Sculptra Vs Radiesse: What is the Difference?

Lee, Both Sculptra and Radiesse are long-term fillers which work by slightly different mechanisms, but both lead to very nice results. Sculptra consists of poly-L-lactic acid, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and mannitol which attract water and stimulates collagen production. The effect of Sculptra will increase with time. Radiesse is made of hydroxyapatite which is an effective temporary volume filler. The effect of Radiesse will not increase with time. Additionally, Radiesse may cause... more

Both sculptra and Radiesse are long term filler (lasting 1 yr or more usually). They both are used primarily for filling in nasolabial or cheek grooves and both do nice jobs at that but Radiesse tends to have less chance of leaving uneven or lumpy bumpy results than Sculptra. David Hansen, MD

Category: Radiesse:  filler with minimal biostimulation Sculptra:     biostimulator without filling effect   Duration: Radiesse:  up to one year Sculptra:     up to two years   Best Locations of Use: Radiesse:  areas of thick skin:  flat cheek, nose, chin Sculptra:     areas of thin skin:  temple, thin heeks, around the mouth (but not the lips),  jowls, depression in front of the ears,... more

.When treating problems due to volume loss such as cheek hollows and sagging skin beside the mouth, I will almost always use stimulatory fillers such as Radiesse and/or Sculptra. They are injected deeper, beneath the skin, and will generate more volume to create a much better lifting effect for sagging skin. They work by stimulating your skin to produce more collagen, which is why they are so effective, and give longer-lasting results too. I often combine Radiesse and Sculptra treatments for... more

After using both Sculptra and Radiesse heavily in my practice, I find that Sculptra is superior for filling in hollow temples, defining a sagging jawline and building cheek contours. While radiesse can be used in these areas, radiesse does not last as long and does not have the smooth consistency that sculptra offers. Radiesse works better for deep smile lines, sagging mouth corners and smaller areas of facial depression. Sculptra produces far better results and lasts longer when working on... more

Sculptra works a catalyst action in the production of your own new collagen, stimulated by the injection of microfine particles of ploy-l-lactic acid (actually the same material as dissolvable stitches, so there's long term knowledge of how long it stays in the body and the lack of sensitivity response). Results from Sculptra are gradual, they can be subtle to dramatic and last 2 years or more. You can use Sculptra in areas where Radiesse would be prohibited. Sculptra is an... more

Sculptra is a facial injectable that works gradually with a series of treatments.  It helps replace lost collagen and restores shallow to deep facial creases that develop over time to give you a more natural looking appearance.  After around 3 treatments, Sculptra can last up to 2 years.  Radiesse, on the other hand, gives immediate results, but over time, it is resorbed by your body.  The effects of Radiesse can last anywhere from 10-12 months. ... more

Radiesse is an instant filler. It is synthesized in the lab but it is identical to a chemical that we have in our body and is a precursor to bone formation.  Sculptra is a synthetic absorbable product, similar to that used to make dissolvable sutures. Sculptra is a volumizer. It is a seed. There is no instant filling with Sculptra. You plant and watch it grow, ususally requiring several treatments.

In our practice at Chrysalis Cosmetics in Sacramento we use Sculptra for long term volume correction.  In most pateints it is a smooth volme stimulator that enhances the natural beauty of the skin.  It works well as an adjunctive procedure for face lifts and eyelid lifts.