Radiesse (Calcium Hydroxylapatite)

How it works

Radiesse is a gel containing tiny calcium hydroxylapatite particles. It adds volume right away and is thought to stimulate the body to produce collagen around the particles over time. It is used for cheeks, the jawline, chin and lines around the mouth, and sometimes diluted for skin quality. Results often last a year or more and vary by person. Unlike some hyaluronic acid products, it cannot be dissolved with an enzyme.

Who it may suit

• Loss of definition along the jawline
• Flattened cheeks needing support
• Deeper folds around the nose and mouth
• People who want some immediate lift with gradual firming

The treatment day

1. Assessment. The doctor judges facial structure, skin thickness and whether a firmer product fits your needs.
2. Numbing. Numbing cream or local anesthetic is used, and lidocaine is often mixed into the product.
3. Deep placement. The product is placed in deeper layers using a needle or cannula, in small measured amounts.
4. Shaping and review. The doctor checks contour and symmetry, and explains how swelling will change over the next days.

Aftercare

• Apply cold packs briefly in the first day.
• Avoid heavy pressure on the area, including sleeping on that side, for a few days.
• Skip intense exercise, sauna and alcohol for about two days.
• Watch for increasing pain, color change or hard lumps and contact the doctor early.
• Keep a record of the product and volume placed.

Things to know first

• Swelling, bruising and tenderness commonly last a few days.
• Nodules or lumps can occur, particularly if placed too superficially; it is not placed in thin-skinned areas such as the lips.
• Vascular occlusion is a rare but serious risk that needs immediate attention.
• Because it cannot be dissolved with an enzyme, over-correction is harder to undo.
• Not suited to pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection or known allergy to components.

Planning Radiesse around a Seoul trip

Treat in the first half of the stay. Swelling can mask the shape for several days, and a small adjustment, if appropriate, is easier with a week or two left. The slow firming that follows takes place after you return, so decide based on the immediate result with the doctor.

Avoid sleeping on the treated side for a few nights and keep jaw movement gentle, which may affect what you eat on trip days. Take the product record with you so a physician at home knows exactly what was used.