What is Radiesse made of?

Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxylapatite suspended in gel (carboxymethylcellulose). Because calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal constituent of bone, it should not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response. Additionally, the gel carrier doesn’t require allergy testing that may be required with collagen.

Calcium hydroxylapatite has been used in humans for a long time in prosthetic implants in dental, facial, and orthopedic surgery. Animal studies and use of the injectable product in vocal cords, bladder and neck areas have shown that the product remains soft without new bone formation when injected into soft tissue. The longest term studies come form Italy and suggest that Radiesse shows promise as a new agent for facial contouring with no serious side effects and reasonable efficacy and durability.