The Role of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) in Nonsurgical Aesthetic Rejuvenation

Radiesse® (Bioform Medical, San Mateo, CA) is a synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite microsphere filler suspended in an aqueous carrier gel. Radiesse currently has indications in the United States (U.S.) for the correction of signs of lipoatrophy in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as for the correction of moderate-to-deep nasolabial folds. There are also numerous off label reports in the literature of use in other facial aesthetic procedures. This review describes the composition of calcium hydroxylapatite, its mechanism of action, durability and safety, pre- and post-procedure care, injection techniques, appropriate use, concomitant anesthesia, as well as potential adverse events and complications.