Radiesse™, formerly called Radiance, is a synthetic dermal filler made of calcium hydroxyapatite. It is used for soft tissue augmentation and to treat skin folds and wrinkles. Calcium hydroxyapatite is an inorganic substance similar to bone. No animals or animal products are used during its production, and no skin testing is needed.

When injected into the deep dermis and subcutis, Radiesse™ provides a matrix into which the body's own tissue can grow and add volume. In this way, it is used for soft tissue augmentation (e.g. adds volume to lips and cheeks), and can help to fill in deep skin folds and wrinkles.

A small needle is used to implant the Radiesse™. Topical and/or local anesthetic is used for pain control during injections. Injections in and around the lip are particularly painful.

Complications include bruising, nodule formation (particularly in the lips) and infection.

Radiesse™ injections have been shown to last for several years. However, individual results may be affected by age, skin type, lifestyle, and muscle activity. Some patients may achieve an optimal correction on their first injection. For other patients, variability in the rate of tissue in-growth following reabsorption of the gel carrier may require additional injections to achieve an optimal correction.