How Effective Is Radiesse for Nasolabial Folds?

Radiesse stimulates collagen production, helping to improve nasolabial folds and restore skin elasticity.

Hello, this is Dr. Dohoon Kim from ODE Clinic.

Our clinic is one of the top users of Radiesse in Gangnam (as of March 2025).
Based on extensive clinical experience, I’ll explain the real effects and details of this treatment.

What Does Radiesse Do?

Radiesse contains Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres that stimulate surrounding cells to produce collagen once injected.

This promotes smoother, firmer skin and restores lost volume.

It’s especially effective for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and skin laxity.

Radiesse vs Filler

Traditional fillers are made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), an artificial gel that fills hollow areas.

They can improve wrinkles and volume, but in deep folds like the nasolabial area,
HA fillers can sometimes migrate upward after injection.

For elasticity improvement, collagen stimulators like Radiesse are more effective.

Radiesse vs Juvelook Volume / Sculptra / Olidia

While Radiesse (CaHA) and PLLA-based stimulators like Sculptra, Olidia, and Juvelook Volume all boost collagen, they differ in biological response.

A published SCI-level study, found that PLLA triggers stronger inflammatory cytokine activity,
while CaHA focuses on regeneration with minimal inflammation.

Also, CaHA increases both collagen and elastin, whereas PLLA increases only collagen.

Physical Form

Radiesse comes as a gel suspension, where CaHA microspheres are mixed in CMC gel—
delivered by syringe with a texture similar to filler.

The CMC gel provides immediate volume, which gradually absorbs over 3 months,
leaving CaHA behind to continue collagen stimulation for up to 2 years.

In contrast, PLLA products come as freeze-dried powder, mixed with saline before use.

Due to this difference,

Radiesse is better suited for deep folds,
while PLLA stimulators are great for general facial volume.

For best results, always consult a skilled, experienced injector directly.

Before & After Results

• Before (Jan 13, 2025) → After 1 Session (Feb 3, 2025)

  
  Noticeable volume restoration in nasolabial folds.

• 60s Patient Case (Nov 27, 2024 → Apr 21, 2025)
   

  After 2 sessions, improved elasticity and smoother wrinkle lines observed.

Additional enhancement can be achieved with skin boosters like Retigen or Rituo.

Duration

The CMC gel in Radiesse provides initial lift and is absorbed over 3–4 months.
Meanwhile, CaHA remains up to 2 years, continuously stimulating collagen.

On average, results last 12–18 months, fading gradually rather than suddenly.
Touch-up sessions can be done anytime before full regression.

Treatment Interval

Typically performed twice, 4 months apart,
then reviewed after about a year for maintenance.

Pain Level

Radiesse is injected using a cannula (blunt-tipped tube) rather than a sharp needle.
Thanks to local anesthetic (lidocaine), discomfort is minimal,
and patients often find it less painful than Rejuran injections.

This is a video of me performing the Radiesse procedure on myself.

It doesn’t look very painful, does it? :)

As I mentioned, there was only a brief sting when the anesthetic was injected, and after that, there was almost no pain at all.

Side Effects

As a collagen stimulator, Radiesse can occasionally form nodules, especially if undiluted.
Proper dilution (1:1–1:3) minimizes this risk.

Most small lumps resolve naturally; visible nodules can be treated with steroid or 5-FU injections.

Choosing an experienced injector is crucial for safety.

Pricing

At ODE Clinic:

• ₩850,000 KRW for one session

• ₩1,500,000 KRW for two sessions (VAT excluded)

As a German Merz product, Radiesse offers proven safety and efficacy.

FAQs

Q: Can Radiesse be used on other areas?
A: Yes, though for other zones, options like fillers, PLLA, or Hilo Wave may be more suitable.

Q: Does a single session work?
A: Yes. Although 2–3 sessions are recommended, even one treatment provides visible improvement.

Radiesse is a collagen booster I personally trust and have used on myself.
If you’re considering treatment for nasolabial folds or marionette lines,
consult an experienced practitioner for proper diagnosis and planning.

Author: Dr. Dohoon Kim, Chief Director of ODE Clinic
Specialty: Anti-aging (Lifting, Volumizing, etc.)