Radiesse vs. Sculptra – How to Choose?

Two of the most common types of dermal fillers available are Sculptra and Radiesse. The two fillers are similar because they are both FDA-approved to address severe nasolabial folds and marionette lines on the lower face. They are both collagen bio-stimulators, which trigger the body's natural collagen production to rejuvenate the skin and reverse signs of aging. They differ in their formulation, with Radiesse being composed of the active ingredient calcium hydroxylapatite and Sculptra containing the active ingredient poly-L-lactic acid. Both are long-lasting and effective, with no downtime necessary following treatment.

Radiesse Overview

Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. It is FDA-approved for correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, and for correcting facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with HIV or age-related volume loss. CaHA is similar in composition to bones and teeth. Radiesse has a thick gel consistency, which provides immediate results once injected into the wrinkles and folds. Each injection with Radiesse begins the process of neocollagenesis, stimulating the ss own collagen growth. Over time, the gel is absorbed, and fibroblasts appear to build structural scaffolding for the skin. The natural-looking results of collagen boost from Radiesse injections are long-lasting and can last around one year after just one injection.

Sculptra Overview

Sculptra also known as Sculptra Aesthetic, is an injectable liquid dermal filler made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) used to correct facial contour deficiencies and facial wrinkles, as well as correct lipoatrophy in people with HIV. PLLA has been safely used in medical devices for 20 years, including dissolvable sutures and surgical implants. When Sculptra is injected, PLLA stimulates the ss own collagen production by inducing an inflammatory response. The body's immune system recognizes the filler as a foreign body and creates fibroblasts to surround it, producing collagen in that area. Because Sculptra is biodegradable, the product is broken down and excreted by the body, allowing the skin to continue collagen synthesis to replenish volume and reduce signs of aging.

Both Sculptra and Radiesse can be used off-label for non-surgical body contouring  such as adding volume to the buttocks, correcting crepey skin of arms, abdomens, thighs, and knees. 

Radiesse vs. Sculptra:

Which Areas Can Be Treated?

Radiesse

The FDA has approved Radiesse for correcting volume loss and wrinkles in these areas:

• Corners of the mouth
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Pre-jowls
• Chin
• Hands

Radiesse is also used off-label to lift sagging knees, upper arms, and buttocks.

The injectable's thick, viscous consistency makes it unsuitable for facial areas with thin skin, such as the under-eye area.

Sculptra

Sculptra is FDA-approved for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, including:

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Chin wrinkles

It is also used off-label for full face restoration (excluding undereyes, forehead, and immediately around mouth), neck rejuvenation, butt lift, and hip dips correction, crepey skin of arm, thighs, and knees.

The Procedure

Radiesse

The medical provider cleans and prepares the skin for treatment. They sometimes apply a topical numbing cream to minimize the pain. Radiesse is applied deeper in the skin than Sculptra and may cause more discomfort.

The provider marks the injection sites and injects Radiesse. The process takes several minutes. Finally, the provider massages the treatment area to help the injection settle and prevent lumps. Patients usually need one Radiesse session for optimal results.

Sculptra

Sculptra treatments are similar to Radiesse sessions. The only difference is that patients typically require three sessions spaced one month apart for the best results.

The Results

Radiesse

Radiesse instantly volumizes the treatment area because the injectable consists of calcium microspheres that provide an immediate support structure beneath the skin. They dissolve after several months, just as the newly formed collagen and tissue appear, resulting in a smoother, rejuvenated look.

Radiesse results typically last about one year, with some patients enjoying younger-looking skin for much longer.

Sculptra

Sculptra provides gradual results because the PLLA particles act as a foreign body that stimulates increased collagen production. The effects become apparent after several weeks, with the skin's tone and texture gradually improving in the following months.

Sculptra provides the longest-lasting results of all dermal fillers – up to 24 months.

Side Effects

Radiesse and Sculptra use biodegradable substances that are safe for use in volume-restoring cosmetic applications. However, patients sometimes report mild, short-lasting side effects, such as:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Itching
• Pain
• Lumps

Aftercare

To minimize side effects and ensure the best results, medical providers recommend following these aftercare tips:

• After Sculptra injection, it is important to massage the area for five minutes, five times a day for five days. Massage assists with tissue integration and prevents the formations of lumps and bumps. Radiesse only requires massage post-injection and is ussualy performed at the office by the provider, and massage at home for Radiesse is not required.
• Avoid sun and high heat exposure for several days.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours.
• Use icepacks to reduce swelling.
• Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours.

Cost

At Truth Medical Aesthetics, one syringe of Radiesse or Sculptra costs $750. Patients typically need one or two syringes per session, depending on the cosmetic issue and desired effects.

Visit our provider at the Truth Medical Aesthetics to get a detailed assessment of your skin issues and learn how much it would cost to resolve them.

Which Is Better: Sculptra or Radiesse?

Radiesse and Sculptra are collagen-stimulating dermal fillers that restore volume in hollow facial regions and fill in moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. Both are effective in treating the midface area and chin wrinkles. Radiesse is a better choice for restoring volume in the back of the hands and for people who want instant skin-lifting results. Sculptra is better for patients who want longer-lasting results with minimal maintenance.

Choose an experienced medical provider to ensure the best type of filler for your cosmetic concern.

Conclusion

If you're seeing aging signs that distress you, cosmetic treatments like Radiesse or Sculptra may be able to help. They are collagen-building fillers that provide impressive, natural-looking, and long-lasting results.

Consult our Truth Medical Aesthetics medical professionals to determine the best strategy for your desired look.