Name: Stark MD Plastic Surgery
Address: 135 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 220, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010
Telephone: (484) 482-8809
Rating: 5

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Radiesse a Natural That Last

Collagen is nature’s firming substance, and nothing is more beautiful than collagen-rich skin - fresh, firm, and supple. As the years pass, the body stops producing the same amount of this critical skin-firming substance, causing the skin to thin, sag, and wrinkle. Our Philadelphia Radiesse injectable addresses this loss with a different approach: It is a collagen stimulator. The active ingredient is calcium hydroxyapatite, or biocompatible CaHA, suspended in a smooth gel. The results achieved with Radiesse appear immediately, and improve with time, as the tiny beads of CaHA are absorbed by the body, leaving natural collagen in its place.

collagen

Philadelphia Radiesse model with smooth skin

How does Radiesse work?

The smooth microspheres of CaHA in Radiesse trigger the natural production of collagen that builds a natural scaffolding to lift and smooth the skin, with exceptionally natural-looking results.

As the gel in which the microspheres are suspended is absorbed, a process called neocollagenesis is initiated, triggering natural collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin. The increased collagen production in the facial skin continues for a year or longer, with results that appear entirely natural.

The Benefits of
Biostimulation

While hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are excellent for hydration and soft volume, Radiesse offers a distinct advantage: structural support. Because the calcium-based gel has a higher viscosity and elasticity than most HA fillers, it provides superior lifting capacity. This makes it particularly effective for defining the jawline, projecting the chin, or restoring volume to the mid-face where bone resorption has occurred.

Beyond the immediate correction, the primary benefit of Radiesse is its ability to act as a scaffold for your own collagen. This "biostimulation" means that long after the gel is metabolized by your body, the new tissue network remains, keeping the skin firmer and more resilient. It is a dual-action treatment that addresses both the visual symptoms of aging and the underlying loss of structural proteins.

Your Radiesse Procedure

At StarkMD, we believe injectables require the same level of anatomical knowledge as surgery. For this reason, Dr. Stark performs these treatments personally. During your appointment in our Bryn Mawr suite, Dr. Stark will map the injection sites based on your unique facial anatomy and vascular structure.

Radiesse is typically mixed with lidocaine to maximize comfort during the treatment. Dr. Stark often utilizes a cannula (a blunt-tipped instrument) rather than a sharp needle for placement. This technique significantly reduces trauma to the tissue, minimizes bruising, and enhances safety. The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes, and because the results are immediate, you leave the office looking refreshed, not "worked on."

Results & Timeline

One of the most satisfying aspects of Radiesse is the "1-to-1 correction," meaning the volume you see immediately after injection is very close to the final result. However, it is important to understand the biological timeline.

Immediate: You will see instant lift and contour improvement from the calcium hydroxyapatite gel matrix.
Months 1–3: Your body slowly metabolizes the carrier gel. During this time, the microspheres stimulate your fibroblasts to produce new Type I collagen.
Long-Term: As the gel fades, your own natural collagen takes over, maintaining the volume and skin quality for 12 to 18 months, depending on your metabolic rate.

Philadelphia Radiesse model with dark hair

Recovery & Aftercare

Radiesse is a low-downtime procedure, though it is slightly more robust than standard HA fillers. Patients should expect mild to moderate swelling and potential bruising at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. We recommend scheduling your treatment at least two weeks before any major social events to allow for complete settling.

To optimize healing, we advise avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive heat (saunas or hot yoga), and alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment. Dr. Stark will provide a comprehensive aftercare plan to ensure your results settle smoothly.

Is Radiesse right for me?

Radiesse is an exciting advance in aesthetic medicine, as it works with your body to regenerate natural collagen, for long-term results, while providing an instant smoothing effect.

If you are looking for a facial enhancement with results that last, you may want to consider Radiesse. As your skin produces higher quantities of natural collagen, you will see the effects of your treatment improving in the weeks and months following your injections.

Defying nature with
Radiesse

If you are unhappy with the signs of aging skin, you can defy nature with Radiesse. Rather than living with skin that appears lax, thin, and lifeless due to collagen loss, consider undergoing Radiesse injections to stimulate natural skin regeneration. Your skin will become firmer, more supple, and smoother with the help of this groundbreaking injectable.

Why StarkMD Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center for Radiesse in Philadelphia?

At StarkMD Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center, your Radiesse injections will be under the care of arguably the most talented plastic surgeon in the greater Mainline area. Dr. Stark is double board-certified and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. His outstanding qualifications, talent, artistry, and experience has made his private, luxury practice a popular destination for discerning patients. If you're interested in smoother, tighter, and more youthful looking skin with Radiesse Philadelphia plastic surgeon, Dr. Ran Stark, can help. He can answer all of your questions and address your concerns during an initial consultation where he can also put together a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Call us today!

Radiesse FAQs

Is Radiesse reversible?

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse cannot be dissolved with an enzyme. This makes provider selection critical. Dr. Stark’s extensive surgical background and deep understanding of facial anatomy ensure that placement is precise and purposeful from the start.

Can Radiesse be used on the hands?

Yes. The hands are often one of the first places to reveal age as volume loss exposes tendons and veins. Radiesse is FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation, restoring opaque coverage and volume to the back of the hands for a smoother, younger appearance.

How is this different from Sculptra?

Both are biostimulators, but they work differently. Radiesse provides immediate volume plus collagen stimulation, making it ideal for patients who want instant gratification along with long-term benefits. Sculptra relies entirely on the body’s reaction to build volume over time, requiring a series of treatments before results are visible. Dr. Stark can help you decide which modality suits your timeline.

Does the injection hurt?

We prioritize your comfort. The product is mixed with lidocaine (an anesthetic) prior to injection, which numbs the area internally as we work. Most patients report feeling only a sensation of pressure rather than pain.

Can Radiesse define my jawline?

Absolutely. Because of its high "G-prime" (lifting power), Radiesse is Dr. Stark’s preferred injectable for non-surgical jawline contouring. It mimics the strength of bone, allowing us to sharpen the mandibular angle and reduce the appearance of jowls without surgery.

Philadelphia’s Beauty Standard — StarkMD

Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Stark brings decades of experience and training to each consultation. When you meet with Dr. Stark, he takes the time to give you information and options, so you can have confidence in your decision to move forward with the best procedure for you. Confidence. Personalized care. Impeccable results. That’s the Stark Difference. Discover that difference yourself by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stark today.

135 South Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 220, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

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(484) 482-8809

Radiesse

Radiesse a Natural That Last

collagen

How does Radiesse work?

The Benefits of
Biostimulation

Am I a candidate for Radiesse?

Your Radiesse Procedure

Results & Timeline

Recovery & Aftercare

Is Radiesse right for me?

Defying nature with
Radiesse

Why StarkMD Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center for Radiesse in Philadelphia?

Radiesse FAQs

Is Radiesse reversible?

Can Radiesse be used on the hands?

How is this different from Sculptra?

Does the injection hurt?

Can Radiesse define my jawline?

CONSULT

Philadelphia’s Beauty Standard — StarkMD

Radiesse

Radiesse a Natural That Last

collagen

How does Radiesse work?

The Benefits of Biostimulation

Am I a candidate for Radiesse?

Your Radiesse Procedure

Results & Timeline

Recovery & Aftercare

Is Radiesse right for me?

Defying nature with Radiesse

Why StarkMD Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center for Radiesse in Philadelphia?

Radiesse FAQs

Is Radiesse reversible?

Can Radiesse be used on the hands?

How is this different from Sculptra?

Does the injection hurt?

Can Radiesse define my jawline?

CONSULT

Philadelphia’s Beauty Standard — StarkMD

The Benefits of
Biostimulation

Defying nature with
Radiesse