Radiesse for Skin Firmness in Apgujeong,
Gangnam, Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist Top 2% in Korea 13+ Years
Radiesse · quick answer
What Radiesse does for skin quality, in one paragraph
Radiesse is an injectable made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a gel. Used undiluted it acts as a volumising filler; diluted and spread thinly under the skin, it works mainly as a collagen stimulator, helping skin look firmer and thicker over the following months. This page covers that diluted, skin-quality use. At Ever Skin Clinic in Apgujeong, a board-certified dermatologist assesses skin thickness and laxity before choosing the dilution, areas and number of sessions.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Jieun Kim, M.D.
Founder & Director, Ever Skin Clinic · Board-certified dermatologist
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Dermatology residency, Hanyang University Hospital
- Master’s degree in Dermatology, Hanyang University
- Regular Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Regular Member, Korean Laser Medicine Association
- Member, World Congress of Dermatology
- Published in JAAD and Annals of Dermatology
- English-speaking consultations
Meet our dermatologists → Last reviewed October 2026
- Ingredient
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres
- Best for
- Mild laxity, thin or crepey skin on face, neck or décolletage
- Treatment time
- About 30 to 45 minutes
- Downtime
- Swelling, tenderness or bruising, usually a few days
- Results
- Collagen builds over about 2 to 3 months; typically lasts around a year or more
The treatment
What is Radiesse, and why dilute it?
Radiesse has been used for many years as a dermal filler. Its CaHA microspheres provide a scaffold that the body gradually breaks down while fibroblasts lay down new collagen around them. When the product is diluted with saline and lidocaine and fanned out evenly, the volumising effect becomes minimal and the collagen-stimulating effect becomes the main goal.
If you want Radiesse to restore contour, for example at the jawline or temples, see our page on Radiesse fillers. For comparison with other collagen stimulators, see Sculptra and Juvelook.
Diluted Radiesse at a glance
- Goal : firmer, thicker-looking skin rather than added volume
- Areas : lower face, cheeks, neck, décolletage and sometimes hands
- Effect : gradual, as new collagen forms over months
- Important : CaHA cannot be dissolved like hyaluronic acid filler, so placement must be careful
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate?
Diluted Radiesse suits adults with early to moderate skin laxity, thinning or crepiness who want gradual firming without a change in face shape. It is often chosen for the neck and lower face, and combined with lifting devices for patients who also have sagging.
It is not suitable for the lips or the area around the eyes, and is not ideal if you want an effect that can be reversed easily. In those cases your dermatologist may recommend other skin boosters or hyaluronic acid.
Radiesse may suit you if you
- Have mild sagging or loss of firmness on the face or neck
- Notice crepey skin on the neck or décolletage
- Want gradual, natural-looking change
- Plan to combine it with lifting such as Ultherapy or Thermage
- Are happy with a longer-lasting, non-reversible product
Your visit
What happens during treatment
A session usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, including preparation.
- Assessment A board-certified dermatologist examines skin thickness and laxity and agrees the areas, dilution and plan with you.
- Preparation The skin is cleansed and marked; Radiesse is mixed with saline and lidocaine for comfort.
- Injection The product is fanned out evenly under the skin with a fine cannula or needle through a few entry points.
- Massage and aftercare The area is gently massaged for even distribution, and we explain aftercare and follow-up timing.
Real patient · before & after
An example of a combined firming plan
This case shows a combined lifting, contouring and skin booster program, shown as an example of our non-surgical results. It is not a Radiesse result, and the change reflects the whole plan.
Collagen stimulation develops gradually over months, so before and after changes are subtle. Ask us for Radiesse-specific cases at consultation.
Photos are shared with the patient's consent and are not retouched apart from privacy blurring. Results differ from person to person and are not guaranteed.
See more before & after photosRecovery & safety
Recovery, side effects and aftercare
Swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising are common and usually settle within a few days to a week. Small lumps or nodules can occur, especially in thin skin, and as with all injectables there is a rare risk of infection or vascular complications, which is why anatomy and technique matter.
Tell your dermatologist if you have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring, an autoimmune condition, a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, active infection, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let any doctor doing X-rays or dental imaging know that you have had CaHA.
Aftercare tips
- Follow any massage instructions you are given
- Avoid saunas, hot baths and intense exercise for 2 to 3 days
- Avoid pressing hard on the area or facial massage devices for about a week
- Use cold compresses gently for swelling
- Contact the clinic promptly about increasing pain, colour change or lumps
Questions we hear every day
Radiesse FAQ
Is Radiesse a filler or a skin booster?
Both, depending on how it is used. Undiluted, it adds volume like a filler. Diluted and spread thinly, it mainly stimulates collagen to improve firmness and skin thickness. Your dermatologist chooses the approach based on your goals.
Does Radiesse hurt?
Radiesse is mixed with lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, and is often placed with a blunt cannula through a few entry points, so most patients feel pressure and mild discomfort. The area may feel tender for a few days afterwards.
How long does diluted Radiesse last?
Collagen builds over about two to three months, and results commonly last around a year or longer, depending on age, skin and lifestyle. Many patients have one or two sessions initially, then maintenance about once a year.
Can Radiesse be dissolved?
No. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, CaHA cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. This is why careful dilution, depth and placement by an experienced doctor matter, and why it is not used in some delicate areas.
Can I have Radiesse while visiting Seoul?
Yes. Most patients return to normal activities the next day, though swelling or bruising can last a few days. Avoid scheduling important photos immediately afterwards, and remember the firming effect appears over the following months, after you are home.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Send us your skin concern and photos on WhatsApp. An English-speaking team member will reply and arrange your consultation.
Mon & Thu 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
