What if you could get the immediate satisfaction of a dermal filler and the long-term collagen-building benefits of a biostimulator — in a single treatment? That's exactly what Radiesse delivers. At RAAC in Richmond BC, your practitioner may use Radiesse for facial rejuvenation and for hand rejuvenation.
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is an injectable treatment composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a water-based gel carrier. CaHA is a mineral compound naturally found in human bones and teeth, making it exceptionally biocompatible.
What makes Radiesse unique is its dual mechanism of action:
- Immediate filler effect: The gel carrier provides instant volume correction upon injection
- Long-term biostimulation: The CaHA microspheres act as a scaffold, stimulating your body's own fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin over months
As the gel carrier is absorbed (within weeks), the CaHA microspheres remain, continuing to stimulate collagen production. Eventually, the CaHA itself is metabolized naturally by the body, leaving behind only your own newly formed collagen.
Radiesse for Hand Rejuvenation: The Star Application
Why Hands Age — and Why They're Often Neglected
Your hands are one of the first areas to show aging. They're exposed to UV radiation daily, have thin skin with minimal subcutaneous fat, and are constantly in motion. Common signs of aging hands include:
- Visible tendons and veins — loss of subcutaneous volume
- Crepey, thin skin — collagen and elastin breakdown
- Age spots and uneven pigmentation — sun damage accumulation
- Bony, skeletal appearance — fat pad atrophy
Many patients invest in facial rejuvenation but forget their hands — creating an age mismatch that can be more telling than facial wrinkles.
How Radiesse Transforms Aging Hands
Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite filler used for hand augmentation. It suits hands because:
- Immediate camouflage: Tendons and veins are instantly less visible
- Natural feel: The product integrates with hand tissue without feeling lumpy
- Collagen stimulation: Skin quality improves progressively over 3-6 months
- Durability: Results in hands typically last 12-18 months
- Dilute Radiesse (hyperdilute): Can be used at lower concentration for skin quality improvement across larger areas
The Hand Rejuvenation Procedure at RAAC
- Assessment: Dr. Jiang evaluates volume loss, skin quality, vein prominence, and your aesthetic goals
- Preparation: A topical anesthetic or local nerve block is applied for comfort
- Injection: Radiesse is carefully injected into the dorsum (back) of each hand using a cannula technique to minimize bruising and ensure even distribution
- Molding: The product is gently massaged into place for a smooth, natural contour
- Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes for both hands
- Recovery: Mild swelling for 1-3 days; you can resume most activities immediately
Before & After: What to Expect
| Timeline | Hands |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Veins and tendons less visible; fuller appearance |
| Week 2 | Swelling resolves; natural result emerges |
| Month 3-6 | Skin quality noticeably improved; collagen remodeling |
| Month 12-18 | Gradual, natural fading; maintenance recommended |
Radiesse for Facial Rejuvenation
Beyond hands, Radiesse excels in several facial applications:
Cheek Augmentation & Midface Volume
Radiesse provides excellent structural support for the midface. Its higher viscosity (G prime) makes it ideal for lifting and contouring the cheekbone area, creating a more defined facial structure.
Jawline Definition
For patients seeking a sharper jawline without surgery, Radiesse can be placed along the mandible to create definition and reduce the appearance of jowls. For some patients, its structural properties may make it suitable for this application compared with softer fillers.
Nasolabial Folds
Radiesse effectively fills deep nasolabial folds while simultaneously stimulating collagen to improve skin quality in the area — addressing both the symptom and the underlying cause.
Chin Augmentation
Adding projection and definition to the chin can dramatically improve facial balance. Radiesse's firmness makes it an excellent choice for non-surgical chin enhancement.
Hyperdilute Radiesse for Skin Quality
A newer application involves diluting Radiesse with saline and lidocaine to create hyperdilute Radiesse, which is injected superficially over larger areas to improve overall skin quality, firmness, and elasticity — similar to a liquid facelift approach.
How Much Does Radiesse Cost in Richmond BC?
At RAAC Richmond, Radiesse pricing is personalized at your consultation based on the treatment area and number of syringes needed. Typical treatment requirements:
- Hand rejuvenation: 1-2 syringes per hand (both hands)
- Cheek augmentation: 1-2 syringes total
- Jawline contouring: 2-4 syringes total
- Nasolabial folds: 1-2 syringes total
- Hyperdilute (face/neck): 2-4 syringes
The dual-action nature of Radiesse means you're investing in both immediate correction and long-term collagen building — often making it more cost-effective than repeated hyaluronic acid filler treatments.
How Long Does Radiesse Last?
- Face: Typically 12-18 months — significantly longer than most HA fillers
- Hands: 12-18 months on average
- Hyperdilute (skin quality): Effects build over 3-6 months; maintenance sessions every 6-12 months
Radiesse may last longer for some patients. Some patients who switch from HA fillers may have less frequent maintenance visits.
Radiesse vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
| Feature | Radiesse | HA Fillers (Juvederm/Restylane) |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate volume | Yes | Yes |
| Collagen stimulation | Yes | No |
| Duration | 12-18 months | 6-18 months (varies by product) |
| Reversible | No | Yes (hyaluronidase) |
| formulated for hands | Yes | No |
| Structural support | Excellent (high G prime) | Varies by product |
| Best for | Lift, contour, hands, skin quality | Lips, under-eyes, fine lines |
Safety Considerations
Radiesse has been used in over 30 million treatments worldwide with an excellent safety record. Important considerations:
- Not for lips or under-eyes: The product is too firm for these delicate areas
- Not reversible: Unlike HA fillers, Radiesse cannot be dissolved with an enzyme — choosing an experienced injector is critical
- Biocompatible: CaHA is naturally occurring in the body; allergic reactions are extremely rare
- Radiopaque: CaHA can appear on X-rays — inform your healthcare providers about your treatment
At RAAC, Dr. Jiang's extensive experience with Radiesse means he understands both its remarkable capabilities and its limitations, using it only where it will provide the best outcomes.
Combining Radiesse with Other Treatments
For optimal results, Radiesse works beautifully in combination with:
- Neuromodulators (neuromodulator injections): Relax dynamic lines while Radiesse addresses volume loss
- Sculptra: Use Sculptra for global collagen stimulation and Radiesse for areas needing immediate structural support
- Dermal fillers (HA): HA fillers for lips and under-eyes where Radiesse isn't appropriate
- Skin treatments: Pair with medical-grade skincare for comprehensive rejuvenation
Why Choose RAAC Richmond for Radiesse?
- Physician expertise: Dr. Jiang's 29+ years of medical experience and deep understanding of facial and hand anatomy
- Cannula technique: Reduces bruising and ensures smooth, even distribution — especially important for hands
- Customized approach: Every treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and budget
- Combination planning: We consider your entire rejuvenation journey, not just one product or area
- Honest consultation: We recommend Radiesse only where it's the best option for your goals
Book Your Radiesse Consultation
Interested in hand rejuvenation or facial contouring with Radiesse? Book a consultation at RAAC Richmond. Dr. Jiang will assess your needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Charles Jiang, MD — 29+ years of medical expertise. RAAC Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic: 5580 No. 3 Rd Unit 110, Richmond BC V6X 0R8. Serving Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Metro Vancouver.
