— Radiesse Aftercare

Radiesse — Before & After Care

Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) collagen biostimulator that lifts and firms the skin gradually as your body forms its own new collagen — so how you care for the area in the first days and weeks directly shapes your final result. This guide from Dr Azra Vaziri walks you through exactly what to do before and after your session in Dubai.
— Before Your Treatment

How to Prepare (Before Care)

✓ Do
  • Arrive with clean skin — no make-up, heavy serums or SPF on the area to be treated.
  • Stay well hydrated in the days before and eat a light meal beforehand to reduce lightheadedness.
  • Tell Dr Azra about your full medical history, medications, allergies and any previous filler or biostimulator sessions.
  • If you bruise easily, consider starting arnica a few days prior (only with Dr Azra’s approval).
  • Plan your timing — avoid booking Radiesse right before a major event, as mild swelling can last a few days.
✗ Avoid before
  • Blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for 24–48 hours (unless medically prescribed).
  • Alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment — it thins the blood and worsens bruising.
  • Active skincare (retinol, AHAs, exfoliating acids) on the area for 2–3 days prior.
  • Booking during active skin infection, cold sore outbreak or illness — reschedule instead.
  • Recent dental work or vaccinations within the past two weeks without informing the clinic.
— Recovery Timeline

After Your Treatment — Day by Day

24h

First 24–48 hours

Expect mild swelling, redness and possibly small bruises at the injection points — this is completely normal. If Dr Azra has asked you to massage the area to distribute the product evenly, follow her exact instructions. Apply a cool compress gently if needed, keep the area clean, and skip strenuous exercise, sauna, steam and direct heat.

1–7

Days 1–7

Swelling and any bruising settle over the first week. You may feel slight firmness where the product sits — this softens as it integrates. Sleep slightly elevated for the first couple of nights, avoid pressing or rubbing the area, and continue any prescribed massage until it is complete. You can return to work and normal daily routine almost immediately.

2–4

Weeks 2–4

The immediate volume from the gel carrier subsides and the skin looks natural. Behind the scenes, your body has begun the collagen-building process that Radiesse is designed to stimulate. Avoid facials, chemical peels, laser and microneedling on the treated area for around two weeks to let it settle undisturbed.

6+

Weeks 6–12 and beyond

This is where Radiesse shines. New collagen matures over 6–12 weeks, giving a gradual, natural lift and improved skin quality. Depending on your goals, a top-up or second session may be planned. Results can last up to a year or more — protect them with daily SPF and good skincare.

— Do & Don’t

Aftercare Do’s & Don’ts

✓ Do
  • Massage the treated area exactly as Dr Azra instructs to ensure the product distributes smoothly and evenly.
  • Apply a cool compress gently for short periods if there is swelling or bruising.
  • Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 every day to protect skin and your developing collagen.
  • Keep the area clean and hydrated with gentle, non-active skincare.
  • Stay hydrated and be patient — the best results build gradually over several weeks.
  • Contact the clinic promptly if anything feels unusual so we can reassure or review you.
✗ Don’t
  • Don’t do strenuous exercise, sauna, steam rooms or hot yoga for 24–48 hours.
  • Don’t have facials, peels, laser, microneedling or massages on the area for around 2 weeks.
  • Don’t drink alcohol for the first 24 hours, as it increases swelling and bruising.
  • Don’t apply make-up over injection points for the first 12–24 hours.
  • Don’t press, poke or over-massage the area beyond what you were specifically told to do.
  • Don’t expose the area to intense direct sun, sunbeds or extreme heat while it settles.
When to contact the clinic. Mild swelling, redness, tenderness and small bruises after Radiesse are normal and settle within days — there is no need to worry. However, contact us promptly if you notice increasing or one-sided pain, spreading redness or warmth, blanching (white or dusky discolouration) of the skin, hard painful lumps, signs of infection such as fever or pus, or any change in vision. These are rare, but early review is important. Dr Azra and the team are here to reassure and support you — message us any time on WhatsApp +971 50 180 1793.
— Common Questions

Radiesse Aftercare FAQ

How long is the recovery after Radiesse?

Downtime is minimal. Most people return to work and daily life the same day. Mild swelling, redness or small bruises usually settle within 2–7 days. Because Radiesse is a collagen biostimulator, the visible lift and skin-quality improvement continue to develop over the following weeks rather than appearing all at once.

Avoid strenuous exercise, hot yoga, sauna and steam rooms for the first 24–48 hours, as heat and raised blood flow can increase swelling and bruising. Gentle walking is fine straight away. After two days you can usually resume your normal workout routine as comfort allows.

You can cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild product a few hours after treatment. We recommend avoiding make-up directly over the injection points for the first 12–24 hours to reduce infection risk. From day two, normal skincare and make-up are fine — just keep any active acids and retinol off the area for a couple of days.

Radiesse gives some immediate volume from its gel carrier, but its true benefit is the new collagen your body builds around it. This matures gradually over 6–12 weeks for a natural lift and firmer skin. A course of sessions may be recommended for deeper concerns; if you’re also considering non-surgical facial lifting or Sculptra, Dr Azra can advise the best plan at your consultation.

Yes. Mild swelling, temporary firmness where the product sits, and small bruises are all normal and settle over the first days to two weeks. Following your aftercare — including any prescribed massage, cool compresses and avoiding heat — helps it resolve faster. You can review treatment options and investment on our price list, and contact the clinic any time if anything concerns you.

Book A Consultation With Dr Azra

Patients seeking personalized aesthetic assessment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi can contact Dr Azra for consultation regarding PRP, exosome therapy, and regenerative skin treatment planning.

Dr Azra Vaziri is a DHA and DOH licensed aesthetic physician practicing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with over 20 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, injectables, thread lifting, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.