What is the Safer Option for Filling in Temples: Radiesse or Sculptra. Which is More Likely to Cause Bumps?

If you had lumps from Sculptra last time, you could try Radiesse this time.  It is not likely to make lumps if injected correctly and they wouldn't last 3 years.  Without seeing you I have no way to telling you how many syringes you would need but the minimum is usually 1 syringe per side. If temples are very hollow it could take 1 1/2 - 2 syringes per side.

I generally like to use Radiesse for the temple. In the hands of an experienced specialist, Radiesse for this area yields a fantastic result. If the injections are not performed properly, this may result in a poor outcome. A board certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or dermatologist are all great options. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

   Sculptra and Radiesse can both produce bumps and can both be used.  I must admit, however, that I have never seen an individual from whom I could not get enough fat for fat grafting to that area.

Diluting Radiesse with local anesthetic has been recommended in the literature for treating temples (just as it has recommended for treating the backs of the hands). The exact dilution can be individualized according to the specific need. I have found, however, that combining Radiesse with a smooth volumizing agent, such as Juvederm UltraXC, works well in the temple area and gives a smooth (non-lumpy bumpy) result with excellent durability.

I am not a big fan of Sculptra in general since several treatment sessions are typically required to achieve results, the results are not immediate (as they are with Radiesse and other volumizers), and the cost is relatively high.

I strongly suggest that you seek out a board certified aesthetic physician injector who has experience with all available injectable agents and is thoroughly familiar with the ways that they can modified in concentration, amounts injected, and injection techniques to better achieve the desired results in this important cosmetic region.

Thank you for your question.  Both Radiesse and Sculptra can cause bumps in the temple area because the tissues are so thin and immediately overlying bone in this area.  All fillers have this risk in this location.  Fat is a great option and some can usually be found on practically everyone.  A dilute Sculptra  injection would help but is costly and requires months to get significant improvement. Radiesse works immediately but requires some massage to soften the lumps.  Consider consulting a surgeon with experience treating lipoatrophy for the best results.  Best wishes.

For hollow temples, my favorite filler is your own fat (autologous fat transfer). It sounds like you are thin, however, if that is the only area that you need treated, you may be able to gain just a few pounds so that the fat can be harvested from your abdomen. I have had several patients do this, and it has worked well (who doesn't want to eat extra ice cream?).

Fat is great because it is very maleable and rarely causes lumps or bumps. It also tends to last a longer time. Having said that, I always set my fat transfer patients up for a series of transfers - and try to harvest enough fat the first time for 3-4 transfers over a 2 year period of time.

If fat is not an option, then I think Radiesse is definitely the better option. Radiesse is easy to manipulate and press into place. I don't dilute mine - just add a small amount of lidocaine for comfort.

Another great option is a new hyaluronic acid filler, called Belotero. It is very light weight, and if you have thin skin, it can be placed with little concern. I would only wonder how long it will last in the temples. It is great for under the eyes, and for the crows feet.

I wouldn't recommend Sculptra for the temples - too likely to get a lump or bump - that can be permanent.

Hi Reparata.  We prefer Perlane and Sculptra in the temples.  Both are safe when injected correctly.  It sounds like the product was not injected uniformly if you had bumps or lumps from the Sculptra.  Perlane would be the safer of the two we prefer, but Sculptra lasts ad developes new collagen.

Both products can be used in the region. If the Sculptra is injected too superficially, it can cause some inflammatory lumpiness. You may want to try a larger volume of Radiesse next time, or perhaps try a hyaluronic acid such as Juvederm. 

The simple answer to your question is that both Radiesse and Sculptra are safe and effective in the temple region when injected properly, and when appropriate volume is injected.  There are several differences between the two products.  Sculptra, made of L-poly lactic acid, must be reconstituted with saline 5-7 days prior to injection, must be injected in a plane deep to the temporalis muscle, and must be allowed 4-6 weeks for appropriate volume to be generated.  Sculptra may require several treatments in order to be efficacious, depending on the indications.  Lumps and bumps in the temporal region are likely to have been related to inadequate reconstitution time, or a superficial injection.  Radiesse, made from calcium hydroxylapatite, does not require reconstitution, and can be injected more superficially with immediate effect.  If the patient has deep temple hollows and only receives one syringe of Radiesse, a lack of satisfaction is virtually inevitable.

Both Radiesse and Sculptra could be used to fill the temples.  When used correctly, both of them should be very safe with a low chance of bumps.  While bumps can occur with any filler, because Sculptra is longer lasting, bumps may last longer than with Radiesse.  Without pictures, it's difficult to tell how much of either product would be recommended for you.  With the Sculptra, I would say that you would need half a vial to a vial per treatment.  With Radiesse, you might need between 0.8cc and 1.5cc.