Radiesse Or Sculptra: Choosing The Right Dermal Filler

David Fuller

Last Updated On: June 20, 2024

According to a recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons report, almost 30 percent of cosmetic plastic surgeons have seen double the business compared to pre-pandemic levels. Most individuals have become more interested in seeking minimally invasive procedures, including fillers.

The pandemic has increased demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, with many individuals prioritizing self-care. Two of the most favorite products are Radiesse and Sculptra. While both are excellent fillers for achieving cosmetic goals, choosing between them can be challenging.

In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between Radiesse and Sculptra, focusing on their facial augmentation abilities.

Key Takeaways

• Radiesse works quicker and needs adjustments sooner. Scupltra works more slowly, but gives more profound results.
• Each filler suits different needs and areas of the face. Doctors use Radiesse to correct severe wrinkles like marionette lines and enhance contours in cheeks and jawlines. Sculptra is excellent for deeper facial hollows and sagging skin, offering a more gradual improvement that looks incredibly natural.
• Choosing between Radiesse or Sculptra depends on what you want to achieve with facial augmentation. It also matters which specific facial areas need treatment since each filler is stronger at addressing signs of aging.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. If you’re looking to buy Radiesse online, contact our sales department for more information.

Introduction to Radiesse and Sculptra

Radiesse, a dermal filler approved by the FDA in 2006, fills medium to severe facial folds and wrinkles. Its unique composition, including Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, restores volume immediately and stimulates long-term collagen production, ensuring lasting results in marionette lines, jowls, and hands.

Sculptra, a collagen bio-stimulator, repairs and rejuvenates facial skin over several months. Unlike immediate treatments, Sculptra targets facial aging causes by stimulating collagen production, providing longer-lasting outcomes. It’s widely recognized for its versatility in addressing signs of aging without downtime or discomfort. It is an excellent choice for patients seeking solutions for age-related volume loss over multiple sessions.

Composition and Mechanism of Action

Radiesse and Sculptra have unique ingredients that rejuvenate the face by smoothing wrinkles and restoring volume. Radiesse fills wrinkles and folds while stimulating natural collagen production for lasting improvement. Areas like marionette lines, jowls, and cheeks benefit from Radiesse’s immediate and lasting results.

Sculptra, containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), acts as a collagen stimulator, gradually restoring facial volume. Unlike Radiesse, Sculptra’s effects develop over several months, rebuilding collagen strands deep within the skin. Both products offer cutting-edge solutions for aesthetic concerns, providing patients with options tailored to their needs and desired outcomes.

Longevity and Durability

Understanding how long Radiesse and Sculptra last is key to choosing the best dermal filler. Each product’s durability in facial augmentation also plays a crucial role in this decision. One of Radiesse’s benefits is its impressive longevity, lasting between 12 to 18 months. 

This duration varies based on the treatment area and the individual’s skin type. Due to its durability, patients often choose Radiesse for marionette lines, jowls, and cheek augmentation. Conversely, Sculptra offers results lasting up to two years, stimulating collagen production gradually and providing natural-looking improvements over time.

Indications and Treatment Areas

Doctors choose Radiesse or Sculptra based on specific facial concerns. Each filler targets different areas, offering unique solutions for enhancement and rejuvenation.

Indications of Radiesse and Sculptra in Facial Augmentation

Radiesse effectively addresses significant facial volume loss and moderate to severe wrinkles. Its robust formula fills deeper folds and stimulates natural collagen production, providing immediate and lasting improvements. Radiesse offers minimal discomfort and no required downtime.

In contrast, Sculptra is ideal for patients seeking gradual improvements in facial structure. It promotes the body’s collagen production over time. It is recommended for deeper wrinkles and folds. It effectively restores youthful contours in various facial areas, making it a versatile solution for combating signs of aging.

Treatment areas for Radiesse and Sculptra injections

Radiesse’s versatility extends to various facial areas, making it an excellent choice for addressing multiple aesthetic concerns. It’s particularly effective for enhancing the jawline, reducing marionette lines, and improving cellulite appearance.

In addition, Radiesse injections rejuvenate hands, restoring lost volume for a more youthful look. Radiesse offers a non-surgical solution for neck contouring and sagging skin under the chin. These targeted applications underscore Radiesse’s multifaceted role in aesthetic treatments.

Similarly, Sculptra effectively addresses deep folds between the nose and mouth, enhancing cheek volume and correcting chin wrinkles and marionette lines. It also improves overall facial symmetry, providing natural-looking enhancements tailored to individual aesthetic goals.

Clinical Evidence and Case Studies

Clinical studies show Radiesse’s efficacy in facial augmentation, proving its durability and benefits. Not only does it correct medium to severe folds, but it also boosts collagen production, which is vital for youthful skin. 

Radiesse offers natural-looking results with minimal discomfort. It provides immediate correction and long-lasting volume improvement, as observed in real-world applications. Choosing between Radiesse and Sculptra depends on individual needs. 

Sculptra, a long-lasting dermal filler, acts as a collagen bio-stimulator, filling volume loss and aiding collagen regeneration. Patients report satisfaction with results lasting up to two years. With a proven safety profile, Sculptra offers natural-looking rejuvenation with minimal adverse effects.

Real-world Case Studies of Radiesse and Sculptra

Real-world case studies show the effectiveness of Sculptra in addressing facial volume loss and sagging skin. These cases highlight the benefits and transformative power of this popular dermal filler.

Image courtesy of Skinly Aesthetics

A 45-year-old patient underwent jawline and chin sculpting using 3ml of Radiesse and 2ml of Juvederm Voluma fillers. One day post-treatment, she exhibited significant improvement, with a more defined jawline and chin, enhancing her facial contours and providing a youthful appearance.

Image courtesy of MiraBelle Spa

After one session of Sculptra involving 2 vials, the patient’s results at 12 weeks showcased natural volume enhancement in the cheeks and temples without a “puffy” appearance. To enhance the outcome further, 2 more vials were administered.

Conclusion

Choosing between Radiesse and Sculptra for facial augmentation depends on your specific needs, desired outcomes, and how quickly you wish to see results. Both fillers offer unique benefits and can significantly improve volume loss and sagging skin.

Consultation with a qualified healthcare professional will guide you toward the right choice for your individual goals. With their expertise, achieving a refreshed and youthful appearance is within reach.

FAQs

1. What are the main differences between Radiesse and Sculptra?

Radiesse uses ingredients that provide immediate results by adding volume and stimulating collagen production, while Sculptra works gradually to boost collagen over time for longer-lasting effects.

2. Can I use Radiesse or Sculptra instead of Botox?

While Radiesse and Sculptra focus on restoring volume and smoothing deep lines by enhancing collagen, Botox targets wrinkles by relaxing muscles. They serve different purposes in facial augmentation.

3. Are there any evil results to be aware of with Radiesse?

Like any dermal filler, potential bad results from Radiesse can include swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the injection site, but these are generally temporary.

4. How do I choose between Radiesse and Sculptra for my needs?

Consider your goals: if you want immediate results with added volume, Radiesse might be right for you. Sculptra could be a better choice if you prefer gradual improvements with natural-looking skin rejuvenation.

References

Staff MF | A, Friday M 5. How millennials getting plastic surgery is testing the hands of time. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/how-millennials-getting-plastic-surgery-is-testing-the-hands-of-time

Vallejo A, García-Ruano AA, Carmen Tejera Pinilla, Castellano MG, Deleyto E, Pérez-Cano R. Comparing Efficacy and Costs of Four Facial Fillers in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Associated Lipodystrophy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2017;141(3):613-623. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000004173