Radiesse vs. Sculptra: How They Differ?

This article explains the differences between Radiesse and Sculptra, and helps you choose a suitable treatment for your cosmetic concern.

What Is Radiesse?

Radiesse is a thick injectable filler whose main component is synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral with the same chemical composition as the material found in bones and teeth. The injected calcium hydroxylapatite particles function as a scaffold for new tissue growth.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a dermal filler made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that triggers the body’s inflammatory response and stimulates increased collagen production. It provides delayed but longer-lasting results.

How Do Radiesse and Sculptra Differ?

Both fillers stimulate collagen, restore volume in hollow facial regions, and fill in moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. However, they differ in many ways.

The following table outlines the main differences between Radiesse and Sculptra. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Radiesse and Sculptra?

Radiesse and Sculptra are indicated for healthy adults with moderate to severe aging signs who want to contour facial features and restore youthful skin.

Radiesse

Providers often use Radiesse for patients with moderate wrinkles, skin laxity, and volume loss in areas like the cheeks and the jawline. The filler is also a popular option for restoring a more youthful appearance to the hands.

Sculptra

Sculptra is a versatile injection. Providers use it in patients with wrinkles and sagging skin in the lower face, neck, upper arms, buttocks, and knees. The injection can also help reduce cellulite and correct hip dips.

Which Areas Are Radiesse and Sculptra Best For?

Radiesse and Sculptra address many of the same concerns and treatment areas. Providers choose one over the other depending on whether the patient wants immediate rejuvenation (Radiesse) or gradual, more natural-looking results (Sculptra).

The two injectables are considered among the best treatments for jawline contouring, nasolabial folds, chin wrinkles, and neck rejuvenation.

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.

Note: Learn which fillers are suitable for the under-eye area and how they work.

Sculptra

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

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Chin wrinkles
• Fine lines and wrinkles on the cheeks

It is also used off-label for neck rejuvenation, butt lift, and hip dip correction. 

How to Prepare for Radiesse and Sculptra Treatments?

Sculptra and Radiesse patients should follow these pre-treatment guidelines to ensure the treatment goes smoothly.

• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements for a week or two.
• Don’t drink alcohol or smoke for several days.
• Use gentle skincare products; avoid retinol, vitamin C, peels, etc.
• Don’t schedule treatments, such as laser and chemical peels, for two weeks before fillers.
• Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated.
• Come to the appointment with a clean face, free of makeup.

What to Expect During the Radiesse and Sculptra Procedures?

The procedure for all dermal fillers is similar.

Radiesse

The medical provider cleans and prepares the skin for the treatment. They sometimes apply a topical numbing cream to minimize pain.

The provider marks the injection sites and injects Radiesse. Radiesse is applied deeper in the skin than Sculptra and may cause more discomfort. 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.

Radiesse vs. Sculptra Results

Patients can expect a significant transformation and long-lasting results with Radiesse and Sculptra.

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.

Are There Any Side Effects of Using Radiesse and Sculptra?

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

Radiesse vs. Sculptra 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 formation of lumps and bumps.
• Radiesse only requires massage post-injection and is usually performed by the provider. Massage at home is not required for Radiesse.
• Avoid sun and heat exposure for several days.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours.
• Use icepacks to reduce swelling.
• Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours.

Note: This blog post provides detailed information about what to do after a dermal filler treatment.

Should Anyone Avoid Radiesse and Sculptra?

Sculptra and Radiesse are not suitable for people with the following conditions:

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Weakened immune system
• History of keloid scarring
• Bleeding disorders
• Severe allergies
• Active skin infections

Radiesse vs. Sculptra Price

At Vibrant Skin Bar, one syringe of Radiesse costs $749. Patients typically need one or two syringes per session, depending on the cosmetic issue and desired effects.

One vial of Sculptra costs $900. Patients usually need one or two vials per session and about three sessions spaced across three to four months.

Visit our skin professionals at the Vibrant Skin Bar to get a detailed assessment of your skin issues and learn how much it would cost to resolve them.

Radiesse vs. Sculptra FAQ

These questions and answers can help you better understand the differences between Radiesse and Sculptra, and which filler better fits your aesthetic goals.

Is Radiesse Better than Sculptra?

Both fillers 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 more suitable for patients who want longer-lasting results with minimal maintenance.

Can Radiesse and Sculptra Be Used Together?

Radiesse and Sculptra are often used together to provide immediate, long-term rejuvenation and more comprehensive results. The combined treatment is called the liquid facelift.

How to Choose Between Radiesse and Sculptra?

Providers choose between Radiesse and Sculptra depending on the patient’s unique skin condition, cosmetic concern, and preferred timeline of results. For more gradual and natural effects derived from long-term collagen building, they recommend Sculptra. Radiesse is better suited for those seeking more immediate volume and lift, along with some collagen-boosting benefits over time.

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 Vibrant Skin Bar medical professionals to determine the best strategy for your desired look.