Radiesse (+) with Lidocaine 1.5 mL by Merz Aesthetics: A Professional Guide to the Calcium Hydroxylapatite Dermal Filler

Key Facts About Radiesse (+) 1.5 mL

Short description: Radiesse (+) with Lidocaine 1.5 mL by Merz Aesthetics is a calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler and collagen biostimulator, administered only by a licensed practitioner to correct facial folds and restore volume. This page is informational and stresses professional, in-clinic use.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is Radiesse?
• Composition and How It Works
• Common Treatment Areas
• Who Should Administer It?
• Who Might It Suit?
• Before the Session
• During and After the Session
• How Long Do Results Last?
• Contraindications
• Possible Risks and Complications
• Aftercare Guidance
• Storage and Handling
• Important Cautions
• Myths and Facts
• When to Contact the Practitioner
• NSL Expert Tip
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Introduction

Radiesse is one of the well-known injectable dermal fillers used in aesthetic medicine, made by Merz Aesthetics. Unlike many temporary fillers, its main component works in two ways: it adds immediate volume and it stimulates the body to form its own collagen over time. Because it is an injectable medical device, Radiesse is used exclusively by trained, licensed practitioners in a clinical setting. In this guide we explain what the product is, how it works, and the safety considerations around it, without providing any injection technique or instructions.

What Is Radiesse?

Radiesse (+) with Lidocaine 1.5 mL is an injectable implant (dermal filler) supplied in a pre-filled syringe. Its active component is calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), a substance made of minerals that also occur naturally in bone, formed into tiny microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. The added lidocaine helps make the injection more comfortable. Radiesse is classified as a medical device for professional aesthetic use, and it is administered only by qualified practitioners; it is not a cosmetic that a person applies themselves.

Composition and How It Works

Radiesse works through two complementary mechanisms. First, the gel provides immediate volume and lift where the practitioner places it. Second, over the following weeks and months the calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres act as a scaffold that stimulates the body to produce its own collagen (a process known as biostimulation), which can gradually support skin structure. The lidocaine component is included only to reduce discomfort during the procedure. This dual action is why Radiesse is often described as both a filler and a collagen biostimulator.

Common Treatment Areas

In professional practice, Radiesse is used to correct moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth), and to restore volume and improve contour in areas the practitioner assesses as suitable, such as the cheeks, jawline and chin. It is also used in some countries for restoring volume on the back of the hands. Radiesse is not indicated for lip augmentation. The treatment areas and suitability are decided by the practitioner after assessment.

Who Should Administer It?

Radiesse must be injected only by a qualified, licensed healthcare practitioner, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who is trained in facial anatomy and in managing any complications. The procedure is performed in a clean, appropriate clinical environment using sterile technique. Choosing an experienced, properly licensed injector is one of the most important factors for both safety and a natural-looking result. This product should never be used by unlicensed individuals or for self-injection.

Who Might It Suit?

Radiesse may be suitable for adults seeking correction of moderate-to-severe facial folds or volume loss, after a professional assessment confirms it is appropriate and there are no contraindications. Suitability is individual and depends on the person’s skin, medical history, expectations and the area to be treated. The decision is made together with a qualified practitioner, who will also discuss alternatives, benefits and risks before any treatment.

Before the Session

Before treatment, the practitioner reviews the person’s medical history, current medicines, allergies and expectations, and examines the area. They may advise avoiding certain medicines or supplements that increase bruising (only under their guidance), and will explain the procedure, aftercare and possible risks as part of informed consent. Anyone considering treatment should have this consultation with a licensed practitioner rather than seeking the product for personal use.

During and After the Session

The procedure is carried out by the practitioner, who injects the product into the appropriate layer of the skin using sterile technique; the lidocaine helps with comfort. Immediately afterwards there is usually some visible volume, and it is common to have temporary redness, swelling or bruising at the injection sites. The person can typically return to normal activities with the practitioner’s aftercare advice. Any specific technique or dosing is determined solely by the treating professional.

How Long Do Results Last?

Results from Radiesse commonly last around 12 months and sometimes longer, depending on the individual, the area treated, the amount used and personal factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. Because part of the effect comes from stimulated collagen, some benefits may persist for a time. The practitioner will advise on when any maintenance session may be appropriate.

Contraindications

Radiesse is contraindicated in people with a known hypersensitivity to any of its components, including calcium hydroxylapatite or lidocaine and other amide-type local anaesthetics, and in those with a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis. It should not be used where there is active infection or inflammation at or near the intended site, in people with bleeding disorders, or in areas containing permanent implants. Its safety has not been established in pregnancy, breastfeeding or in people under 18. The practitioner assesses all contraindications before treatment.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any injectable procedure, there are possible risks. Common, usually temporary effects include redness, swelling, bruising, pain or tenderness at the injection sites. Less common effects can include lumps or nodules under the skin. A rare but serious complication of any facial filler is accidental injection into a blood vessel (vascular occlusion), which can cause serious harm; this is one of the key reasons the procedure must be performed by a trained practitioner who knows the anatomy and how to manage emergencies. Any severe pain, skin colour change, vision changes or signs of infection after treatment require urgent medical attention.

Aftercare Guidance

Aftercare is directed by the treating practitioner and typically includes gentle care of the treated area, avoiding excessive pressure, heat or strenuous exercise for a short period, and following any specific instructions given. The person should report any unusual or severe symptoms promptly. General aftercare advice is not a substitute for the practitioner’s personalised instructions.

Storage and Handling

Radiesse is a sterile, single-use medical device that should be stored and handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and used before its expiry date by the practitioner. It is intended for professional handling within a clinical setting; the syringe is for single use and must not be reused. Proper storage and sterile handling are part of the professional standard of care.

Important Cautions

The most important caution is that Radiesse must never be self-injected or administered by an unlicensed person; doing so carries a serious risk of harm. Other cautions include using it in an area for which it is not indicated (such as the lips), ignoring a proper consultation and contraindication check, or seeking treatment from an unqualified provider. Always ensure any aesthetic injectable is administered by a licensed, experienced practitioner in a regulated clinic.

Myths and Facts

When to Contact the Practitioner

After treatment, contact the treating practitioner or seek urgent medical care if you experience severe or increasing pain, unusual skin colour changes (such as whitening or dusky discolouration), vision changes, severe swelling, signs of infection such as fever or spreading redness, or any other worrying symptom. These can be signs of a complication that needs prompt professional attention.

NSL Expert Tip

Our tip at No Style Like is that the safety and quality of an aesthetic result depend most on the practitioner, not just the product. Radiesse is a well-regarded filler and biostimulator, but it should only ever be administered by a qualified, licensed injector after a proper consultation and contraindication check, in a regulated clinical setting. If you are considering treatment, book a consultation with a licensed specialist and discuss your goals, options and risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Radiesse a medicine or a device?
It is an injectable medical device (dermal filler) for professional aesthetic use, administered by a licensed practitioner.

What is it made of?
Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a gel carrier, with added lidocaine for injection comfort.

Can I use it myself?
No. Radiesse must be injected only by a qualified, licensed practitioner; self-injection is unsafe.

How long do results last?
Commonly around 12 months or longer, depending on the individual and the area treated.

Can it be used in the lips?
No, Radiesse is not indicated for lip augmentation.

Conclusion

Radiesse (+) with Lidocaine 1.5 mL by Merz Aesthetics is a calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler and collagen biostimulator that adds immediate volume and supports natural collagen over time, with results that commonly last around 12 months. It is a professional-use injectable device that must be administered only by a qualified, licensed practitioner in a clinical setting after a proper assessment. Browse the rest of our products at No Style Like, and always consult a licensed specialist before any aesthetic treatment.

This information was reviewed by the No Style Like content team. It is for general awareness only, is not medical advice, and does not provide injection instructions. Radiesse is a professional-use injectable device that must be administered by a qualified, licensed practitioner. For official product information, refer to Merz Aesthetics.