Dermal fillers are a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that helps minimize the effects of aging by replenishing lost volume in the skin. The treatment is gaining popularity because it provides excellent, natural-looking results. Satisfied patients report a dramatic reduction of lines and wrinkles, and restored facial contours.
Radiesse and Juvéderm are two of the most popular dermal filler brands. This article will help you understand their differences and which brand may be more suitable for your skin concerns.
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is an FDA-approved gel injection based on calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral typically found in bones and teeth. The filler restores lost volume and provides an immediate plumping of hollow facial areas.
Unlike other filler types, due to its composition, Radiesse stimulates the gradual production of collagen. This means that the final results of the treatment are visible after several weeks. These delayed effects distinguish Radiesse from other dermal fillers.
What Is Juvéderm?
Juvéderm is an FDA-approved gel injection based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a carbohydrate found in our tissues. It helps attract and retain moisture in treated areas, plumping up and rejuvenating the skin. The results are immediate and last until the body dissolves the injected HA, which is typically after one year.
The brand has several products with different HA concentrations and formulas designed to target different facial areas and concerns. The advantage of HA-based dermal fillers like Juvéderm is that they can be dissolved with the enzyme Hyaluronidase if the patient isn’t satisfied with the results.
Note: Learn how lip fillers are dissolved with hyaluronidase injections.
What Are the Differences Between Radiesse and Juvéderm?
Radiesse and Juvéderm provide similar benefits, but they also differ in several ways.
| Hyaluronic acid | Calcium hydroxylapatite | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment areas | Marionette lines Corners of the mouth Sagging jowls Wrinkled chin Sunken cheeks Nasolabial folds Lips Perioral lines | Marionette lines Corners of the mouth Sagging jowls Wrinkled chin Sunken cheeks Nasolabial folds Wrinkled hands |
| Time to first results | Immediate | Immediate volumizing and gradual rejuvenating effects |
| Results duration | 6-12 months | 18-24 months |
| Can be dissolved | Yes | No |
Radiesse vs. Juvéderm Ingredients and Formulation
The main difference between these two popular dermal fillers is the active ingredients.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a water-based gel mixed with calcium hydroxyapatite, which boosts collagen production and plumps up the skin.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm has a smooth consistency, based on hyaluronic acid. The brand has several products with different HA concentrations and formulas designed to target different facial areas and concerns. Some Juvéderm products are better for chin augmentation, while others plump up the lips and smooth perioral lines.
Both Radiesse and Juvéderm fillers are mixed with lidocaine to numb the treated area and minimize pain.
Radiesse Vs. Juvéderm Target Areas
Radiesse and Juvéderm are primarily used for facial rejuvenation.
Radiesse
Radiesse addresses the following facial concerns:
- Marionette lines
- Corners of the mouth
- Sagging jowls
- Wrinkled chin
- Sunken cheeks
- Nasolabial folds
Radiesse is also FDA-approved for wrinkle reduction in the back of the hands because of its collagen-boosting properties.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm helps with the following facial concerns:
- Marionette lines
- Corners of the mouth
- Sagging jowls
- Wrinkled chin
- Sunken cheeks
- Nasolabial folds
- Lips
- Perioral lines
Note: Learn more about Juvéderm lip fillers and how long Juvéderm lasts in the lips.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Radiesse and Juvéderm?
Radiesse and Juvéderm fillers are ideal for healthy adults who want to reduce signs of aging and restore facial contours without surgery.
Radiesse
Radiesse patients are typically over 35, with moderate to severe wrinkles and thinning, loose skin on the cheeks and jawline. The filler is also commonly used for hand rejuvenation.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is suitable for healthy adults over 21 and is widely used for lip augmentation and the correction of lip asymmetries. The filler also improves mild to moderate aging signs in the mid-face. Younger patients seeking subtle volume or contouring are ideal candidates for Juvéderm.
How to Prepare for Radiesse and Juvéderm Treatments?
Providers advise dermal filler patients to follow these guidelines when preparing for the procedures.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for 24-48 hours before the treatment.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) for one or two weeks, in consultation with your healthcare provider.
- Consider using arnica supplements to reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.
- Refrain from intense exercise on the day of the treatment.
- Come to the session with a clean face, free of makeup and skincare products.
What to Expect During Radiesse and Juvéderm Procedures?
Treatments with Radiesse and Juvéderm dermal fillers are similar.
Before the injection, the medical provider disinfects the patient’s skin in the treatment area and marks the locations where they will inject the filler. They may apply a topical numbing cream if the patient is concerned about the pain, though the injections include lidocaine.
The medical provider injects the filler into the target area. The amount of filler used depends on the treatment area and the desired outcome. The injection process typically lasts about 15 minutes but depends on the size of the treated area. The medical provider then gently massages the area to ensure no lumps form and the filler is distributed evenly.
There is no downtime after a dermal filler procedure.
The Results of Radiesse and Juvéderm
Both fillers provide impressive anti-aging effects. Radiesse lasts longer because of its collagen-inducing properties.
Radiesse
Radiesse achieves instant wrinkle reduction and skin lifting. In addition, the gradual collagen boost caused by the body’s reaction to calcium particles in the skin enhances the treatment results. Treated skin continues to rejuvenate for months after the treatment. The effects of Radiesse can last for 18 months and up to two years in some cases.
Juvéderm
A Juvéderm treatment also provides immediate wrinkle reduction and skin volumizing effects. The results typically last between six and 12 months, with some Juvéderm products providing results that last up to 18 months.
Radiesse vs. Juvéderm Aftercare
The duration of recovery and the longevity of results largely depend on filler aftercare. These guidelines should help patients avoid the risk of severe side effects and maximize the treatment’s effectiveness.
- Apply cold compresses to relieve pain, swelling, and bruising.
- Use Tylenol for pain, if needed.
- Don’t use blood-thinning medications.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid sources of high heat, including direct sunlight, tanning beds, and saunas.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid makeup for 24 hours.
- Don’t travel by plane for at least 24-48 hours.
Note: If you are treating your lips, read our article on lip filler aftercare for more detailed guidelines on what to do and avoid after the treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Radiesse and Juvéderm?
Radiesse and Juvéderm cause mild side effects that resolve within a few days without the need for medical intervention.
Typical side effects include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itching
More severe side effects are rare and include:
- Allergic reactions
- Infection
- Scarring
- Blindness
- Stroke
Should Anyone Avoid Radiesse or Juvéderm?
Most healthy adults are eligible for Radiesse and Juvéderm treatments. However, there are conditions that exclude some patients from the treatment:
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Severe allergies
- Bleeding disorders
- Skin infections and pigmentation
- Keloids and scarring
Your chosen medical provider will examine your medical history to determine if the filler treatment is safe for you.
Radiesse vs. Juvéderm Cost
Radiesse fillers may be slightly more expensive than Juvéderm, depending on the provider’s location and the patient’s skin concern. However, they also last longer. At Vibrant Skin Bar Radiesse costs $749 per syringe.
Juvéderm fillers cost between $625 for Juvéderm Volbella and $850 for Voluma (per syringe).
Juvéderm vs. Radiesse FAQ
The questions and answers below further explain these two fillers’ distinct features, and how to use them for the best outcomes.
Do Radiesse and Juvéderm Look Natural?
When performed by a skilled, experienced provider, Radiesse and Juvéderm provide natural-looking rejuvenation. Sometimes patients request excessive amounts of filler in the hope of fully eliminating aging signs. This can lead to an overfilled, unnaturally stiff, and puffy appearance.
Is Juvéderm or Radiesse Better?
Radiesse and Juvéderm differ in their active ingredients, consistency, and the skin issues they address. For that reason, your medical provider may recommend one over the other.
Radiesse may be a better choice if you want to add volume to your midface area and restore youthful facial contours. It also lasts longer.
Juvéderm is a more suitable option if you want to add volume to your lips or treat the lines above your upper lip. It is also a safer choice when it comes to potential allergic reactions, and it can be dissolved if you don’t like the results.
Can Radiesse and Juvéderm Be Combined?
Radiesse and Juvéderm can be combined in a treatment called the liquid facelift. Providers use different injectables to enhance facial contouring, add more volume, and target different areas in the same session, providing a more comprehensive anti-aging treatment.
Conclusion
The cosmetic industry offers many non-invasive solutions to offset premature aging skin. Dermal fillers like Radiesse and Juvéderm are among the most popular treatments because they provide instant, long-lasting results.
Talk to an experienced skin expert at Vibrant Skin Bar to help you choose between these two fillers and achieve smoother, plumper, more youthful-looking skin.
If you are interested in finding out more about Juvéderm compared to other dermal fillers, make sure to read our articles Juvéderm vs. Sculptra and Juvéderm vs. Restylane.
If you want to find out how Radiesse differs from other fillers, read our article Radiesse vs. Sculptra.
If you are looking for a provider of dermal fillers in Phoenix, contact our specialists at Vibrant Skin Bar.
