Radiesse May Be Tackling a Deeper Layer of Sun Damage, Study Finds

We’ve long known that certain injectable biostimulators do more than plump, but a landmark new study suggests the story is richer and more complex than previously understood.

Published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the six-month, placebo-controlled human study found that Radiesse, a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) dermal filler known for its biostimulatory effects, stimulates not just collagen and elastin, but a whole ecosystem of structural proteins that form the extracellular matrix (ECM)—the hidden scaffolding responsible for skin’s firmness, hydration and resilience.

“While previous research has shown that biostimulation with Radiesse has a positive impact on both collagen and elastin production, the latest evidence demonstrates it also supports a broader remodeling process, including notable improvements to sun-damaged skin,” said Owen Sunga, MD, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs at Merz Aesthetics.

Perhaps the most exciting finding involves solar elastosis—a deeper, structural form of sun damage—that dermatologists have long flagged as one of the most stubborn consequences of UV exposure. Unlike surface-level discoloration, solar elastosis happens deep in the dermis, where UV rays gradually break down the elastic fibers responsible for skin’s bounce and resilience, contributing to wrinkles, laxity and crepiness over time and remaining notoriously difficult to address from the inside out.

That’s where the data becomes even more compelling: At sites treated with Radiesse, the study found significant improvements in elastosis at both three and six months, suggesting the treatment works across multiple tissue depths, not just at the surface.

“Sun damage is one of the most common concerns we see in patients, and the damage itself extends far beyond what’s visible,” said Gabriela Casabona, MD, study author and dermatologist. “Finding that Radiesse plays a role in addressing ultrasonographic features of solar elastosis adds an important dimension to how we think about this treatment.”