RADIESSE Treatment in NYC
Expert Biostimulatory Filler Care from a Leading Asian Dermatologist in NYC
RADIESSE® is one of the most versatile and well-researched injectable biostimulators available today. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers that simply add volume, RADIESSE works with your body’s own biology, stimulating your skin to rebuild its natural reserves of collagen and elastin for results that improve over time. Dr. Jane Yoo, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, offers RADIESSE as part of a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation and skin quality restoration.
What Is RADIESSE?
RADIESSE is an injectable filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a smooth aqueous gel carrier. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound that occurs naturally in the body, most notably in bone, making RADIESSE highly biocompatible.
When injected, RADIESSE works in two stages:
- Immediate volumization: The gel carrier instantly fills and smooths the treated area, providing visible correction from your very first session.
- Long-term biostimulation: The CaHA microspheres act as a scaffold, directly activating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, to rebuild your skin’s structural foundation from within. Over time, as the microspheres gradually and safely absorb into the body, the new collagen they stimulated remains in their place.
The result is skin that looks and feels firmer, smoother, and more resilient. Because RADIESSE works through a non-inflammatory biostimulatory pathway, it encourages regeneration without triggering the tissue reaction seen with some other biostimulators.
What Can RADIESSE Treat?
RADIESSE is FDA-approved and clinically validated for a wide range of concerns across the face, hands, and body:
Facial Wrinkles and Volume Restoration
RADIESSE is highly effective for moderate to severe facial wrinkles, folds, and volume loss. Common areas treated include:
- Nasolabial folds: The lines running from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth
- Marionette lines: Vertical lines extending from the corners of the mouth toward the chin
- Cheeks and midface: Restoring lost volume and lifting deflated contours
- Temples: Addressing hollowing that contributes to a gaunt or aged appearance
- Chin and jawline: Improving definition and overall facial balance
- Pre-jowl area: Supporting the jaw and softening early jowling
Hand Rejuvenation
Volume loss in the backs of the hands is a common but often overlooked sign of aging. RADIESSE is FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation, restoring a fuller, more youthful appearance to thinning skin while simultaneously stimulating collagen production in the hand.
Décolleté (Chest) Rejuvenation
When diluted with saline, RADIESSE can be used to smooth fine lines and crepe-like skin texture in the décolleté area in patients 22 years of age and older, improving skin quality and hydration in an area frequently exposed to sun damage and aging.
How Is RADIESSE Different from Other Fillers?
RADIESSE occupies a unique position in the injectable landscape, it is both an immediate volumizer and a long-term biostimulator. Here is how it compares to other treatments Dr. Yoo offers:
- Vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero): HA fillers add volume and hydration but do not stimulate collagen production. They are reversible with hyaluronidase. RADIESSE is not reversible but offers collagen-building benefits that HA fillers alone cannot provide.
- Vs. Sculptra (PLLA): Both are biostimulators, but they differ in mechanism and onset. RADIESSE provides immediate volume correction in addition to collagen stimulation, whereas Sculptra works gradually over a series of treatments with no immediate fill. RADIESSE is made of CaHA (a mineral-like compound), while Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic polymer.
- Vs. HArmonyCa: HArmonyCa combines CaHA with hyaluronic acid for a hybrid effect, adding both hydration and structural support. RADIESSE delivers pure CaHA-driven volumization and biostimulation without the HA component.
What Results Can I Expect?
Results from RADIESSE are visible immediately following treatment, as the gel carrier fills and smooths the treated area. Over the following weeks and months, collagen and elastin production continues to build, improving skin firmness, texture, and elasticity. Full results are typically appreciated at several months, and studies have demonstrated that results can last up to two years for many patients.
Because RADIESSE works with your body’s own regenerative processes, results look natural and gradually improve.
The RADIESSE Treatment Process
Consultation
Dr. Yoo will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, areas of volume loss, and aesthetic goals. She will discuss whether RADIESSE is the right treatment for you, or whether a combination approach using other fillers, biostimulators, or skin boosters might deliver better results.
The Procedure
RADIESSE is injected subdermally using a fine needle. The treatment is typically completed in a brief in-office visit, often in under 30 minutes.
Post-Treatment Care
Following your RADIESSE treatment, you may experience mild bruising, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites. These are normal and typically resolve within a few days to one week. For the first 24 hours after treatment, Dr. Yoo recommends:
- Avoiding significant pressure or massage of the treated area
- Refraining from strenuous exercise
- Avoiding prolonged sun or heat exposure
Recovery
Mild swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness around the injection sites are normal and generally resolve within several days. For the first day after treatment, it is best to avoid pressing on or massaging treated areas, skip strenuous physical activity, and limit sun and heat exposure. Most patients feel comfortable returning to their regular schedule right away.
Who Is a Good Candidate for RADIESSE?
RADIESSE is well suited for adults who are experiencing moderate to severe facial wrinkles or folds, volume loss in the midface, temples, or hands, or thinning skin on the chest. It is particularly appealing for patients who want results that go beyond simple volume replacement, those seeking to restore skin quality and long-term firmness from within.
RADIESSE is not appropriate for patients with:
- A history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis
- Known hypersensitivity to any components of RADIESSE
- Active skin inflammation or infection in or near the treatment area
- A history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring (safety not established)
RADIESSE is also not recommended for use in the lips or the periorbital (under-eye) area, as its safety in those regions has not been established. It is not approved for use in patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18 years of age.
Patients taking blood thinners, aspirin, or other anticoagulants should discuss this with Dr. Yoo prior to treatment, as these medications may increase bruising at the injection site.
An Important Note for Imaging
The calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in RADIESSE are radiopaque and visible on CT scans and standard X-rays.
If you receive any imaging after treatment, be sure to let your radiologist and other treating physicians know.
FAQs About RADIESSE
Q: Does RADIESSE provide immediate results? A: Yes. Volume correction and wrinkle smoothing are visible immediately after treatment. Collagen and elastin production then continues to build over the following months, further enhancing the result.
Q: How long does RADIESSE last? A: Results have been shown to last up to two years for many patients, making RADIESSE one of the longer-lasting filler options available.
Q: Is RADIESSE reversible? A: Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, RADIESSE cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. It is not reversible, which is why careful patient selection and precise injection technique are essential. Dr. Yoo thoroughly evaluates each patient before recommending RADIESSE.
Q: Does treatment hurt? A: Injections may cause mild discomfort. Dr. Yoo can apply topical or local anesthesia to minimize any pain during the procedure.
Q: Can RADIESSE be combined with other treatments? A: Yes. RADIESSE is frequently combined with hyaluronic acid fillers, skin boosters, neuromodulators (Botox), or energy-based treatments like radiofrequency or lasers as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan. Dr. Yoo will personalize your treatment approach based on your individual anatomy and goals.
Q: How many sessions are needed? A: Many patients achieve their desired result with a single treatment session, though a touch-up may be needed for optimal correction depending on the extent of the concern. Periodic maintenance treatments can help sustain long-term results.
Q: Are there any serious risks? A: While RADIESSE is generally safe when administered by a trained provider, as with all injectable procedures there is a risk of bruising, swelling, infection, and in rare cases, nodule formation or accidental vascular injection. Dr. Yoo is an experienced injector who takes every precaution to minimize risk.
Why Choose Dr. Jane Yoo for RADIESSE in NYC?
Dr. Jane Yoo is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon with deep expertise in advanced injectable techniques. As a leading Asian dermatologist in NYC, Dr. Yoo brings a nuanced understanding of facial anatomy across diverse skin types and aesthetic preferences. She takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to every treatment, ensuring that RADIESSE is used precisely, safely, and in a way that complements your natural features.
Whether you are looking to restore volume lost to aging, improve skin quality, or rejuvenate the hands and décolleté, Dr. Yoo offers the full range of options to help you look and feel your best.