When it comes to restoring lost volume, enhancing facial contours, and achieving a more youthful appearance, Radiesse and Sculptra are two of the most popular dermal fillers available today. Sculptra and Radiesse are both injectable fillers classified as collagen biostimulator. What makes a collagen biostimulator unique to other injectable treatments, is it stimulates the body’s natural collagen production to improve skin structure, elasticity, and volume over time. Both Radiesse and Sculptra offer unique benefits, but they work in different ways and are suited for different cosmetic goals. Whether you’re looking for immediate results with added structure or a gradual, long-lasting improvement through collagen stimulation, understanding the key differences between Radiesse and Sculptra can help you navigate with one of our providers in understanding which treatment is best for you. At Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology, we offer two leading biostimulators: Sculptra® and Radiesse® in West Palm Beach, FL, and Jupiter, FL. Each product is uniquely formulated to target specific aging concerns and enhance facial harmony without surgery.
Radiesse is a calcium-based filler that enhances facial volume and contours by effectively reducing moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. Radiesse utilizes a dual mechanism that achieves natural-looking facial enhancement that typically lasts longer than many other dermal fillers. Radiesse provides immediate volume upon injection, while also stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, leading to long-term skin rejuvenation. By utilizing fine needles, the filler is precisely injected into targeted facial and body areas (like forearms, neck, chest, knees, and buttocks) to immediately enhance volume and stimulate collagen. Over time, as the gel gradually absorbs, the calcium remains which stimulates collagen growth. Radiesse for the body (forearms, neck + chest, knees, butt, hands). This results in improved skin elasticity, firmer texture, and wrinkle reduction for up to 18 months. Radiesse is a perfect solution for individuals seeking both immediate enhancement and gradual, long-lasting improvements in skin firmness and texture.
Sculptra is a dermal filler made from poly-L-lactic acid, specifically formulated to restore lost collagen. Sculptra works overtime gradually to improve the skin’s elasticity, texture, and firmness. Sculptra helps diminish deep facial wrinkles and folds while replenishing volume in areas prone to hollowing, such as the cheeks and temples. Sculptra is best for gradual, natural looking results, restoring volume in larger areas like cheeks and temples (versus fine lines), improving skin laxity on both the face and body, and long-term results.
What are the main differences between Radiesse and Sculptra?
Simply put, Radiesse provides immediate volume to desired injected areas, while Sculptra does not have a “filler effect.” Radiesse and Sculptra differ significantly in ingredient formula, effects on the body, and overall results. Radiesse works by instantly adding volume to the skin with its gel formula and helps the skin produce more collagen over time thanks to the tiny calcium particles it contains (calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres.) On the other hand, Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid that encourages the body to naturally create more collagen, resulting in gradual and long-lasting improvements. Radiesse is ideal for treating deeper wrinkles, facial contouring, and hand rejuvenation, with results typically lasting up to 18 months, while Sculptra lasts about 2 years.
How do Radiesse and Sculptra work to improve facial volume and contour?
Radiesse offers immediate volume, while Sculptra provides gradual improvements over time. Unlike Radiesse, Sculptra does not provide immediate volume. Instead, it stimulates the production of collagen over time. PLLA works by triggering a gradual buildup of collagen, which adds volume and improves skin texture. Radiesse is generally better for addressing more pronounced wrinkles and volume loss in specific areas, while Sculptra is better suited for restoring overall facial volume loss, particularly in the mid-face.
What are the benefits of choosing Radiesse over Sculptra, and vice versa?
Both Radiesse and Sculptra offer unique long-term benefits, unlike regular hyaluronic acid fillers. Radiesse provides “instant gratification” for those looking for immediate volume restoration, who want faster and more dramatic results in a single session, or needing to treat a specific area that may require firmer contouring or structural lifting, such as cheek definition.
Who is an ideal candidate for Radiesse? Who is an ideal candidate for Sculptra?
Both Radiesse and Sculptra offer natural looking results to treat wrinkles, contour the face and generate a more youthful glow. Patients who desire immediate volume and a firmer, more structured result may prefer Radiesse. Radiesse on average treats more areas of the body than Sculptra typically does, like forearms, neck and chest, knees, butt, and hands). Sculptra is ideal for patients who want to look natural through their skin rejuvenation treatment journey.
How do the results and longevity of Radiesse compare to those of Sculptra?
Biostimulation injections require several treatments spaced over several weeks to months. Patients may notice initial improvement, but the full effects become apparent gradually as collagen production increases. This approach leads to subtle and natural-looking results that can last longer than those achieved with dermal fillers. Radiesse lasts up to 18 months, while Sculptra lasts about two years on average.
At Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology, Radiesse and Sculptra treatments commence with a comprehensive consultation to evaluate aesthetic objectives and develop a personalized treatment strategy. Deciding the best personalized treatment plan specially formulated to your precise needs is just one call or click away! 561-805-9399
