Radiesse vs. Juvéderm: What’s the Difference?

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.

Radiesse vs. Juvederm: The differences between the two dermal fillers

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 full results of the treatment are visible after several weeks. These delayed effects distinguish Radiesse from other dermal fillers.

Note: Read our article if you want to learn about the benefits of collagen for the skin.

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.

Note: Find out what are the best products for skin rejuvenation.

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.

Radiesse Vs. Juvéderm: What Are the Differences?

Radiesse and Juvéderm provide similar benefits, but they also differ in several ways.

	Juvéderm	Radiesse
Main ingredient	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 Formula

The main difference between these two popular dermal fillers are the active ingredients.

Radiesse is a water-based gel mixed with calcium hydroxyapatite which boosts collagen production and plumps up the skin.

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 Treatment Areas

Radiesse addresses the following skin concerns:

Marionette lines
Corners of the mouth
Sagging jowls
Wrinkled chin
Sunken cheeks
Nasolabial folds
Wrinkled hands

Radiesse is FDA-approved for wrinkle reduction in the back of the hands because of its collagen-boosting properties.

Juvéderm helps with the following skin concerns:

Marionette lines
Corners of the mouth
Sagging jowls
Wrinkled chin
Sunken cheeks
Nasolabial folds
Lips
Perioral lines

Juvéderm is more suitable for lip volumizing because Radiesse’s thick consistency increases the chances of forming lumps in the lips’ sensitive tissue.

Note: Learn the important things about Juvéderm lip filler and find out how long does Juvéderm last in lips.

Radiesse Vs. Juvéderm Procedure

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 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.

Radiesse Vs. Juvéderm Results and Duration

Radiesse provides instant wrinkle reduction and skin lifting effects. In addition, the gradual collagen boost caused by the body’s reaction to calcium particles in the skin enhances the treatment results. Your skin continues to rejuvenate for months after the treatment. The effects of Radiesse may last for 18 months and even up to two years in some cases.

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: Who Should Avoid the Treatments?

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 Side Effects

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

Radiesse Vs. Juvéderm Cost

Radiesse products 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.

Juvéderm fillers cost between $549 for Juvéderm Ultra and $850 for Voluma.

Is Radiesse Better Than Juvéderm?

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.

Both fillers offer excellent results. Your medical provider will help you pick one based on your individual needs.

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. And if you are interested in finding out more about juvederm comparing 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 to find out.

If you are looking for a provider of dermal fillers in Phoenix, contact our specialists at Vibrant Skin Bar.

Radiesse vs. Sculptra – How to Choose?

Dermal fillers and Botox are the ultimate cosmetic solution for people who want to reverse the effects of aging without surgery. Fillers come in many forms, depending on what the patient wants to achieve. Some fillers instantly fill in deep wrinkles and folds, while others take time to stimulate the body’s natural collagen-building process.

Radiesse and Sculptra belong to the latter group. Their rejuvenating effects are similar, but they differ in many ways. This article explains the differences between the two popular anti-aging injectables and helps you choose a suitable treatment for your cosmetic concern.

Radiesse Overview

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.

Sculptra Overview

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.

Radiesse vs. Sculptra

The following table helps you assess the main differences between Radiesse and Sculptra.

	Radiesse	Sculptra
Main ingredient	Calcium hydroxylapatite	Poly-L-lactic acid
FDA-approved treatment areas	Nasolabial foldsCorners of the mouthMarionette linesPre-jowl foldsChin wrinklesHands	Nasolabial foldsMarionette linesChin wrinkles
Time to first results	Immediate	Several weeks
Longevity of results	12+ months	Up to 24 months
Typical number of sessions	One session	Three sessions in three to four months
Side effects	RednessSwellingBruisingTendernessPain at the injection siteLumps	RednessSwellingBruisingTendernessPain at the injection siteLumps
Cost	$725 per syringe	$900 per vial

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.

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

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

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.

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

Cost

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.

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