What is Radiesse? How long does it last? And how does it compare to filler?
- Lucie Barnes

- Sep 24
- 3 min read

At Butterfly Aesthetics, Wakefield, we are always looking for treatments that not only enhance appearance immediately but also stimulate the skin to regenerate over time. Radiesse is one such treatment that has become an exciting part of our portfolio. It sits in a unique space between traditional dermal fillers and regenerative injectables, and it is particularly valued for its ability to restore structure while improving skin quality.
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is an injectable treatment made from calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which simply add volume where they are placed, Radiesse works in two ways. First, it provides instant structure and lift when injected. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it stimulates your own fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin. This makes it a true bio-stimulator, offering results that continue to improve long after your initial treatment.
Because it encourages regeneration, Radiesse is often used in areas that need both support and skin quality improvement. It is commonly used along the jawline, in the cheeks, and in areas of thinning or crepey skin such as the neck and décolletage.
How long does Radiesse last?
One of the reasons Radiesse has become so popular is its longevity. The initial lifting and contouring effects from the gel are visible straight away, and over the following weeks, collagen production begins to enhance and maintain these results. On average, the improvements can last between 12 and 18 months, sometimes longer, depending on the individual’s skin quality and lifestyle factors.
Because it stimulates your own collagen, the benefits tend to look very natural. Rather than suddenly losing volume when the product wears off, the results fade gradually as your skin’s collagen balance changes over time.
How does Radiesse compare to filler?
Traditional dermal fillers, usually made of hyaluronic acid, are designed to add volume where it has been lost. They work beautifully in areas like the lips, cheeks, and temples, and when used expertly, they can lift and contour the face in a very natural way.
Radiesse, however, does not behave like hyaluronic acid filler. Instead of acting as a gel implant that stays in place, it integrates into the tissue and encourages regeneration. The result is firmer, denser skin with more support. This makes Radiesse an excellent option for patients who are less concerned with adding fullness and more focused on strengthening the skin and restoring definition.
What about hyper-diluted Radiesse?
Hyper-diluted Radiesse is one of the most exciting ways we use this product at Butterfly Aesthetics. By diluting Radiesse with saline and lidocaine, we reduce its volumising effect and focus instead on its collagen-stimulating properties. This allows us to treat areas where traditional filler would not be appropriate, such as the neck, décolletage, upper arms, or even above the knees where the skin can become thin and lax.
Over a course of treatments, hyper-diluted Radiesse can significantly improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity. Patients often notice a smoother, firmer appearance, almost like their skin has been rejuvenated from within.
Hybrid Radiesse: combining with polynucleotides and skin boosters
At Butterfly Aesthetics, we also use Radiesse in combination with polynucleotides and skin boosters in what we call a hybrid approach. Polynucleotides are powerful regenerative molecules that repair and protect skin cells, while skin boosters deliver deep hydration and improve radiance.
When combined with Radiesse, the effect is multi-layered. Radiesse provides support and collagen stimulation, polynucleotides drive regeneration at a cellular level, and skin boosters improve hydration and glow. This holistic approach works in harmony with your biology, creating stronger, healthier, and more radiant skin over time.
Why we love Radiesse
For us, Radiesse represents a shift in aesthetics from simply filling to truly regenerating. It allows us to improve not just how skin looks but also how it functions. Whether used in its classic form for structure, hyper-diluted for skin quality, or combined in a hybrid protocol with polynucleotides and boosters, it offers results that are natural, sophisticated, and long-lasting.
In summary
Radiesse is not just another filler. It is a regenerative injectable that supports, strengthens, and rejuvenates the skin in ways that hyaluronic acid fillers cannot. Results can last up to 18 months, and with hyper-diluted or hybrid protocols, it becomes an incredibly versatile treatment for both face and body.
If you would like to learn more about how Radiesse could benefit you, we would love to welcome you for a consultation at Butterfly Aesthetics. Together we can create a tailored treatment plan that supports your skin today and strengthens it for the future.


