You’re probably exploring dermal fillers that look natural, last long, and help your skin age beautifully. Radiesse injections are one of the top choices for structure, definition, and collagen support. Understanding how long the effects of Radiesse last helps you set clear expectations and plan the right maintenance routine for lasting, natural results.
This 2025 guide explains how Radiesse works, what affects its longevity, and what expert practitioners at Catara Med Spa recommend for keeping your results fresh and firm.
How Long Does Radiesse Last
Most people treated with Radiesse enjoy visible results for 12 to 18 months, though this varies by area and individual factors. In some cases, results can last up to 24 months, especially when combined with good skincare and maintenance treatments.
Here’s what typically happens over time:
- Immediately after your treatment: You’ll see an instant lift from the injectable gel component. Some mild swelling and bruising at the injection site can appear but usually dissipate within a few days.
- 1 to 3 months: Collagen stimulation becomes more noticeable, and the skin will look firmer and smoother.
- 6 to 12 months: Results reach their peak, with improved tone and definition in areas like the cheeks and chin or lower face.
- 12 to 18 months: Gradual fading occurs as your body continues to metabolize the filler.
- Beyond 18 months: Some collagen benefit often remains even after visible volume fades.
Results depend on where Radiesse is placed and how your body responds. For example, areas with less movement, such as the jawline or hands, tend to hold results longer than dynamic areas like nasolabial folds or sunken cheeks.
Typical Duration of Radiesse Results
Different body parts respond in slightly different ways. Below are general timelines based on treatment zones and expert experience:
| Area | Average Longevity | Notes |
| Jawline / Chin | 12–18+ months | Excellent structure and firmness |
| Cheeks / Smile Lines | 12–18 months | Movement can shorten duration slightly |
| Hands | 12–18+ months | Often the longest-lasting area |
| Neck / Décolletage (diluted Radiesse) | 12–18 months | Improves texture and tightness gradually |
Factors that influence longevity:
- Metabolism: Faster metabolism may break the injectable dermal filler down sooner.
- Sun exposure: UV damage and pigmentation issues can reduce collagen quality.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, stress, and poor sleep can shorten duration. Avoid fish oil, aspirin, or Tylenol right before treatment to reduce bruising risk.
- Aftercare: Hydration, a healthy diet, and gentle skincare extend results. Avoid excess sun or exfoliation for about 4 weeks.
- Injector technique: Experienced placement by a trained doctor’s office, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon affects how long results last.
At Catara Med Spa, clients often schedule a small touch-up around the one-year mark to maintain consistent results and stimulate new collagen continuously.
What Happens When Radiesse Fades
When Radiesse fades, it does so gradually. You won’t see a sudden change. Instead, your skin slowly returns to its natural baseline over several months. The area treated with Radiesse may start to look a bit less lifted or defined, or you might notice folds and shadows becoming more visible again.
One of the advantages associated with Radiesse is that it stimulates your own collagen while it’s active. Even as the filler breaks down, your skin often stays healthier and thicker than before treatment. Many clients notice that their texture and tone still look better even after the filler has faded.
To keep results consistent, most people prefer to book a maintenance appointment at 12 to 15 months. This touch-up helps preserve collagen gains and maintain definition without restarting from zero.
Enhance your natural beauty with our customized Dermal Filler treatments designed to restore volume and smooth fine lines.
How Does the Longevity of Radiesse Compare to Sculptra
Radiesse and Sculptra are both cosmetic injectable treatments, but they perform a little differently.
| Feature | Radiesse | Sculptra |
| Main Ingredient | Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA implant) | Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) |
| Immediate Results | Instant lift from gel | Gradual improvement only |
| Collagen Stimulation | Strong, visible firming | Subtle, global tightening |
| Typical Longevity | 12–18+ months | 18–24 months after series |
| Best For | Jawline, cheeks and chin, hands, neck | Full-face firming, skin density |
| Treatment Series | Usually single session | Often 2–3 sessions, spaced apart |
Sculptra works slowly, building collagen in layers over time. Radiesse delivers immediate structure and lift, with collagen stimulation as a bonus.
In expert hands, many clients choose Radiesse for contouring and lift, and Sculptra for overall skin density and subtle firming. Some treatment plans combine both for a balanced rejuvenation strategy.
At Catara Med Spa, providers often recommend Radiesse if you want visible results right away and prefer stronger facial definition for sagging skin and fine lines.
Can Radiesse Be Dissolved or Reversed
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers (such as Juvederm or Restylane), Radiesse cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase because it’s made from calcium-based microspheres, not hyaluronic acid.
While this may sound limiting, it highlights why injection expertise is essential. With skilled placement and a conservative approach, Radiesse can create results that look natural and balanced.
Here’s how expert injectors minimize risk and ensure beautiful results:
- Layering technique: Placing the product in the correct plane of tissue for even distribution.
- Gradual build: Starting with a smaller amount, then adding more if needed during a follow-up visit.
- Anatomical precision: Understanding how depth, density, and motion affect filler behavior.
Before the procedure, a topical numbing cream or anesthetic is applied to make the process tolerable and nearly painless. Mild swelling and bruising at the injection site can occur but usually subside within a few days after your treatment. Applying an ice pack and using arnica can help reduce discomfort.
If minor corrections are needed, gentle massage or small touch-ups can help blend the product. Serious complications or allergy are rare when Radiesse is administered by an experienced practitioner.
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should postpone treatment until cleared by their doctor’s office.
At Catara Med Spa, safety always comes first. Every treatment plan is personalized to your unique needs, and conservative dosing is standard for first-time patients.
When Do Most People Start Getting Radiesse
There isn’t a specific “best age” for Radiesse. The right time depends on your skin quality, collagen levels, and aesthetic goals.
Here’s a general guide based on age and skin needs:
- Late 20s to 30s: Early prevention and contour enhancement. Clients may use Radiesse to define the cheeks and chin, improve early nasolabial folds, or correct mild acne scars.
- 40s to 50s: The most common age range. Natural collagen decline leads to deeper folds and sagging skin, and Radiesse helps restore volume and firmness.
- 60s and beyond: Excellent for rebuilding structure and improving skin texture, especially when used in a diluted form for neck and chest rejuvenation or scar revision.
The ideal time to start is when you begin noticing volume loss or laxity that skincare alone can’t fix. Collagen-stimulating fillers like Radiesse are used to treat multiple signs of aging and can strengthen your skin foundation for years to come.
Tips to Make Radiesse Last Longer
Your results depend not only on the product but also on how you care for your skin afterward. These are proven ways to help Radiesse last as long as possible.
1. Protect your collagen
Sun exposure is one of the main reasons filler results fade faster. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 daily, even in winter. Combine it with antioxidant serums that contain vitamin C to neutralize free radicals and prevent brown spots or pigmentation.
2. Maintain a collagen-supportive routine
Use a nightly retinol or peptide serum to stimulate your skin’s renewal cycle. Stay hydrated, eat water-rich foods, and consider supplements with vitamin C, zinc, and amino acids that support collagen production.
3. Stay hydrated and balanced
Water supports every repair process in the skin. Dehydration can make your results appear flat or dull. Aim for consistent water intake and limit alcohol, which can dehydrate and affect collagen.
4. Avoid smoking
Nicotine and other chemicals damage collagen and reduce circulation, shortening the lifespan of any injectable dermal filler. If you’re quitting or cutting down, your skin will reward you quickly with better tone and brightness.
5. Schedule smart maintenance
Don’t wait until your results disappear completely. A small touch-up at 12 months helps keep collagen stimulation active and extends the overall effect. Regular maintenance is easier and more cost-effective than starting from scratch.
6. Combine with synergistic treatments
Procedures that boost collagen or improve skin quality can enhance Radiesse results. Consider:
- RF microneedling (Sylfirm X): Tightens and rejuvenates skin texture.
- HydraFacial or gentle peels: Keep skin clear and balanced.
- PRF or PRP therapy: Enhances regeneration at a cellular level.
- Nutrition and weight management: At Catara Med Spa Algonquin IL, combining injectable treatments with healthy lifestyle support often delivers longer-lasting, more natural outcomes.
After minor downtime, most patients can go back to work the next day.
Unsure about fillers? Visit the American Academy of Dermatology to learn more about the different kinds of fillers.
FAQs
How long does Radiesse last in the jawline?
Usually 12–18 months or longer. The jawline moves less than other facial areas, so the filler tends to remain stable and defined for longer.
How long does Radiesse last in the hands?
Typically 12–18 months. Because hands experience less dynamic movement, they often hold filler beautifully, with gradual softening rather than sudden fading.
What’s the recovery like?
Most people return to daily activities right after treatment. Mild swelling and bruising may occur at the injection site for a few days. Using an ice pack and arnica can help reduce swelling. Avoid aspirin, fish oil, or alcohol before treatment to minimize bruising.
Is Radiesse safe for all skin types?
Yes. Radiesse has a long safety record and works well across all skin tones when injected properly by a certified practitioner or dermatologist.
Can I combine Radiesse with Botox or Xeomin?
Yes. Many clients pair Radiesse with wrinkle relaxers like Xeomin for a balanced, youthful look. Xeomin smooths expression lines while Radiesse restores structure.
How much does Radiesse cost?
Cost depends on the area treated and how much product you need. During a consultation at Catara Med Spa, your provider will personalize a plan that fits your goals and budget, ensuring you receive the right dermal filler for your unique needs.
Restore Your Natural Lift and Make Your Radiesse Results Last Longer
So, how long do the effects of Radiesse last? Most clients enjoy 12 to 18 months of visible improvement, and some maintain subtle collagen benefits well beyond that. The combination of immediate structure and long-term stimulation makes Radiesse one of the most effective injectables for natural rejuvenation.
When Radiesse fades, it does so gradually. Regular maintenance, good skincare, and healthy habits help results last longer. With proper care, Radiesse not only restores lost volume but also rebuilds your skin’s collagen foundation for lasting firmness and tone.
If you’re ready to enjoy a smoother, more sculpted look that feels authentically you, the team at Catara Med Spa in Algonquin specializes in cosmetic rejuvenation that looks refreshed and natural.
Now is the perfect time to get it done. Schedule your personalized consultation at Catara Med Spa in Algonquin, IL, and discover how to extend your glow, strengthen your collagen, and keep your confidence lasting all year long.