Dermal fillers have been among the most popular in-office treatments for many years, and with their ability to dramatically transform virtually any part of the face or body, it’s easy to see why. They can restore volume to aging skin, enhance cheekbones, plump thin lips, fill under-eye hollows, smooth lines, and so much more. But filler isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are a variety of brands offering products with different molecular weights and capabilities.
Restylane, Juvéderm, Radiesse, and Sculptra are four of the most commonly used face fillers, and although they’re often compared to one another, they differ considerably. Both Restylane and Juvéderm are hyaluronic acid–based fillers used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to plump skin, but depending on which formulation of each is used and where, results will vary.
The active ingredient in Radiesse, on the other hand, is calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral that’s found in human bones and teeth. It works to restore volume immediately as well as over time, since the body absorbs the gel and metabolizes the calcium to build up its own collagen supply.
Originally used in HIV patients who had lost significant facial volume, Sculptra is known to fill in hollow or sunken areas of the face but cannot be used in the lips or under the eyes. The active ingredient in this filler is poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic compound that promotes the production of new collagen. It takes several Sculptra treatments, about a month apart, to see noticeable results, but it’s thought to last longer than traditional hyaluronic acid fillers.
Your doctor should always be your go-to source for any decisions around filler, including choosing which is right for you. But if you’re looking to hear from others about their own experiences, check out what RealSelf members have to say about why they prefer one particular filler over another.
Editor’s note: The following reviews are based on real patients’ opinions, not facts or clinical studies. Reactions to filler injections vary from person to person and depend on a number of factors. For medical insights and clinical studies, check out these resources.
- Restylane: What You Should Know
- Juvéderm: What You Should Know
- Radiesse: What You Should Know
- Sculptra: What You Should Know
Related: The Reasons Real Patients Prefer One Neurotoxin Over Another
Restylane reviews
A small amount makes a huge difference
“I have always wanted to get my lips filled. I have quite small lips that have only looked smaller as I’ve aged. I had many concerns about getting this done, from the pain level to looking cartoonish. It was a little painful, but nothing that would keep me from doing it again. I love how my lips look fuller and my top lip [is] more upturned … It [looks] exactly like I imagined it … We were going to use a full needle but used a little less, and I think it was a great choice. This is something I always wanted to do, and I’m so glad I took the plunge.” —@nikki92585
“I saw a dramatic difference in balancing the volume in my chin with [Restylane] filler. There was more symmetry in my profile and [the] balance of my lips. I would definitely continue to come back and get this treatment again.” —@rpazdan
Improves the appearance of under-eye area
“I hated [how] the puffy bags under my eyes always [made] me look old and tired. I had Restylane injected into the tear trough, to fill in the line that made my eyes look saggy. The procedure was quick and painless! The doctor—who was wonderful!—did a light numbing cream on the area and let it sit for about 20–25 minutes. Then he went ahead and did the filler very gently, and I didn’t feel a thing! I was told by another doctor that this procedure would only give me about a 30–40% improvement, but I honestly think I got a 90% improvement. and the confidence I gained is definitely 100%!” —@aveda75
“Over the past five years, I began noticing dark circles and deep creases under my eyes. I spent untold amounts of money on creams, devices, etc. I heard about how fillers improved the appearance of this area, so I considered it for over a year. Once I just couldn’t stand it anymore, I decided to do it. I did my homework and found the perfect physician. I am constantly amazed at how good it looks. I wish I had done it sooner, that is for sure … Out of all the pampering I constantly do, this is the most satisfying treatment of all.” —@ArabelaW
Gives lips structure and softness
“I’ve used Juvéderm Ultra and Juvéderm Volbella in my lips for the past few years. My last syringe of Volbella wasn’t enough for me, so a month later, I went back to try a new product, Restylane Kysse. Kysse is a soft filler, like Volbella, but it has some structure, like Ultra, and so far I am loving the results!” —@gregarious5016
Juvéderm reviews
Restores youthful volume
“I’ve always had full lips, but this year I finally decided to take the plunge and get some filler in my lips to make them more pouty, like they were when I was 19—I’m 41 now … I love the youthful look [Juvéderm filler] gives me. I feel so much more confident, and lipstick actually stays on my lips now! Before, it would all come off quickly, except for [in] the vermilion area lining my lips, and I would be walking around looking like I only put on lip liner all day! This filler is awesome, and I’m sad I didn’t start doing it five years ago!” —@Motomommy2016
Adds fullness to lips
“Got my second syringe of Juvéderm Ultra Plus, and I am loving the shape and fullness. About a month ago, I had one whole syringe of Juvéderm Ultra, and I was still wanting [fuller] lips, so I did the Ultra Plus and love it.” —@AZGAL92
“This is my second lip fill, and I’ve finally reached the perfect size! [The] first time, I did Restylane Silk, which filled them nicely, but I wanted them a bit fuller. This time, I did Juvéderm, and it came out amazing—literally the size I’ve always dreamt of. I’m obsessed.” —@AJ305
“I could not be happier with my results! My lips are beautiful, luscious, and pillowy. I adore them.” —@Jodie63
Subtly reshapes facial features
“I have bad tear troughs, but [my injector] suggested starting with cheek fillers, to build up a base [that] would in turn help my tear troughs. I am so happy with the results. I have a small face and never had much shape to it. This has given me subtle shape without it looking overdone. It has helped fill out my tear troughs a bit and reshape my nose after a septorhinoplasty six months ago. They are very subtle results, but that’s what I wanted.” —@mkmcknight
Radiesse reviews
Smooths marionette lines
“I am not a treatment junkie, but I have been getting Botox regularly every six to nine months … and have not wanted to do more drastic things, except for regular facials, etc. But the marionette lines around my mouth and from my nose to mouth, I felt, just made me look (and feel) old. I am a young 56, and I do as much as I can to protect my face from the strong Florida sun and do not smoke, so I have felt that my skin/face retained a somewhat youthful appearance, except for those darn lines. The results were immediate. [My injector] said I was the perfect candidate for this, as I was not looking for or needing any volume, just a smoothing. I am hopeful it will last a long time, and can’t wait to see how it settles in even more.” —@chelev
Defines the jawline
“I had one vial of Radiesse spread across my jawline. My jawline has become skinnier and less defined as a result of aging. Since my jawline is less defined, the skin under my neck appears to be loose. I can’t speak about Radiesse on other parts of my face, but as far as my jawline is concerned, I feel like a miracle has happened. I have no bruising whatsoever, three days later. I am in love with the results, and I hope they last!!” —@IzzyandLumen
Bruising is minimal, and results are natural
“I have already done the Radiesse treatment twice, and I am really very satisfied. I did not have any bruises, and the day after, I could go to work without makeup. The result is extremely natural. I have filled the cheekbones and defined the contour of the face. The collagen produced has improved the appearance of my skin even after one year. In January, I will repeat the treatment. Cannot wait!” —@LaurelCastillo
A more affordable, temporary alternative to surgery
“I always was self-conscious about how I looked [from] the side. I would be mortified, to think I look great and then see a photo of myself from a profile angle or catch that angle in a mirror. It didn’t feel like I actually looked like that, in the way I thought of myself. I thought it was my nose size that was unflattering, but I realized that the bump was what I had a problem with. I got a nonsurgical nose job because it’s cheaper than a nose job, has a short recovery time, and is temporary.” —@7Seashells4me
Sculptra reviews
Results after only one treatment
“I conservatively had only one vial administered, for general volume loss in my face due to weight fluctuations. Although most reviews say you can’t see a result after only one vial, I am already seeing a change in my skin texture and some volume coming back to my cheeks. I can really tell the difference when putting on my blush in the morning. I can’t wait to see what vial two does! It is slow, but I think it’s worth it in the long run!” —@Ansilla
Restores volume to concave regions
“At 37, I had moderate volume loss [and] major concavity in my cheeks. I [have had] three vials [of Sculptra] so far, and it has tightened and volumized my face again. I feel so pretty every day now. For the right patient and with the right doctor, this could be a worthwhile treatment. It does add volume, so don’t get it if that’s not what you’re looking for.” —@littlebumbumt
Corrects facial wasting syndrome and boosts confidence
“There’s an old saying that goes, ‘You only get one chance to make a first impression.’ Sculptra has been helping me make mine a good one for many years now. Living with HIV has been my reality for over 35 years, and about 10 years ago, I started experiencing facial wasting syndrome. My confidence fell to an all-time low. I was constantly aware of ‘looking sick,’ and I got so tired of people telling me, ‘You lost weight.’ Going out in public, going to work, every moment of every day was painful, even though medically I was doing fine. Then I started using Sculptra. Within a few treatments, my whole life changed. My confidence skyrocketed, and the fear of being judged left. I was ‘me’ again … I can’t imagine having to live without it.” —@bwicked
Longer-lasting than Radiesse and Restylane
“I have had Radiesse injected four previous times but decided to switch to Sculptra for a longer-lasting result. I had it injected on and along [my] cheekbones as well as in the nasolabial folds. Hoping the final results will be similar to how it looks right now. Very pleased. Also, it is completely fine to have injected while there is still Radiesse in there! I had my Radiesse put in six months ago.” —@KEWtieKye
“I had tried Restylane in the past. However, with my high metabolism, it would not last long. Sculptra will last at least two years. Comparing the two, Sculptra gives me a more natural look than Restylane.” —@jenngrace
