Radiesse · Upper East Side, New York

Radiesse in NYC

Structure and support, right away and over time.

When the face, the jawline or the backs of the hands need structure, Radiesse adds volume right away and prompts your skin to build collagen around it over time. I give every injection myself.

BOOK A CONSULTATION BOOK A CONSULTATION

or call (212) 772-0740

Who injects: Dr. Day, every time
How it works: Volume now, collagen over time
Comfort: Radiesse (+) contains lidocaine
Follow-up: As needed, 1-2 sessions often recommended for optimal results
Afterward: Limit exercise for 24 hours

What Radiesse can do for you

Radiesse is an injectable made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a water-based gel. CaHA is a man-made form of a mineral found naturally in bone and teeth. It is not animal-based, and allergy pre-testing isn't required.

Volume now

The microspheres add volume and lift as soon as they are placed.

Collagen later

Over time, your body forms collagen around them.

vs Sculptra

No immediate fill. It works gradually over months as your skin builds collagen.

Radiesse vs Sculptra, side by side

Both stimulate collagen, on different timelines. Radiesse gives visible volume right away and builds collagen over time. Sculptra doesn't fill space directly and works gradually over several months. In a 2026 systematic review of facial studies, effects lasted up to 25 months with poly-L-lactic acid and 12 to 18 months with calcium hydroxylapatite.

The hyperdilute technique

Radiesse can also be mixed with more liquid and spread in a thin layer under the skin. Used this way, the goal isn't volume. It's to stimulate collagen to improve skin laxity and skin quality. I find it ideal for general face balancing, and for the neck, arms and thighs. A global expert consensus describes this use, and a 2024 systematic review covers body areas. The consensus authors describe their guidance as preliminary, and body use has yet to be supported by randomized controlled trials.

How I combine it

Radiesse is often one part of a plan. I may combine it with Sofwave, which uses ultrasound energy to heat the mid-dermis. For the body, I may add home care with my Retinol Body Serum, made for crepey, dry and sun-damaged skin on the neck, arms, chest, knees and legs.

Is Radiesse right for you?

Radiesse suits you if you'd like structure and support where it has softened, with a result you can see right away.

Lines from nose to mouth · Jawline · Backs of the hands · Face balancing · Neck · Arms · Thighs

We go over your medical history first. Radiesse (+) isn't for you if you have severe allergies, a bleeding disorder, or an allergy to its ingredients or to lidocaine.

What to expect

I
We look together
We look at your face together, and you tell me your goals and the features you love. Mostly, I listen.
II
Your plan for the year
I do a full assessment, studying your face at rest and while you talk. Then I walk you through your complete plan, from skin care and your at-home routine to in-office treatments, and map it into a calendar for the year so you can plan ahead and look forward to every visit. My assistant takes notes, reviews the plan with you and gives you a printed copy, plus one by email, before you leave.
III
Treatment, then follow-up
I give every injection myself, in small amounts with a thin needle, and may gently massage the area so it spreads evenly. Follow-up is as needed, and 1 to 2 sessions are often recommended for optimal results. To keep things smooth, avoid scheduling injections right before a dental cleaning or major dental work, or within two weeks of a vaccine. Afterward we stay in touch and follow your calendar together, helping you reach your goals and making every decade your most beautiful best.

Afterward, limit exercise for 24 hours, and limit sun and heat on the treated area for 24 hours, or until early swelling and redness settle. You may feel the product as firmness under the skin, and this goes away over several weeks.

Results that look like you

The volume is visible right away, and collagen builds around it over time. In the main jawline study, 75.6% of treated patients showed improvement in jawline contour 12 weeks after treatment.

Why experience matters here

Radiesse is planned carefully, because the treatment is not reversible. I place it precisely and discreetly so you look more beautiful and balanced.

Risks and side effects

In the clinical studies, most side effects were mild. The most common were swelling, redness, pain, bruising and itching, and in the jawline study most lasted 7 days or less, though some lasted 2 to 4 weeks. Small lumps (nodules) can form. As with any filler, an accidental injection into a blood vessel is rare but serious and can cause skin damage, vision problems or stroke. Its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established. The microspheres can show up on CT scans and X-rays, so tell your doctors and radiologists that you've had Radiesse.

Your questions, answered

Who does the Radiesse injections?

I do, every time.

What is Radiesse?

An injectable made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a water-based gel. It adds volume right away, and your body forms collagen around it over time.

Radiesse vs Sculptra?

Radiesse adds volume right away and builds collagen over time. Sculptra works gradually over several months as your skin builds collagen. Which one fits depends on the area and your goals.

Where can Radiesse be used?

I use Radiesse to soften facial wrinkles and folds and to restore volume in the backs of the hands. Radiesse (+) is also lovely for defining the jawline.

What is hyperdilute Radiesse?

Radiesse mixed with more liquid and spread thinly under the skin to stimulate collagen for skin laxity, rather than to add volume. I find it ideal for general face balancing, and for the neck, arms and thighs.

Do you use Radiesse on the body?

Yes. I use it on the neck, arms and thighs, usually with the hyperdilute technique. Small studies have looked at these uses, but not yet in randomized controlled trials.

Does Radiesse hurt?

Radiesse (+) contains lidocaine, which reduced injection pain in a clinical study. The skin can also be numbed before treatment.

Can Radiesse be removed?

The treatment is not reversible, and removal procedures carry their own risks. That's why careful planning matters.

What are the risks of Radiesse?

Most side effects in the clinical studies were mild: swelling, redness, pain, bruising and itching. Nodules can form, and an accidental injection into a blood vessel is rare but serious.

Medically reviewed by Doris Day, MD, FAAD · Last reviewed October 10, 2026

Let's plan your visit

In person or virtual. Take your time deciding.