Which would you recommend; Voluma or Radiesse?

Question

When you look at the cost of Voluma ($800 for 1cc) and Radiesse($695 for 1.5cc), Radiesse is a much better deal for my cheeks. I'm reading that most of the Radiesse syr is the gel that is absorbed & you're left with the calcium as active ingredient.Is this true? How much of Radiesse is actual product?There is a doctor in town that has a Radiesse special of buy one get one free. Is it worth it if most is the gel that gets absorbed? I know both products can last ~18 months. Thanks in advance.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Both are great options in an experienced injector hands. I personally would choose the Voluma simply because it lasts longer.

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

Great, well informed question!  First I should mention that I feel only "core" injectors should perform cosmetic injectables (facial 
plastic surgeons, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, or occuloplastic 
surgeons).  This is because we all have a keen understanding of facial 
anatomy and the effects of injecting fillers in different
 regions of the face.  You are correct in mentioning that Radiesse and Voluma are two of the best fillers for augmenting the cheeks.  Another product to consider is Perlane, which will be cheaper than the other two.  Voluma and Perlane are both hyaluronic acid fillers that are more firm than other hyaluronic acid fillers (like Juvederm or Restylane or Belotero).  This makes them ideal for placement deep over the cheek bones for volumization of the midface.  Another advantage of these two is that they are reversible with hyaluronidase should that be desired.  The main difference is that Voluma has been shown to last up to two years while Perlane typically lasts about 9-12 months.  Radiesse is made of a completely different material, calcium hydroxylappatitie, which is also a very firm product that is ideal for placement deep over the cheek bones for volumization of the midface.  This product, however, is not reversible.  It lasts about 12-18 months.  Radiesse is mixed with lidocaine prior to the injection.  This is where you need to be inquisitive -- I only add 0.4 cc of lidocaine to 1.5 cc of Radiesse to retain its properties while other physicians may add much more creating a more dilute inefficient product.  So, as long as the product isn't being overdiluted, I wouldn't be too concerned about it being "absorbed".  All three of these products will stimulate some collagen growth in the areas of injection, and I have used all three products to obtain beautiful results in the midface and cheeks.  Voluma costs more because it has been show to last the longest, and they are priced accordingly.  If you go to a "core" injector, you should get great results with any of these products.  I wish you well!

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Both fillers are quite effective for cheek augmentation and lifting when placed deep.  Both last at least one issue or more  years.  Voluma is a hyaluronic acid which is gel like and reversible with hyaluronidase.  Radiesse is a gel with calcium microbeeds.  Radiesse is not reversible.  The beads remain in the tissue and become encapsulated by collagen fibers...this is one of the ways that the results last.  Some surgeons feel that with repeated treatments that Radiesse can cause accumulation and scarring of the tissues making future injection more challenging.  Discuss your questions and concerns with your surgeon.  Best wishes!

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

Voluma is a volumetric filler composed of highly cross linked hyaluronic acid. It is a gel, which is preloaded in 1 cc syringes with lidocaine. Hyaluronic acid is the same component as in Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane. Voluma is equivalent to Perlane, and is thicker than Juvederm and Restylane. Voluma has been indicated for the cheek, but is too thick for lower eyelid tear troughs. A filler adds volume to an area so the main deciding factor would be what the goal of the procedure is, how many places need to be injected and how much volume needs to be injected. Fillers do not "lift", they fill. A lift is accomplished through a midface or cheek lift, which could be financially equivalent to two sessions of Voluma.When comparing Voluma and Radiesse, it is comparing apples to oranges because Radiesse is a biostimulator not a filler. It encourages collagen ingrowth into the calcium matrix. Radiesse would be equivalent to Sculptra, which is another product that works well in the cheek.Bottom-line: the price per volume of filler to biostimulator is not comparable. Consult with a physician who is familiar with both injectable treatment and surgical treatment of the midface in order to get a broader scope of options for correction of this area.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Both products are very reputable. In my experience you can get similar results with both products. However the longevity maybe longer with Voluma.  If you have never had cheek augmentation with fillers, then using Radiesse may be a good first line option. As the volume depleats, you can replace with Voluma.  Other good options for cheeks include Perlane.  One other long-term option is Sculptra.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a reason that Voluma costs more than Radiesse and that's because in the cheeks it works better and can last twice as long. With full correction Voluma can last up to 2 years. I consider this to be far more cost effective than using Radiesse. Most fillers are not permanent as your body continues to age and break these products down. Remember, you get what you pay for. I would not go for something just because it is the lowest price. Deals that are too good to be true often are. Best of luck.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Both fillers are great
options but Radiesse is more likely to add volume to the skin and is long
lasting. I recommend you see an expert to for an evaluation. All the best!

Daniel P. Friedmann, MD · Answer

Although Voluma may last longer than Radiesse (2 yrs vs. 1-1.5 yrs), the lifting capacity of the latter may be significantly better. Even though Radiesse has calcium particles in a thick base, "all" of it is actual product, since all of it degrades slowly over time. That in mind, given that Voluma is a hyaluronic acid product, it is likely a safer product to inject overall. Like everything else in life, there are positives and negatives to everything.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

While costs vary widely (our costs are comparable for voluma and radiesse), voluma typically is the better product for the cheeks due to less chance of side effects, the ability to modify results, and typically a better (more natural) result. However, injection technique between the two are not the same, and the injector should be comfortable and expert in injecting the product before you allow him or her proceed.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I have not placed a single syringe of Radiesse in the cheek since Voluma was brought to market in the US, so my answer to your question is easy to decipher. Not only can Voluma be reversed if you were to have a rare complication from injection but it also lasts longer. In my opinion, Voluma also creates more lift and looks more natural. You will likely encounter a variety of opinions but I think that this is a very easy decision.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Which would you recommend; Voluma or Radiesse?

Answers (11)

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