Calcium hydroxylapatite / Merz Aesthetics
Radiesse
CaHA tissue response, a small human histology study, and the newer décolleté label.
Product Atlas · September 2026
The exact product comes first
Scope of this monograph#
RADIESSE without lidocaine, US. RADIESSE (+), hand-specific instructions and other markets remain separate.
Clinical statements below summarize the attached documents. They are not a complete prescribing label. Match the exact local product and current instructions to the clinical decision.
Composition & formulation#
Synthetic CaHA particles in a carrier containing water, glycerin and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The US IFU describes 25–45 μm particles.[4]
How it works#
The implant provides tissue augmentation. Human biopsy research also reports collagen and elastin remodeling, a biological endpoint distinct from visible benefit.[4][5]
Indications & treatment areas#
The linked US IFU covers facial folds, HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy and a specified diluted décolleté application in adults 22 and older. Hand treatment has a separate IFU.[4]
Application considerations#
Match preparation and anatomical plane to the exact indication. The newer décolleté protocol does not validate arbitrary dilution or treatment of other body sites.[4]
Contraindications & precautions#
Severe allergies, component hypersensitivity and bleeding disorders are contraindications. Defer active infection or inflammation.[4]
Adverse effects & safety#
Bruising, pain, swelling and nodules are possible. Intravascular placement can cause ischemia, necrosis, blindness or stroke.[4]
Duration & follow-up#
Biopsies at four and nine months demonstrate a tissue response in the studied population; they do not measure universal cosmetic duration.[5]
Distinctions that matter#
CaHA is materially distinct from HA gel. Greater staining for a collagen marker in a small study does not establish a superior result for every patient.[5]
Four markets. Separate evidence.#
Documents below identify what has been attached in this research edition. “Source needed” means unverified here; it is not a statement that a product is unapproved.
German IFU dated December 2023 includes nasolabial folds, cheeks, hands, HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy and specified diluted décolleté treatment.[1]
Great Britain IFU dated December 2023 lists regional indications including a specified diluted décolleté application.[2]
Manufacturer-hosted IFU includes the newer décolleté indication and points to a separate hand IFU.[4]
March 2026 Australian IFU lists facial folds, cheeks, hands and HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. Its indication list does not include the décolleté protocol from the German and British IFUs.[3]
Studies worth a closer look.#
A closer look at the collagen story.
Biological activity is an evidence layer, not a substitute for clinical outcomes.
Follow the evidence.#
Retrieved 6 September 2026. A retrieval date does not establish that an older document is the latest approved revision. Studies marked “abstract” have not completed full-text appraisal.
- [1] RADIESSE 1.5 German instructions for use ↗Merz Aesthetics · label · Document accessed · Document: December 2023 · Checked 2026-09-06
- [2] RADIESSE 1.5 Great Britain instructions for use ↗Merz Aesthetics · label · Document accessed · Document: December 2023 · Checked 2026-09-06
- [3] RADIESSE 1.5 Australian instructions for use ↗Merz Aesthetics · label · Document accessed · Document: March 2026 · Checked 2026-09-06
- [4] RADIESSE US instructions including décolleté wrinkles ↗Merz Aesthetics · label · Document accessed · Checked 2026-09-06
- [5] Yutskovskaya et al. — CaHA and HA histomorphology ↗Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014 · PMID 25226004 · study · Abstract accessed · Checked 2026-09-06
Cite this monograph#
Aesthetic Pass. Radiesse. Product Atlas research edition 2026.09.06.1. https://aestheticpass.com/products/monographs/radiesse/