What is Radiesse?

• Radiesse is a dermal filler whose main component is calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel.
• It’s notably different from typical hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in that it both provides immediate volume and stimulates your body’s collagen production over time.
• Approved by FDA (US), CE (Europe), and by Korean regulatory authorities for certain uses. girinpsen.com+1

     How it works & typical treatment areas

• Immediate phase: The gel + CaHA gives volume, support, and lift.
• Longer term phase: The microspheres act as a scaffold that stimulate fibroblasts → producing collagen types I & III, elastin, improving extracellular matrix (ECM) structure.
• Common treatment areas:
• Mid-face (cheeks) for volume loss
• Jawline & chin for contouring and definition
• Smile lines (nasolabial folds) / marionette lines
• Hands (volume loss, visible tendons/veins)
• Sometimes temples or sagging skin areas.

     Why choose Seoul / Korea for Radiesse?

• Seoul (especially cosmetic-derm clusters) offers clinics with high experience in facial contouring, fillers & non-surgical aesthetic work.
• Access to a wide range of approved products, skilled injectors, and often international-patient support (English/Japanese/Chinese).
• Competitive pricing compared with many Western markets.
• Strong emphasis on natural contours and aesthetics rather than overdone looks — a hopefully good cultural fit if you prefer refinement.

     Cost estimates & treatment duration

• Treatment in Seoul typically lasts 12-18 months, sometimes up to 18-24 months depending on area treated, individual metabolism, volume of filler, usage technique.
• Cost range varies: many sources list approximately ₩300,000 to ₩600,000 KRW per syringe for certain uses.
• For more extensive contouring (jawline + chin + full face) costs may rise to ₩700,000 to 1,200,000+ KRW (or more) depending on number of syringes & complexity.

     Who is a good candidate?

• Someone with moderate volume loss, mild sagging, loss of definition (jaw/chin), or contour concerns rather than very drastic structural correction.
• Someone who understands they want a non-surgical option, are okay with maintenance, and understand limits of filler vs surgery.
• Not ideal if you have major structural deformities, need large bone reduction or full rhinoplasty/implant.
• Good overall health, realistic expectations, and willing to follow aftercare.

     Risks & things to consider

• As with all injectable fillers: temporary bruising, swelling, redness at injection sites.
• Because Radiesse is firmer and designed for deeper layers, the injector’s skill and anatomy knowledge matter more: incorrect placement could lead to lumps, unevenness, maybe more tactile feel.
• Though CaHA is biocompatible, filler complications still possible (e.g., nodules, migration, vascular compromise) — choose a trained injector.
• Reversal is more difficult compared to HA fillers (which can be dissolved). With Radiesse you’re committing more long-term, so precision matters.
• Aftercare: avoid heavy pressure, massage, intense activity for short period, follow clinic’s instructions.

     Frequently asked questions

• “How long until I see results?”
  You’ll see immediate volume improvement post-treatment. Collagen stimulation continues gradually, so skin texture/firmness may improve over several weeks.
• “How long does it last?”
  Typically 12-18 months, sometimes up to ~24 months depending on area, technique, filler volume.
• “Is it more expensive than HA filler?”
  Often yes — because of the longer duration, structural support, and collagen‐stimulating effect.
• “Can it be used everywhere?”
  It’s great for deeper volume/structural support/contour, but for very delicate areas (e.g., lips, under eyes) many practitioners still prefer HA fillers due to softness and reversibility.
• “Is there downtime?”
  Minimal — most people resume normal activities quickly. Mild swelling/bruising possible.

     Practical consultation checklist

       When you go for a consultation (in Seoul or elsewhere), be sure to ask:

• Which filler brand and batch will be used (verify authenticity).
• How many syringes are recommended for my specific contour/volume goals.
• What technique will be used (needle vs cannula; depth of placement).
• How long should I expect it to last in my case (age, metabolism, area treated).
• What are the risks specific to my anatomy and how are they managed.
• What after-care is required (e.g., pressure avoidance, massage, follow-up visits).
• What are the contingency plans if something goes wrong (e.g., lump, asymmetry).
• Whether they’ll provide before/after photos, aftercare instructions in English (if needed).