--- title: RADIESSE® in Sevenoaks date: 2026-07-15T04:30:00+01:00 author: Paulina Charlesworth canonical_url: "https://drcharlesworth.co.uk/treatments/radiesse-in-sevenoaks" section: Treatments --- Improvement that comes from within ## Boosting the skin's own collagen and elastin, for firmer, better quality skin Most fillers replace what time has taken away, RADIESSE® does something more in keeping with Dr Paulina's approach: it works with the skin's own biology. Alongside an immediate, subtle lift, it prompts the body to rebuild its own collagen and elastin, so the improvement comes from within, develops gradually and looks natural. **Why Dr Paulina has introduced RADIESSE** Dr Paulina's philosophy has always been less is more, supporting the skin's natural structure rather than overfilling it. RADIESSE sits comfortably with that. Rather than simply adding volume, it stimulates the cells responsible for firmness and quality, the same principle behind the skin priming and collagen support she recommends more broadly. As a GP and aesthetics doctor, she is interested in the root cause of how skin is changing and in treatments that help it function better over time, not just look fuller today. Why RADIESSE? ##### In Dr Paulina's words: *"RADIESSE isn't about adding more, it's about helping your skin rebuild what it's lost, from within. That's exactly the kind of treatment I want to offer my patients."* Minerals found naturally in the body ## Exactly what is RADIESSE? RADIESSE is made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, a substance related to minerals found naturally in the body, suspended in a smooth gel. The gel gives an immediate, gentle lift and contour. The microspheres then act as a scaffold that encourages the body's own skin cells to lay down fresh collagen and elastin. Over the following months the body gradually absorbs the gel and microspheres, leaving behind newly formed regenerative skin? **What it can help with** - Boosting the skin's own collagen and elastin, for firmer, better quality skin - A subtle lift that helps counter early sagging - Refining and supporting facial contours, such as the cheeks and jawline - Smoothing lines and wrinkles, including crepey skin on the neck, décolleté, the backs of the hands and even the knees **How it works, over time, not all at once** 1. Immediately after treatment, a soft lift and contour as the gel adds gentle structure. 2. Over the following weeks, the microspheres stimulate the skin to produce new collagen and elastin. 3. A few months on, a renewed network of the body's own collagen supports smoother, firmer skin, with results typically lasting 12–18 months. **Dr Paulina's approach to your treatment** Every treatment begins with a proper consultation. Dr Paulina assesses facial anatomy, skin quality and facial expression to make sure the underlying cause of your concerns is properly addressed. Based on your health and skin needs, and depending on which layer of the skin needs the most stimulation, Dr Paulina prepares a bespoke injection of biostimulating Radiesse in our in-house dispensary, tailored to your individual needs. This could mean preparing Radiesse "neat" or diluting it and combining it with other medical-grade products, such as collagen-stimulating peptides, polynucleotides or skin boosters. As a medical doctor trained in the US, where bespoke, custom-compounded medication is common, Dr Paulina always includes lidocaine, a prescription pain reliever traditionally used by dentists, for a comfortable treatment Once she has determined the target skin layer and the ideal concentration and combination of products, Dr Paulina tailors the formulation's properties, from volumising to biostimulating, and adapts her injection technique to match. She then injects conservatively using nano injection techniques, placing tiny, precise deposits of product at specific points within the skin to achieve the desired effect, from rehydration to long-term biostimulation. The result is well-placed volume that respects your natural proportions, using premium products and a careful aseptic technique to minimise the risk of complications. The aim is never to look "done," but to look fresher, rested, balanced and like yourself. **What to expect** A session usually takes around 15- 30 minutes after the consultation depending on how many areas are treated. RADIESSE is placed with a fine needle or cannula and contains lidocaine for comfort. Downtime is generally minimalbut as with any injectables some redness and/or bruising may occur and usually settles within 7–10 days. As the microspheres stimulate the collagen production mild swelling and tenderness around the injection site is common in order to stimulate the collagen production. As with all of Dr Paulina's treatments, follow-up is included, she would always rather review and fine-tune than leave a patient wondering. **Aftercare** You'll be given full aftercare guidance at your appointment. In short: - apply a cool compress for the first 24 hours - avoid make-up, strenuous exercise and touching the area for 24 hours - skip saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and intense facial treatments while you heal - limit heavy facial movement for a week; and avoid excess alcohol for 24 hours either side - for hands, avoid heavy lifting and remove rings and watches until any swelling settles - contact the clinic straight away with any concern **Is it right for you?** RADIESSE suits patients looking for genuine skin-quality improvement and a natural, gradual result, rather than a dramatic change. It isn't suitable for everyone, which is exactly what the consultation is for. Dr Paulina will only recommend it if she believes it's the right approach for your skin; if something else would serve you better, she'll say so. About RADIESSE ## Frequently Asked Questions - What is RADIESSE® made of? RADIESSE is made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, a substance related to minerals found naturally in teeth and bones, suspended in a smooth gel. It also contains lidocaine for comfort during treatment. - How is it different from ordinary dermal fillers Most fillers use hyaluronic acid to add volume directly. RADIESSE does give an immediate lift, but it also stimulates your own cells to produce new collagen and elastin, so part of the result comes from your body rebuilding its own tissue. It's why it's often described as a collagen-stimulating, or regenerative, treatment. - Which areas can be treated? All of them if they require a collagen boost. The most common areas are cheeks, jawline and nose-to-mouth lines (nasolabial folds) on the face; the backs of the hands or knees to restore lost volume; and the décolleté to soften lines and crepey skin. Dr Paulina will advise on what's suitable for you at your consultation. - How soon will I see results? Often straight away, thanks to the immediate lifting and contouring effect. The skin quality benefits then continue to develop over the following weeks and months as your own collagen builds. - How long do the results last? Typically, 12–18 months, though this varies from person to person depending on age, skin type, lifestyle, metabolism and the area treated. Repeat treatments help maintain the effect. - Does it hurt and is there much downtime? RADIESSE contains lidocaine to keep the treatment comfortable, and downtime is generally minimal. Some redness, swelling, tenderness, numbness or bruising can occur and usually settles within 7–10 days, occasionally longer. - Is RADIESSE safe? RADIESSE is a CE-marked medical device with a well-established, favourable safety profile, backed by extensive clinical and scientific experience. While it is a relatively new product within regeneration medicine it has been used within NHS for over 20 years for example during vocal cord surgeries. As with any injectable, there are risks, which Dr Paulina will discuss fully with you before treatment. Choosing a qualified, medically trained practitioner is one of the most important factors in a safe result. - Is it suitable for everyone? No and that's exactly what the consultation is for. RADIESSE isn't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for certain skin and medical conditions. Radiesse often requires preparation to adjust it for the individual skin needs. Dr Paulina will only recommend it if she believes t's the right approach for your skin. - Are there any side effects? As with any injectable, some side effects are possible. The most common are redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness and numbness around the treated area, which usually settle within 7–10 days. Less commonly, small lumps can form and there's a low risk of infection. Dr Paulina discusses all the risks with you fully at your consultation and tailors her advice to your health and the area being treated.