DR. CHRIS ON WHY RADIESSE REMAINS ONE OF HIS MOST TRUSTED TREATMENTS

Dr. Christopher Ready, Dermatologist

In aesthetic medicine, few products have maintained their reputation while continuing to evolve like Radiesse. It’s one of the most reliable treatments for restoring structure, improving skin quality, and delivering natural rejuvenation of both the face and neck.

What is it?

Simply put, Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)-based biostimulator made of microscopic calcium particles suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel carrier. 

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally-occurring mineral found in our bones and teeth. What makes Radiesse unique is that — in addition to offering immediate volume — it also stimulates the body’s natural regenerative processes, with peak results happening anywhere from 3-6 months of the original procedure.

How it works

Radiesse’s gel carrier offers an immediate lifting effect, while the CaHA microspheres stimulate collagen and elastin production by fibroblasts over time. Because the carrier gel is reabsorbed by the body over weeks to months, newly formed collagen helps improve firmness, elasticity, and structural support — so Radiesse doesn’t simply fill; it helps rebuild.

What makes it reliable

Radiesse delivers predictable, natural results with strong safety data. Its long clinical history, excellent tissue integration, safety in those with autoimmune conditions, and impressive longevity make it a dependable option for both structural restoration and skin rejuvenation.

Facing facts

As we age, the face loses volume, collagen, and structural support. Radiesse is particularly effective in areas requiring lift and definition, including the jawline, chin, pre-jowls, cheeks and neck. 

The great thing about Radiesse is it can be used at different dilutions to achieve the desired result. In its original form it sharpens and contours; in its diluted form it provides soft and natural support.

This ability to provide firm structural support while maintaining natural-looking results makes it especially valuable for facial rejuvenation. It is different to hyaluronic acid fillers in the sense that it does not attract water to its molecule and provides tissue augmentation with minimal swelling.

Sticking your neck out

The neck is one of my favourite places to use Radiesse. In its hyper-diluted form, it is well-equipped to counteract early signs of laxity, crepey skin, and collagen loss.

Using a dilution of 4 ml bacteriostatic water, 1.5 ml Radiesse and 2 ml lidocaine, we can “wash the neck” with this biostimulatory product, stimulating collagen across swathes of dermis without adding unwanted volume. Say goodbye to “tech neck” as this improves skin thickness, elasticity, and firmness, helping the neck appear smoother and more youthful over time. 

For optimal results, I usually recommend a series of two or three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart.

Modern aesthetic medicine increasingly focuses on global regeneration rather than treating one line or wrinkle, which makes Radiesse a valuable tool — and if these treatments precede facial work with hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler, the outcome is even more seamless. 

THE BEAUTIFUL BODY HACK

The Morpheus8 Body tightens skin and remodels collagen

Have you ever wished for a magic wand to tighten loose skin, improve texture, and give a little lift, all without surgery? The Morpheus8 Body combines microneedling with controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin, making skin firmer and younger-looking by renewing the area from the inside out. 

It’s great for helping to improve the appearance of: 

• Cellulite and loose skin

• Stretch marks and uneven skin texture 

• Scarring

• Laxity and ageing skin 

How does it work? 

Diagram via Morpheus8 Workstation Master presentation

Microneedles penetrate the skin, delivering radiofrequency energy under the surface. This stimulates collagen remodelling and tissue tightening, encouraging the skin to regenerate. Over time, the skin appears firmer, smoother and more refined. 

Why we love it

• It helps visibly improve both texture and firmness 

• It’s non-surgical and therefore non-invasive

• There’s minimal downtime

• We can customise the treatment to suit different skin concerns, across a variety of skin types 

When will you notice results? 

Improvements are usually visible within a few weeks, but collagen production continues for several months after treatment. Results develop gradually, in keeping with the timeframes of collagen renewal. A series of treatments gives you even more optimal outcomes. 

Whether you're looking to refresh your abdominal area, thighs, arms, or other areas of concern, this treatment offers a powerful way to stimulate your skin's natural rejuvenation process and help you feel more confident. 

WHAT A CHEMICAL PEEL REALLY DOES FOR YOUR SKIN

(You’ll be surprised!) 

When most people have a skincare treatment, they imagine instant results, but chemical peels work differently.

Professional peels like VI and Perfect Derma are designed to reset skin from within, enabling controlled exfoliation and renewal over several days, so the peeling that you see is your skin’s natural response to the treatment, which is very effective at treating stubborn issues like hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, and sun damage.

What’s involved? 

A carefully balanced blend of active ingredients work below the surface of the skin to:

• Accelerate cell turnover

• Break down uneven pigment

• Stimulate collagen production

• Smooth texture 

It’s not an instant transformation, but over time healthier, more even skin will emerge. 

What’s the timeline? 

Everyone is different, but most patients follow this rhythm:

• Days 1-2 — Skin feels tight or even slightly warm, with little visible change

• Days 3-5: Peeling begins as skin sheds it outer layer (this can look dramatic, but it’s temporary and a good sign that the peel is doing its job)

• Days 5-7: New skin appears and it much brighter and smoother 

• Beyond: Consistent improvement in clarity and texture as skin continues to regenerate 

Is it right for me?

If you have:

• Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation

• Sun damage

• Acne marks

• Dull or tired-looking skin

• Early signs of ageing 

a chemical peel could be for you, as it rebuilds skin clarity and quality over time, especially when paired with a consistent skincare routine and sunscreen use. Each skin type is different, though, so we always tailor peel type and strength to your particular situation. 

THE BEST TIME TO START FACIALS

(It’s sooner than you think) 

Remember when facials were something you did when skin concerns like breakouts, dullness or signs of ageing became visible? Modern skincare has shifted that thinking completely.

The most effective approach to skin health is not correction — it’s prevention, consistency and trusted guidance as your skin changes over time.

For us, facials aren’t one-off experiences; they’re part of a journey designed to support your skin at every stage—early, ongoing, and long term.

When to begin?

The best time to start is in your late teens or early twenties, when the skin is healthy but also beginning to face external stressors like sun exposure and makeup buildup. 

However, it all depends on your skin; some people start as young as 13 as hormonal changes take hold, and we get many teens with breakouts from exam stress. Starting early helps maintain skin quality before damage becomes visible, and it’s much easier to preserve healthy skin than to try and repair damage later.

When facials become a habit, you gain insight into how your skin behaves under stress, how hydrated it is, where congestion tends to accumulate, and what changes in response to external or internal factors. 

The great thing is, facials have the flexibility to evolve right alongside your skin’s needs, which is why consistency matters more than intensity.

How often? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a general guide: 

• Younger skin (teens–20s) — every 6–8 weeks for prevention and maintenance

• Active skin concerns (acne,  buildup, dullness) — every 4–6 weeks

• Healthy skin — every 6–10 weeks, depending on your lifestyle and skin goals

The goal is not over-treatment, just regular attention to your skin’s needs.

What type? 

Not all facials are the same, and not all skin needs the same approach. Here are some of our most popular facials:

Custom 

These tailored treatments address your specific concerns. They of course include key steps like cleansing, exfoliating, and extracting, but we also introduce elements like serums, hydration, micro-currents, and more.

Dermaplaning  

If your skin is sensitive or tends to get easily inflamed, this may not be the facial for you, as the focus is exfoliation and the removal of dead skin cells. Your skin becomes instantly smoother and brighter, with a refreshed glow. Bonus: skincare products like serums absorb more effectively after this facial.

Forma radiofrequency 

The use of a heat-generating electromagnetic device gently stimulates collagen and elastin production, making skin firmer, smoother and younger-looking. The result is better texture and a lovely lift, rejuvenating from within.

Glacē

A medical-grade facial, Glacē focuses on deep cleansing without stripping the skin, and gentle exfoliation to support cell turnover. It also offers great hydration and barrier support and caters to long-term skin health, not just short-term glow. This makes it suitable even for younger skin that is not yet experiencing major concerns, but wants to stay ahead of them.

Other medical-grade hydrating facials that use serums and deep hydration with minimal exfoliation are also very effective. 

LED 

This facial stimulates cellular activity while keeping your skin’s barrier intact. Red light therapy reduces inflammation and supports healing, while blue light therapy helps eradicate acne-causing bacteria. It’s a great facial if you have sensitive or inflamed skin and is wonderful for healthy maintenance.

Oxygeneo Hydrate 

A real rejuvenator, this facial gently exfoliates and nourishes skin by providing the oxygen it needs to generate new cells. It’s great if you want a noticeable reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, but it also gives skin a soft, rosy glow. It’s also very effective at dealing with acne. 

Refining treatment for men

Men need facials too, and the medical-grade products we use in this one invigorate skin and leave it feeling and looking fresh and toned. 

WHAT DO WOMEN WANT?

Make this Mother’s Day memorable

They don’t always say it out loud, but if you listen closely, what ladies (especially mothers) want isn’t more stuff. It’s time, care, and to feel like themselves again. Here are some winning ideas that are sure to impress the special ladies in your life…

1. The thing she’s been putting off: A dermatology consult

There’s always something. A mole or skin tag she’s been meaning to check. A patch that’s changed slightly. Something that’s been on her mental to-do list for months.

A dermatology consultation is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give a woman, because it sends the message that her health matters. It also offers peace of mind (and early intervention, if needed), expert guidance on concerns, and a chance to prioritise herself. 

2. The reset: A medi-spa treatment

Sometimes, women just need a pause. Whether it’s a laser session, an amazing facial, or a skin-refining treatment, it’s the perfect sweet spot between relaxation and results. 

These treatments improve skin tone, clarity, and texture, deliver that dewy glow, and give her time that’s hers alone. It’s skincare, sure — but it’s also time for her, which is often the real luxury.

3. The extra “oomph”: An aesthetic treatment

All women want that “You look amazing!” reaction they get when they are feeling their best — refreshed, well rested, and younger looking. This is where injectables come in, done well and subtly, of course. 

Treatments like Botox, Profhilo and Radiesse can offer everything from a smoother appearance to skin firmness and subtle lift. The glow results are so natural, this gift is sure to be a hit! 

4. The exhale: A wellness experience 

The Greenhouse at Serpentine offers both a mental reset and physical relaxation. 

That sense of being cared for without having to rush or worry about anything is priceless for women. From acupuncture and craniosacral therapy to massage, holistic and osteotherapy, there’s a wide range of holistic options designed to pamper and restore. 

Because what women want is often really simple: to feel seen, supported, and cherished.