When we are young, healthy skin has collagen to boost volume and give our skin strength and flexibility. But as we age, our collagen breaks down and leads to the loss of volume and elasticity. That in turn leads to facial lines, wrinkles and skin laxity that rob us of our once youthful look and leave our faces looking older.
Treating wrinkles one at a time won’t help restore your face’s young and fresh look. To combat the effects of aging and gravity, and to regain its youthful shape, our faces require volume.
That’s where dermal fillers like Radiesse come in. Radiesse can re-energize your body’s natural production of collagen, which in turn will provide lasting and effective volume. It offers patients instant results that are immediately recognizable. At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, Mass., we offer our patients Radiesse treatments – often referred to as liquid facelifts.
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a skin filler derived from natural substances found in the body. It also employs particles of calcium hydroxylapatatite in the form of a hyaluronic acid gel. By stimulating your collagen production, Radiesse will make unwanted facial folds, lines and wrinkles fade from view and leave you looking fresh and vital.
Radiesse is safe and effective and one of the more popular treatments at New England Cosmetic. Using a small needle, our professional staff will inject Radiesse under the skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on various parts of the face that may need treatment as you age.
Why Radiesse Is Called the “Liquid Facelift”
Radiesse is known as the liquid facelift and is a great procedure to enhance and build up the area around your cheeks. As Radiesse is placed in precise areas, it helps:
- Rebuild cheek volume that gives the face a lifted, youthful contour
- Soften deeper folds, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Restore definition along the jawline and lower face
- Reinvigorate skin elasticity through boosted collagen production
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that simply “fill in” wrinkles, Radiesse works by adding support where volume has been lost and encouraging the skin to rebuild itself over time. So while you’ll notice benefits immediately, the result continues to improve gradually as collagen forms around the microspheres in the gel.
The result is a naturally refreshed appearance with improvements in both facial shape and skin quality. Patients often describe the effect as looking more awake, rested, and lifted, without looking like they’ve “had work done.”
Why Opt for Radiesse?
- It’s the filler to effectively and immediately restore lost volume.
- It boosts production of collagen.
- Patients offer rave reviews about their Radiesse treatments.
- Treatment takes just a few minutes.
Radiesse vs. Other Treatment Options
Patients often want to know how Radiesse compares to other facial rejuvenation treatments. While many injectable fillers can soften facial lines, Radiesse is unique in that it provides both immediate volume restoration and long-term collagen support. This combination produces natural-looking lift with results that continue to improve over time.
Radiesse vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvederm primarily work by attracting and holding moisture to add volume. They are excellent for subtle enhancement and fine detail work. Radiesse, by contrast, uses calcium-based microspheres to create more structural support beneath the skin.
Radiesse vs. Botox
While both Radiesse and Botox improve the appearance of wrinkles, they work in completely different ways.
- Radiesse adds volume beneath the skin, improving folds and restoring facial shape.
- Botox relaxes the underlying facial muscles that create dynamic expression lines.
Because they target different causes of aging, many patients combine Radiesse and Botox as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan.
Radiesse vs. Surgical Options
Surgical procedures, such as facelifts, offer more dramatic and long-term corrections by repositioning underlying tissue. However, they require recovery time and a greater commitment. This makes Radiesse a strong choice for patients seeking subtle, refreshed lift without surgery or for those who want to delay surgical intervention.
Potential Side Effects
It is normal to experience mild swelling, redness, or tenderness in the treated areas immediately after Radiesse injections. These effects are typically temporary and resolve within a few days. Applying a cool compress and avoiding strenuous activity or heat exposure for the first 24 hours can help minimize discomfort. Your provider will review aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.
Over time, Radiesse gradually breaks down and is safely absorbed by the body. As the filler integrates and collagen production increases, the results become more refined and natural in appearance. When Radiesse fully metabolizes, it leaves no residue or trace behind. Most patients simply notice a gradual, subtle return to their baseline volume if maintenance treatments are not continued.
What to Expect With Radiesse Treatment
Consultation
Your experience begins with a one-on-one consultation at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center. During this visit, we take the time to understand what you would like to improve and how your facial features have changed over time. We will:
- Review your medical history to ensure Radiesse is a safe and suitable option
- Assess facial structure, volume distribution, and skin quality
- Identify the areas where lift and contouring would make the most natural impact
- Discuss the specific improvements you are hoping to see
This is also an opportunity to ask questions, review expected outcomes, and learn how Radiesse works in the context of overall facial aging. Based on your anatomy and goals, we create a treatment plan that focuses on enhancing your natural features, rather than altering your appearance.
During Your Treatment
Radiesse treatments are performed in-office and generally take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being addressed. Comfort is a priority. A topical numbing agent may be applied before injections, and Radiesse itself contains lidocaine to reduce sensation during the placement procedure.
During the procedure, Radiesse is injected carefully in small, controlled amounts using a fine needle or cannula. Our approach focuses on precise placement to create subtle, balanced lift without overfilling. After each injection point, the area may be gently shaped to ensure smooth integration into the surrounding tissue.
You will see an immediate improvement in volume and contour, and this initial result will continue to develop as collagen is gradually restored beneath the skin.
Recovery
Recovery after Radiesse is minimal compared to surgical procedures. Most patients resume normal daily activities immediately after treatment. It is common to experience mild swelling, tenderness, or redness at the injection sites. These effects are typically temporary and resolve within a few days.
We provide personalized aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment areas. You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, heat exposure, or facial massage for a short period following your appointment.
As collagen production increases, the treated areas gain additional support and improved tone. Results often look most refined several weeks after treatment and can last 12 to 18 months or longer.
How Long Does Radiesse Last?
Radiesse treatments are made to last. Studies indicate Radiesse treatments last a year, and sometimes longer in many patients. And over time, Radiesse will naturally and safely break down in the body.
Preparing for Radiesse Treatment
Preparation can help ensure your Radiesse treatment goes smoothly and supports the best possible outcome. Before your appointment, we will review your health history, current medications, and any previous injectable treatment to ensure Radiesse is the right choice for you. These simple guidelines can help reduce post-treatment swelling and make your experience more comfortable.
Medication and Supplements to Avoid
Some medications and supplements can increase the likelihood of bruising. Avoid over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo, for about a week before your treatment.
If you are prescribed a blood thinner, continue taking it unless your physician advises otherwise. We will help you determine what is safe to pause and what should remain unchanged.
Alcohol and Smoking
Alcohol and nicotine can interfere with circulation and slow the body’s natural healing response. Reducing or avoiding both for at least a day or two before your visit can help minimize swelling and support smoother recovery. This small adjustment can make a noticeable difference in your overall result.
Scheduling Considerations
While most patients return to normal routines shortly after treatment, minor swelling or tenderness can occur for a few days. If you have an important event coming up, it’s best to schedule your appointment at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance. This allows your results to settle and look their most natural.
Day-of Appointment
Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin so we can assess your facial structure clearly and maintain a sterile treatment environment. If you typically wear skincare products in the morning, you can skip them before the visit. We will guide you on when to resume your skincare and makeup afterward.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Radiesse?
Radiesse is well-suited for adults who want to restore facial volume, soften deeper folds, or enhance facial contours without surgery. Because Radiesse works by both adding volume and stimulating collagen production, it is especially beneficial for patients who are beginning to notice changes in facial shape or skin firmness.
You may be a good candidate for Radiesse if you:
- Have experienced volume loss in the cheeks, midface, jawline, or hands
- Want to soften deeper lines, such as smile lines or marionette lines
- Prefer results that look natural and balanced, rather than overly filled
- Want a treatment that provides immediate improvement with continued enhancement over time
- Would like a non-surgical option with little to no downtime
- Are in good overall health and not pregnant or breastfeeding
Let the professional team at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center work with you to develop a treatment plan that will allow you to look as good as you feel. That’s how Radiesse most benefits patients.
Cost of Radiesse
The cost of Radiesse varies based on several factors, including the number of syringes needed, the areas being treated, and the degree of volume restoration desired. Some patients may require only subtle enhancement, while others benefit from more comprehensive contouring of the cheeks, jawline, or lower face. The expertise of your injector and the customization of your treatment plan also influence the overall investment.
During your consultation at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, we will provide clear, individualized pricing once your recommended treatment approach is determined. You will have the opportunity to discuss expected results, how Radiesse compares to alternative filler formulations, and any combination treatments that may enhance your outcome. We also offer financing options, including CareCredit, to help make treatment more accessible and budget-friendly.
As Radiesse is an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. However, many patients consider the lasting improvement in facial shape, definition, and skin support a valuable investment in both confidence and overall appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiesse
How soon will I see results?
Most patients notice an improvement in volume and contour immediately after their treatment. The gel component provides immediate lift. Over the following weeks, collagen production increases, which further enhances the result. Your final outcome typically becomes most refined after several weeks.
Does the treatment hurt?
Discomfort during Radiesse treatment is generally minimal. The filler contains lidocaine, which helps numb the area as it is injected. A topical numbing cream may also be applied beforehand if desired. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain.
How many syringes will I need?
The number of syringes varies based on your facial structure and the areas being treated. Subtle enhancement may require a small amount, while more noticeable contouring needs additional volume. During your consultation, your provider will recommend an appropriate treatment quantity. The goal is to achieve balanced, natural-looking correction.
Can Radiesse be dissolved if I change my mind?
Radiesse cannot be dissolved because it is not a hyaluronic acid filler. This makes precise treatment planning especially important. Our approach focuses on conservative placement and gradual enhancement to achieve results that appear natural. If you prefer a reversible option, we can discuss alternative fillers during your consultation.
Is there anything I should avoid after treatment?
Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately. However, we generally advise avoiding intense exercise, saunas, or excessive heat for the first 24 to 48 hours. It is also best to avoid massaging or applying heavy pressure to treated areas. We will provide you with personalized aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment plan.
Can Radiesse be combined with other cosmetic treatments?
Yes, Radiesse can be paired with other treatments to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. For example, neuromodulators like Botox help address expression lines, while Radiesse restores volume and contour. Combining treatments can enhance facial balance and overall harmony. Your consultation will determine whether a combined approach is recommended.
Why Choose New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center for Radiesse?
Choosing the right provider is essential for achieving refined, natural-looking results with Radiesse. At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Dr. John B. Lazor and his team bring advanced knowledge of facial anatomy and aesthetic balance to every treatment.
Dr. Lazor is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon and Instructor at Harvard Medical School, with decades of experience in facial rejuvenation and reconstructive techniques. His approach emphasizes both technical skill and artistry, ensuring that volume is restored in a way that complements the natural structure of the face rather than altering it. Dr. Lazor has published extensively in the field and is recognized for outcomes that enhance features while preserving individuality.
Patients trust Dr. Lazor and his team for their thoughtful, personalized care and commitment to safety. Your Radiesse treatment plan is tailored to your unique facial contours and goals, resulting in a refreshed, balanced appearance that feels like you at your best.
Refresh Your Look with Radiesse
Restoring facial volume and definition does not have to involve surgery or significant downtime. Radiesse offers a reliable, natural-looking way to refresh your appearance by supporting your skin’s own structure and collagen production. If you are interested in learning whether Radiesse is the right treatment for your goals, we are here to help.
If you are tired of your face looking old and tired, when you feel young and vital on the inside, consider coming in for Radiesse treatments. Let New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center show you how to achieve the young look that matches the young you inside! Schedule a consultation to receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your features and desired results.
