Radiesse in Seoul: Calcium Filler for Volume and Firmness
The short answer
Radiesse is an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler that adds immediate volume and stimulates collagen, used in Seoul for the jawline, cheeks, temples, hands and, when diluted, for skin firming. In Gangnam it typically costs about ₩400,000–₩900,000 per 1.5 cc syringe, treatment takes 20–40 minutes, and swelling lasts 2–5 days. Results usually last about 12–18 months.
Key facts
- Ingredient: calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a gel carrier
- Uses: jawline and chin definition, cheeks, temples, hands, diluted skin firming
- Procedure time: 20–40 minutes
- Downtime: 2–5 days of swelling, possible bruising
- Results last: about 12–18 months
- Reversible: no, unlike hyaluronic acid filler
- Typical Seoul price: about ₩400,000–₩900,000 per syringe
How Radiesse works
Radiesse is made of tiny calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. When injected, the gel provides immediate lift and volume. Over the following weeks, the gel is absorbed and the microspheres act as a scaffold that prompts your body to produce new collagen and elastin around them. This dual action gives Radiesse its reputation as both a filler and a biostimulator. Eventually the microspheres break down naturally into calcium and phosphate ions, which the body processes.
Because it is firmer than most hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse is well suited to structural areas where support and definition matter.
Where Radiesse is used
- Jawline and chin: sharper contour and better projection
- Cheeks: lifted, supported mid-face
- Temples: softening hollowness that makes the face look tired
- Hands: covering prominent veins and tendons
- Hyperdiluted Radiesse: mixed with saline to improve firmness and crepiness on the face, neck, arms or abdomen
It is not used in the lips or directly under the eyes, where softer, reversible fillers are safer.
Radiesse compared with other options
| Product | Action | Feel | Longevity | Reversible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiesse (CaHA) | Volume plus collagen | Firm, structural | 12–18 months | No |
| Hyaluronic acid filler | Volume and hydration | Soft to firm | 6–18 months | Yes |
| Sculptra (PLLA) | Gradual collagen | Natural, builds slowly | Up to ~2 years | No |
| Juvelook | PDLLA collagen booster | Skin quality focus | About 12 months | No |
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults wanting a more defined jawline or chin without surgery
- People with mild to moderate volume loss in the cheeks or temples
- Those with thin, ageing hands
- Patients interested in improving skin firmness on the face or body
Radiesse may not be suitable for people with a tendency to keloids, active infection, certain autoimmune conditions or who are pregnant. Because it cannot be dissolved like hyaluronic filler, careful planning and an experienced injector are essential.
The procedure
The doctor assesses your facial structure and marks treatment areas. Radiesse is usually mixed with lidocaine for comfort, and numbing cream may also be applied. Using a needle or blunt cannula, the product is placed in deep layers, often close to bone for jawline and chin work. The doctor shapes and smooths it as they go. A typical session takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the number of areas.
Recovery
- Days 1–3: swelling, tenderness and possible bruising
- Days 3–7: swelling fades and the final contour becomes clearer
- Weeks 4–12: collagen production increases skin firmness
Avoid pressing or massaging the area unless your doctor instructs otherwise, and skip saunas, intense exercise and alcohol for 24 to 48 hours. Sleeping on your back for the first few nights helps maintain the shape.
Risks to discuss
Common effects include swelling, bruising and temporary firmness. Less commonly, small nodules can form, particularly in thin-skinned areas or with superficial placement. As with any filler, there is a rare risk of vascular occlusion if product enters a blood vessel, which requires immediate treatment. Ask your doctor how they reduce this risk and what they would do if a complication arose, especially since Radiesse cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase.
Planning as a visitor
Book Radiesse at least three to five days before important events or flights so swelling can settle and the doctor can check the result. Ask how many syringes are planned, whether the product is genuine Radiesse, and whether a follow-up is included. For clinic options, see our list of Radiesse injection clinics in Gangnam.
Questions to ask the clinic
- Which areas and how many syringes do you recommend?
- Will you use a needle or cannula?
- Would hyaluronic filler be a better first choice for me?
- How should I care for the area if I notice a bump later?
Cost overview
In Gangnam, a 1.5 cc syringe of Radiesse typically costs about ₩400,000–₩900,000, depending on the clinic and doctor. Jawline contouring commonly uses one to two syringes, while hands often need one syringe per pair. Hyperdiluted body treatments may use several syringes and are priced by area.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does Radiesse last?
Results typically last about 12–18 months, sometimes longer in areas with little movement.
Can Radiesse be dissolved?
No. Unlike hyaluronic acid filler, it cannot be dissolved, so choosing an experienced injector matters.
Is Radiesse good for the jawline?
Yes, its firmness makes it a popular choice for defining the jawline and chin.
Does Radiesse hurt?
It is usually mixed with lidocaine, so most people feel pressure and mild discomfort.
Can Radiesse be used on the hands?
Yes, it is commonly used to restore volume and hide veins and tendons on the back of the hands.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.