Radiesse NYC: Expert Calcium-Based Filler for Facial Contour, Volume & Long-Lasting Results
Transform Your Profile With Calcium Hydroxylapatite Injections From A Board-Certified Dermatologist on Manhattan's Upper East Side
What is Radiesse? A Filler That Works Like a Collagen Factory
Dual-Action Volume Restoration: Immediate Results Plus Long-Term Collagen Stimulation
Radiesse is not like other dermal fillers. While hyaluronic acid fillers provide temporary plumping through moisture absorption, Radiesse operates on an entirely different principle. It’s made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)—the same naturally occurring mineral found in human bone—suspended in a gel carrier. When injected, Radiesse immediately restores volume lost to aging, but simultaneously triggers your body’s own collagen production. The result: an improvement that actually deepens over time, with results lasting 12–24 months—significantly longer than traditional HA fillers.
The Radiesse advantage: FDA-approved for both facial and hand rejuvenation (hands approved in 2015), Radiesse offers what many patients seek: genuine structural correction without the need for frequent touch-ups.
Medically reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | Board-Certified Dermatologist | Founder, The Dermatology and Laser Group | Faculty, Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology
Last Medically Reviewed: March 16, 2026
As Featured In:
Over 300 media appearances as a national expert in cosmetic dermatology and body contouring.
How Radiesse Works: The Dual-Action Principle Behind Calcium Hydroxylapatite
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The innovation of Radiesse lies in its dual mechanism of action. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that are gradually metabolized and absorbed by your body over 6–12 months, Radiesse particles remain in place longer while simultaneously stimulating your own dermal collagen production. This is why results often improve during the first 4–6 weeks after treatment—you’re not just receiving injected volume; you’re triggering your skin to rebuild itself from within.
The calcium hydroxylapatite advantage:
- Immediate results: Full volume appears within the first week post-injection
- Collagen stimulation: The CaHA particles act as a biocompatible scaffold, encouraging fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells) to deposit new collagen around the injection sites
- Longevity: Results typically last 12–24 months—roughly twice as long as hyaluronic acid fillers
- Non-reversible: Unlike HA fillers, which can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed, Radiesse cannot be reversed. This is why precision technique and conservative initial placement are essential
Why Radiesse is not your grandmother’s filler: Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD explains: “Radiesse represents a paradigm shift in how we approach facial aging. Too many practitioners default to hyaluronic acid because it’s familiar and reversible—but that reversibility often means patients return every six months. I chose to specialize in Radiesse and hyperdilute Radiesse because my patients want real, lasting improvement. When you understand the biomechanics of calcium hydroxylapatite and how to work with its rheology—its flow characteristics—you can create results that look natural, feel natural, and actually improve the architecture of the face.”
Dr. Arash Akhavan is one of very few physicians in the country selected by injectable manufacturers to teach expert injection techniques to other physicians and providers nationwide. His approach prioritizes anatomic precision: he treats not just the surface wrinkle, but the underlying structural loss that caused it in the first place.
Who is Radiesse ideal for?
Radiesse is particularly well-suited for patients who:
- Desire longer-lasting results (12–24 months vs. 6–12 months)
- Have moderate-to-significant volume loss in the midface, jawline, or hands
- Want structural facial contouring, not just superficial smoothing
- Prefer less frequent maintenance treatments
- Are committed to a long-term relationship with their provider
- Are not planning major changes to their appearance (since Radiesse is not reversible)
Radiesse is also excellent for patients who’ve had mixed results with HA fillers and want to try a different substrate. Because CaHA has different flow characteristics and rheology compared to hyaluronic acid, the sensory feedback and placement technique are distinct—which is why board-certified training matters.
Hyperdilute Radiesse: Why Dr. Arash Akhavan Is Leading This Technique in NYC
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Hyperdilute Radiesse represents one of the most exciting innovations in injectable aesthetics over the past five years—and it’s a signature treatment at The Dermatology and Laser Group.
When Radiesse is diluted with sterile saline (typically 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of Radiesse to saline), the CaHA particles are distributed more sparingly throughout a larger volume of liquid. This allows for incredibly smooth, micro-droplet placement across larger surface areas without creating the firm, sculpted look that traditional Radiesse creates. The result is a much softer, more natural-looking rejuvenation—perfect for areas where full-volume restoration isn’t desired, but where fine lines, texture, and loss of firmness need to be addressed.
The hyperdilute difference:
- Exceptional for large surface areas: Neck, décolletage, forearms, thighs, above-knee areas, and even the temple region all respond beautifully to hyperdilute Radiesse
- Collagen stimulation without overfilling: Because the concentration is lower, you get the collagen-stimulating benefit of CaHA without the “stuffed” or over-volumized appearance
- Improved skin quality: Patients often report not just smoother lines, but improved skin texture, firmness, and radiance—hallmarks of genuine collagen regeneration
- Versatility: Can be layered in facial areas for a customized blend of structure and smoothness
- Longevity: Results last 12–24 months, same as traditional Radiesse, but the maintenance is more about refreshing a natural improvement rather than rebuilding lost volume
Dr. Arash Akhavan on hyperdilute technique:
“Hyperdilute Radiesse changed how I approach total facial and body rejuvenation. A patient in her 50s may need full-volume restoration in her cheeks and jawline—traditional Radiesse excels there. But her neck, décolletage, and hands might benefit more from a subtle, collagen-stimulating approach that doesn’t look like she’s ‘had work done.’ Hyperdilute Radiesse gives me that precision. It’s also transformed how I treat areas like the arms and thighs—traditionally ignored by dermatologists, but increasingly a concern for my patients who are fit and want their entire body to match their face.”
Hyperdilute Radiesse treatment areas:
- Face: Temples, under-eye area, superficial lines across the forehead, radial lip lines, and as a blended layer with traditional Radiesse for customized facial sculpting
- Neck & Décolletage: Horizontal necklines, crêpey texture, and crepiness of the décolletage respond beautifully to hyperdilute technique
- Hands: For a more natural-looking hand rejuvenation compared to traditional Radiesse
- Arms: Upper arm texture, fine lines, and mild sagging—hyperdilute Radiesse stimulates collagen and tightens skin without adding bulk
- Thighs & Above Knees: Areas often neglected in body aesthetics, but where patients are increasingly seeking improvement. Hyperdilute Radiesse smooths texture and firms skin.
Important note on gluteal augmentation: While Radiesse can be used for buttock enhancement, Dr. Arash Akhavan specifically favors the Sculptra Butt Lift for gluteal augmentation. Sculptra’s unique properties—particularly its longer collagen-stimulation timeline and the specific results achievable in thicker tissues—make it the superior choice for that application. Radiesse and hyperdilute Radiesse are optimal for facial, neck, décolletage, hand, and limb rejuvenation.
Radiesse Treatment Areas: From Face to Hands to Full-Body Rejuvenation
Radiesse’s versatility is one of its defining characteristics. FDA approval for facial (2006) and hand (2015) rejuvenation opened the door for sophisticated practitioners to expand its use to additional areas. Here’s where Radiesse and hyperdilute Radiesse excel:
Facial Radiesse Treatment Areas:
Nasolabial Folds & Marionette Lines – These deep fold lines that extend from the nose to the mouth and from the mouth corners downward are where Radiesse shines. Traditional Radiesse placed along the fold provides structural support and immediately softens the crease. Over the following 4–6 weeks, collagen regeneration deepens the improvement.
Cheek Enhancement & Midface Augmentation – Radiesse restores the three-dimensional volume of youth to the cheeks and midface. Rather than simply filling a wrinkle, Radiesse placement creates lift and projection that makes the entire midface appear more sculpted and youthful.
Jawline & Chin Contouring – One of Dr. Arash Akhavan’s signature applications. Radiesse’s firm consistency and CaHA biocompatibility make it ideal for defining and contouring the jawline. Whether you desire subtle definition or dramatic contouring, Radiesse allows for anatomically precise placement along the pre-jowl sulcus, jaw angle, and chin.
Temple Augmentation – Temple hollowing is a hallmark of aging that many fillers miss. Radiesse (or hyperdilute Radiesse, depending on the desired effect) restores lateral facial support and creates a more youthful face shape.
Radiesse for Hands:
The hands are often called the “secret age-revealer” because they’re frequently neglected in skincare and sun protection. FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation in 2015, Radiesse addresses:
- Loss of volume (prominent tendons and veins become more visible with aging)
- Fine lines and texture irregularities
- Loss of skin elasticity and firmness
Radiesse hand treatments typically require 1–2 syringes and produce natural-looking enhancement that lasts 12–24 months.
Hyperdilute Radiesse for Neck, Décolletage, Arms, Thighs & Above Knees:
The “turkey neck” or horizontal necklines, crepey décolletage, textured upper arms, and thigh crepiness are traditionally treated with lasers or invasive procedures. Hyperdilute Radiesse offers a non-invasive alternative that stimulates collagen regeneration across these large surface areas.
- Neck: Horizontal lines, sagging skin, and loss of definition benefit from hyperdilute Radiesse’s gentle collagen-stimulating approach
- Décolletage: Sun damage, fine lines, and texture improve over 4–6 weeks as new collagen is deposited
- Upper Arms: Sagging skin and fine lines are addressed without adding volume or bulk
- Thighs: Crepey texture and mild sagging respond well to hyperdilute technique
- Above Knees: Often combined with thigh treatment for comprehensive lower-body rejuvenation
One-to-one customization: Dr. Arash Akhavan evaluates each patient’s anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals individually. Some patients receive traditional Radiesse in one area (like the jawline) and hyperdilute in another (like the neck)—a blended approach that delivers natural, comprehensive results.
Radiesse Before and After Images
Radiesse Cost in NYC: Transparent Pricing for Facial, Hand & Body Treatment
Radiesse pricing at The Dermatology and Laser Group starts at $950 for the first syringe and $900 per syringe for two or more. Hyperdilute Radiesse carries the same pricing structure. Most patients require multiple syringes depending on treatment area, desired results, and anatomic factors—which is why understanding typical volume needs upfront helps with budgeting.
What affects your total Radiesse cost?
- Number of syringes required: This is the primary cost driver. A single syringe of traditional Radiesse for jawline contouring costs differently than two syringes for full midface augmentation or three syringes for comprehensive facial sculpting plus neck treatment.
- Treatment areas: Facial treatments (nasolabial folds, cheeks, jawline) typically require 1-2 syringes. Hands usually need 1-2 syringes. Full-body hyperdilute treatments (face, neck, décolletage, and arms) might require 3-4 syringes. Each area is assessed individually.
- Baseline anatomy: Patients with significant volume loss may need more product than those with mild lines and good foundational structure.
- Combination treatments: Many patients achieve their best results with a combination approach—traditional Radiesse in some areas, hyperdilute in others. This is reflected in total syringe count.
Typical Radiesse investment ranges:
- Nasolabial folds only: 1-2 syringes = $950-$1,850
- Full midface (cheeks + nasolabial folds + marionette lines): 2-3 syringes = $1,850-$2,750
- Jawline contouring: 1-2 syringes = $950-$1,850
- Hands: 1-2 syringes = $950-$1,850
- Neck & décolletage (hyperdilute): 2-3 syringes = $1,850-$2,750
- Comprehensive facial + neck + décolletage: 3-4 syringes = $2,750-$3,650
Why board-certified expertise matters: Dr. Arash Akhavan's pricing reflects his training, experience, and the precision injection technique that creates natural results. As one of the few physicians nationally selected to teach injectable techniques to other providers, his expertise commands investment. You're not paying for product; you're paying for skill.
Financing options: Ask our office about financing plans that make Radiesse treatment accessible.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Radiesse vs. Juvederm: How These Two Fillers Compare
Both Radiesse and Juvederm are FDA-approved dermal fillers used to correct facial aging, but they operate on fundamentally different principles. Understanding the differences helps clarify which filler (or combination of fillers) might be right for your aesthetic goals. Here’s how they stack up across key metrics:
The key takeaway: Radiesse is a structural filler with longevity and collagen-stimulating properties, making it ideal for patients who want lasting results and are committed to a long-term relationship with their aesthetic provider. Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid filler that offers more flexibility (reversibility) and is often preferred for specific areas like lips or as a maintenance treatment. Many sophisticated patients use both strategically—Radiesse for jawline and midface structure, Juvederm for lips or blending. Dr. Arash Akhavan’s expertise spans both platforms, and your consultation will clarify the best approach for your unique anatomy and goals.
| Feature | Radiesse (CaHA) | Juvederm (HA) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Calcium hydroxylapatite | Hyaluronic acid gel |
| Mechanism | Volume + collagen stimulation | Volume via hydration |
| Best For | Jawline, deep folds, hands | Lips, fine lines, tear troughs |
| Consistency | Firm, structural (high G-prime) | Soft, flexible (low G-prime) |
| Longevity | 12 to 24 months | 6 to 12 months |
| Reversibility | Not reversible | Dissolvable (hyaluronidase) |
| Onset | Immediate; improves 4-6 wks | Immediate; settles 1-2 wks |
| FDA Approval | Face (2006), Hands (2015) | Face, lips, hands (various) |
| Ideal Patient | Structural correction, lasting | Maintenance, flexibility |
Radiesse FAQs: Your Questions About Results, Cost, Safety & More
Radiesse results typically last 12-24 months, with most patients seeing their peak results around 12 months post-treatment. This longevity significantly exceeds hyaluronic acid fillers (6-12 months) because the calcium hydroxylapatite particles remain in place longer and trigger your body’s own collagen production, which continues to improve results over 4-6 weeks. The timeline varies based on metabolism, injection placement depth, and how much Radiesse was used. Some patients return every 12 months for maintenance; others wait 18-24 months.
Radiesse costs $950 for the first syringe and $900 per syringe for two or more at The Dermatology and Laser Group. Most facial treatments require 1-3 syringes, totaling $950-$2,750. Comprehensive treatments combining facial, neck, décolletage, and body areas may require 3-4 syringes ($2,750-$3,650). These prices reflect board-certified expertise; Dr. Arash Akhavan is one of very few physicians nationally selected to teach injectable techniques to other providers and physicians.
Hyperdilute Radiesse is Radiesse diluted with sterile saline (typically at a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio) to create a larger volume of treatment product with lower CaHA particle concentration. This technique allows for smooth, micro-droplet placement across large surface areas—neck, décolletage, arms, thighs, above-knee areas—without creating the firm, sculpted appearance of traditional Radiesse. Hyperdilute maintains the collagen-stimulating benefits of CaHA while producing a naturally soft result ideal for improving skin quality, texture, and firmness across broader areas. It’s a signature technique at The Dermatology and Laser Group and one of the most exciting innovations in body rejuvenation.
Neither is universally “better”—they serve different purposes. Radiesse excels for structural facial aging: deep folds, volume loss, jawline contouring, and long-term results. Radiesse triggers collagen regeneration and lasts 12-24 months. Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid filler that excels for superficial lines, lip enhancement, and provides flexibility (it can be dissolved if needed). Juvederm requires more frequent touch-ups (6-12 months). The “best” filler depends on your anatomy, goals, and timeline. Many patients use both strategically. Dr. Arash Akhavan’s consultation clarifies which platform—or combination—is optimal for you.
Radiesse (FDA-approved) treats the face and hands. Specific facial areas include nasolabial folds, marionette lines, cheeks, jawline, chin, temples, and other areas of structural volume loss. Hands respond beautifully to Radiesse for volume restoration and fine-line smoothing. Hyperdilute Radiesse (off-label but widely used by board-certified dermatologists) treats neck, décolletage, upper arms, thighs, and above-knee areas for collagen-stimulated rejuvenation and skin tightening. Dr. Arash Akhavan customizes treatment areas based on individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.
No, Radiesse cannot be dissolved like hyaluronic acid fillers (which respond to hyaluronidase injection). This is a key difference between Radiesse and Juvederm. Radiesse is non-reversible, which is why precise technique and conservative initial placement are essential. If you’re concerned about reversibility, Juvederm may be a better choice. However, Radiesse’s non-reversibility is also why it’s so durable—results last 12-24 months without worry about dissolution.
Radiesse is contraindicated for patients with known hypersensitivity to calcium hydroxylapatite, lidocaine, or other filler components. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should defer treatment. Those seeking maximum reversibility may prefer HA fillers. Patients with severe active acne, open skin lesions, or certain autoimmune conditions should consult with their dermatologist first. Anyone planning major cosmetic surgery in the near future should discuss timing with their surgeon. During your consultation, Dr. Arash Akhavan will discuss your full medical history to ensure Radiesse is safe and appropriate for you.
Both are collagen-stimulating fillers, but they differ significantly. Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) produces immediate volume and delayed collagen stimulation over 4-6 weeks; results last 12-24 months. Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) produces primarily delayed collagen stimulation over 6-8 weeks with no immediate volume (which is why it’s often layered or combined with HA fillers); results last 2+ years. Sculptra is often preferred for large-volume restoration and is Dr. Arash Akhavan’s choice for Sculptra Butt Lift. Radiesse is superior for facial contouring and hand rejuvenation where immediate results are desired. Both trigger meaningful collagen regeneration.
Results are immediate—you’ll see improvement within the first week post-injection as swelling resolves. However, results continue to improve over 4-6 weeks as the calcium hydroxylapatite particles stimulate your body’s collagen production. Many patients report that their appearance at 6 weeks post-treatment is noticeably better than their appearance at 1 week. Final results plateau around 12 weeks. This progressive improvement, driven by genuine collagen regeneration rather than just injected volume, is one of the most rewarding aspects of Radiesse treatment.
Radiesse on Manhattan's Upper East Side: Expert Injectable Training in the Heart of Lenox Hill
The Dermatology and Laser Group is located at 110 East 60th Street, Suite 606, in the heart of Manhattan’s prestigious Upper East Side—surrounded by Lenox Hill, Sutton Place, Midtown East, and within walking distance of Central Park South. This isn’t incidental to our practice; it’s central to who we are.
The Upper East Side has historically been home to world-class medical expertise, and Dr. Arash Akhavan’s practice reflects that standard. His expertise in Radiesse—particularly hyperdilute Radiesse—attracts patients from all five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, and beyond. Patients choose The Dermatology and Laser Group not just because of location, but because of the caliber of training Dr. Arash Akhavan brings to every injection.
As a Board-Certified Dermatologist, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology, and one of very few physicians nationally selected to teach injectable techniques to other providers, Dr. Arash Akhavan operates at the highest level of injectable aesthetics. When you visit the UES practice, you’re receiving care from someone who doesn’t just perform advanced techniques—he teaches them.
Our exclusively adult, luxury practice (>95% female) is designed for patients who value discretion, expertise, and results that look like you’ve never had work done. Whether you live on the Upper East Side or travel from across the region, your Radiesse consultation and treatment will be handled with the precision and personalized attention that defines The Dermatology and Laser Group.
Contact us: 212-444-8204
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Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.