At COCO Clinic in Seoul, Radiesse is used only diluted, as a collagen booster. It is spread thinly across the face, and on the neck and décolletage when needed. It does not fill the way a filler does. Over about 3 months the skin becomes thicker and firmer, and the change usually lasts about 12 months. A session takes about 20–30 minutes, and daily life is fine afterwards.
Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microparticles in a gel. In Korea it is licensed for the temporary improvement of facial wrinkles in adults and for restoring volume to the back of the hands. Today it is mostly diluted in Korea and used as a collagen booster, and COCO Clinic does not use it undiluted. Why dilution changes what it does is explained in the clinic's Radiesse column.
What Diluted Radiesse Does
Collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts attach directly to the CaHA microparticles and are stretched, which raises their activity. They then build new collagen and elastin. The particles slowly break down into calcium and phosphate and are cleared, and the new collagen stays.
Right after injection there is a little fullness from the gel. Because the product is diluted, it does not feel filled like a filler. The gel is absorbed over about 2–3 months, so that early fullness dips for a while. The change from collagen appears over about 3 months, mainly as thicker, firmer skin. It usually lasts about 12 months, and this varies between people.
Where It Is Used, and Where It Is Not
- Face: where firmness has dropped and the skin has thinned, and for fine lines.
- Neck and décolletage: diluted further and placed thinly, because the skin there is thin.
- Not the lips: the risk of lumps is high there, so lips are treated with hyaluronic acid filler.
- Not under the eyes: the skin is thin enough for a lump to show through. For the under-eye area the clinic suggests Juveacell or Juvelook Eye.
Juvelook also builds collagen, but immune cells called macrophages respond first and collagen follows their signals. In the same area, the clinic would rather do one of the two well. For different areas or goals, they can be planned together.
What Happens During a Session
- Time: about 20–30 minutes, including numbing and aftercare.
- Numbing: usually an anesthetic injection, so you may feel a sting. A numbing cream is added if there is a wait or you are sensitive to pain. The Radiesse itself is mixed with lidocaine.
- Injection: mainly with a blunt-tipped cannula, injected slowly and evenly so the product does not clump.
- Finish: the area is molded in the clinic straight away to spread the product evenly.
The dilution is set by skin thickness and area, with reference to international expert recommendations.
After the Session
Swelling, redness or bruising at the injection sites usually settles within a few days, and daily life is fine.
- There is no set self-massage routine. If you feel a firm or lumpy spot, press just that spot gently.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for one week.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms and strenuous exercise for one to two weeks.
- Contact the clinic if a firm spot has not changed after a few days or is getting harder, or if pain or redness persists.
Before You Book
- It cannot be dissolved. Hyaluronic acid filler can be reversed with hyaluronidase, but that does not work on CaHA. COCO Clinic therefore injects conservatively and would rather add a little later than have too much.
- It can show up on X-ray and CT. CaHA can appear white on imaging. This is not harmful, but mention the treatment before dental imaging or a facial scan.
- Tell the clinic first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have inflammation, infection or active skin disease in the area, tend to form keloids or raised scars, have an autoimmune or active inflammatory disease, or have reacted to any of its ingredients.
Combining It With Lifting
Lifting devices such as XERF and LinearZ address sagging, while diluted Radiesse firms and thickens the skin itself. On the same day, the lifting goes first and the injection second, so the Radiesse is not exposed to heat. If the lifting was on an earlier day, the clinic leaves a week before injecting. Radiesse already in the skin is fine under a later lifting. If it went in within the last two weeks, the clinic suggests having the lifting two weeks later.
Planning Around a Seoul Trip
A single session fits into one visit. If you want a repeat course, the clinic recommends 2–3 sessions 1–2 months apart, so each later session means another visit.
Price
Radiesse is listed at ₩750,000 per syringe, VAT included, under collagen boosters on the clinic's price list. The plan for your area and skin thickness is set at consultation.
Results vary between individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diluted Radiesse a filler?
It is licensed as a filler, but used diluted it works as a collagen booster. It does not fill the way a filler does. Over a few months the skin becomes thicker and firmer.
How long does diluted Radiesse last?
Usually about 12 months. It varies from person to person.
Why does it look less full a few weeks later?
The early fullness comes from the gel, which is absorbed over about 2–3 months. Collagen builds over about 3 months, so judge the result then.
Can Radiesse be used under the eyes?
COCO Clinic does not recommend it there, because the skin is thin enough for a lump to show through. Juveacell or Juvelook Eye suits that area better.
Can I have Radiesse and a lifting treatment on the same day?
Yes. The lifting goes first, then the Radiesse.