Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Pronunciation: KAL-see-um hy-DROK-sil-AP-uh-tyte
Also written as: CaHA — Calcium Hydroxylapatite
A mineral-based biostimulatory injectable composed of microspheres suspended in a gel carrier, used for deep volumisation and collagen stimulation.
Full Definition
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a biocompatible, resorbable injectable consisting of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a carboxymethylcellulose gel. It provides immediate structural lift while also stimulating longer-term neocollagenesis as the carrier gel is absorbed and the microspheres degrade. Editors must note the correct spelling: 'hydroxylapatite' not 'hydroxyapatite' — both forms exist in scientific literature but the former is standard in aesthetic clinical contexts. The abbreviation CaHA is widely used and acceptable after first-use expansion.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred spelling is 'hydroxylapatite' (with the 'l') in aesthetic clinical copy. Expand CaHA on first use.
In Context
- "Calcium hydroxylapatite was injected supraperiosteally to restore malar projection." — Procedural report
- "The copy used 'hydroxyapatite' rather than 'hydroxylapatite'; the house style requires the latter in clinical documents." — Proofreading note