GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Volume / Contour · Nasolabial fold

CaHA filler evidence for Nasolabial fold

B 54.2 / 100 Supported 9 RCT/meta · 3 clinical/observational · 5 case · 22 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2016 Last 5 years 41% Positive results 41% Negative results 3 Korea/Asia 1

Known in Korea as

레디어스

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Different Tissue Fillers for Nasolabial Fold Correction. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2025 · PMID 41204009

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Nasolabial folds (NLFs), the pronounced furrows extending from the base of the nose to the corners of the mouth, tend to deepen and lengthen as a natural consequence of aging. Currently, one of the most prevalent treatments for NLFs involves injectable tissue fillers. Although various types of fillers have been utilized in clinical settings, there exists a paucity of research dedicated to evaluating...

Journal Article, Comparative Study, Meta-Analysis

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tier1 Gene Analysis of Biostimulators: Poly-L-Lactic Acid Triggers Regeneration While Calcium Hydroxylapatite Induces Inflammation Upon Facial Injection. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2025 · PMID 39761144

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Injectable biostimulator treatments stimulate endogenous collagen in aging skin, but whether they act through similar pathways is unknown. This study evaluates two biostimulatory agents' effects on genes, expressed proteins, and respective pathways as potential aging biomarkers and treatment outcomes. METHODS: This 13-week, randomized, single-center, comparative study compared volume change and gene...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Grouped, Positive-Controlled, Non-Inferiority Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Injectable Calcium Hydroxylapatite Microsphere Hydrogel Fillers in the Correction of Nasolabial Fold in Chinese Subjects. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2024 · PMID 39331081

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Soft tissue fillers are used to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds (NLFs). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a new calcium hydroxylapatite microsphere hydrogel filler (Aphranel) versus Restylane for correcting NLFs. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-grouped, positive-controlled, non-inferiority trial, 210 subjects were randomized to bilateral...

Comparative Study, Equivalence Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier1 Comparative Bulk RNA-Seq Analysis of Poly-l-Lactic Acid Versus Calcium Hydroxylapatite Reveals a Novel, Adipocyte-Mediated Regenerative Mechanism of Action Unique to PLLA. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2024 · PMID 39480040

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Injectable biostimulators are widely used to improve facial aging signs. This study was performed to compare the genetic pathways affected by 2 different injectable biostimulators. METHODS: Randomized 13-week study (n = 21) comparing gene expression after poly l-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA-R) injections (baseline [BL] and Day 28) as treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkles.

Journal Article, Comparative Study, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Calcium Hydroxylapatite With Integral Lidocaine Provides Improved Pain Control for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2016 · PMID 27538003

Abstract summary (English) Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a carrier gel (CaHA; Radiesse®: Merz North America, Inc., Raleigh, NC) is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for subdermal implantation for the correction of moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (NLFs). Lidocaine is often mixed with injectable dermal fillers to reduce injection pain. A new formulation of CaHA has been...

Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Complications from Nasolabial Fold Injection of Calcium Hydroxylapatite for Facial Soft-Tissue Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic surgery journal · 2016 · PMID 27178901

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Despite its increasing usage of facial applications, there is a paucity of objective data regarding calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate the complications from CaHA injection for facial soft tissue augmentation. METHODS: Published studies on CaHA injection for facial soft tissue enhancement were identified through searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled...

Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review

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tier1 A randomized, prospective, blinded, split-face, single-center study comparing polycaprolactone to hyaluronic acid for treatment of nasolabial folds. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2015 · PMID 25564797

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Dermal fillers have continuingly been under development to increase safety, efficacy, and longevity. Biostimulatory dermal fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, have already been shown to be superior in efficacy compared to nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA)-based fillers. AIMS: In this randomized split-face study, we compared a novel biostimulatory polycaprolactone (PCL)-based...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Safety and effectiveness of injection of calcium hydroxylapatite via blunt cannula compared to injection by needle for correction of nasolabial folds. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2014 · PMID 25399621

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Pain and potential adverse events (AE) remain challenges for patients being treated with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA; Radiesse), especially CaHA not mixed with an anesthetic. The blunt cannula may provide more comfortable and lower risk delivery of CaHA for nasolabial folds (NLF) correction. OBJECTIVE: This 30-day pilot study was designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of standard needles with...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier1 An evaluation of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for cosmetic nasolabial fold correction: a meta-analysis and patient centric outcomes study. Annals of plastic surgery · 2009 · PMID 19806045

Abstract summary (English) The use of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse, BioForm Medical, San Mateo, California) for cosmetic soft tissue augmentation has increased significantly in recent years. Only a handful of authors have reported patient satisfaction data. A meta-analysis of published data was performed using a 5-point scale for patient satisfaction to allow data comparison across studies.

Journal Article, Meta-Analysis

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tier2 Morphometric effectiveness of calcium hydroxylapatite application in zygomatic and malar area on correction of nasolabial folds. Medicine · 2025 · PMID 40696634

Abstract summary (English) This study aims to investigate the indirect effects of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) injections in the zygomatic and malar regions on the healing of nasolabial folds (NLFs). Given the anatomical complexity and proximity of the nasolabial area, selecting appropriate techniques for CaHA applications is crucial to prevent potential complications. The study is designed to contribute insights into the safety and...

Journal Article, Observational Study

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Suggested interpretation

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