage creases

  • Skin tightening of the inner arms (brachioplasty alternative), abdomen, buttocks, and anterior knees

Key Clinical Advantages

• Immediate Lift with Regenerative Longevity: Combines the instant projection of a dermal filler with long-term, biological tissue tightening and neocollagenesis.

• Calibrated Microsphere Geometry (25–45 µm): Perfectly spherical, smooth ceramic beads prevent foreign-body giant cell reactions, nodule formation, or chronic inflammation.

• High Elastic Modulus ($G’$) & Viscosity ($\eta^*$): Possesses one of the highest $G’$ ratings in aesthetic medicine, holding its vertical projection under muscular stress without spreading laterally.

• 100% Biocompatible & Bioresorbable: Synthesized from mineral components identical to human bone and dental tissue; non-animal, fully biocompatible, and requires no allergy pre-testing.

• Dual Presentation Options: Available in classic Radiesse (ideal for custom chairside hyperdilution) and Radiesse (+) pre-mixed with 0.3% lidocaine for maximized patient procedural comfort.

• Clinically Proven Multi-Year Results: While the carrier matrix resorbs over months, the synthesized native collagen framework maintains aesthetic contouring for 12 to 18+ months (and longer in stable structural planes).

Technical Specifications

Professional Advisory: RADIESSE® is a high-viscosity mineral biostimulant intended strictly for certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and credentialed aesthetic physicians trained in deep sub-SMAS/periosteal anatomy and microcannula vectoring. Direct injection into the lips, glabella, periorbital zone, or superficial papillary dermis is strictly contraindicated due to risk of vascular compromise or nodule formation.