Sculptra Vs Radiesse: What is the Difference?

Sculptra and Radiesse are quite different. Sculptra is made of Poly-L-Lactic Acid and works by stimulating the body to produce its own collagen in response to the product. Sculptra takes several months to reach its full effect, and is usually injected through a series of treatments spread out over several months. Sculptra works best to restore volume in broad areas such as the cheeks or temples.
Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapetite product suspended in a water-based gel. Like Sculptra, Radiesse can work well for restoring volume, but can also work more directly on specific lines such as nasolabial folds. Radiesse results are visible immediately, whereas Sculptra results take time to develop.
Radiesse can last 12 to 18 months, while Sculptra results may last 2-3 years in some cases. Neither product is reversible with hyaluronidase like the hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, etc). Both products can work well for specific patients and applications.
I always recommend seeing an expert physician injector for a personalized treatment plan.
All the best,

Thank you for a great question and I am glad to see that you are doing your research.  Both of the products are different in their materials, injection technique, preparation, effect, duration and side effect profile.  Pretty much very very different.  They also differ in where they can or should be injected.  Sculptra is collagen builder while Radiesse is volume enhancer.  They are injected in different areas of the face and body (off label). For body, Radiesse has FDA indication for volume replacement in aging hands and Sculptra is being used for non surgical buttock augmentation.  You really need an expert consultation to determine if each product is good for you or you might even need a combination with both.  It all depends on your anatomy,on your concern and your desired result. It is always best to discuss this question with your physician.  I hope this helps. Best. Dr.Avaliani

As a national trainer for Sculptra Aesthetic and
the top injector in Georgia, I know that Sculptra is one of the most effective
fillers available for restoring volume and minimizing wrinkles. I also offer
RADIESSE at my Atlanta practice and believe it's very effective in the right
circumstances. Both Sculptra and RADIESSE are long-lasting fillers, although
only Sculptra promotes the production of collagen, one of the essential
building blocks of tighter, more youthful-looking skin. Sculptra's improvements
appear gradually and can last at least 2 years, whereas RADIESSE usually lasts
closer to a year. Although both choices can produce strong results, you should
know that neither are reversible. That's why it's important to select a highly
trained injector who is experienced using these products. Best wishes for your
decision.