Sculptra Vs Radiesse: What is the Difference?

Sculptra is composed of Poly-L-lactic acid.  It works by stimulating neocolagenesis - encouraging your body to deposit collagen where it was injected.  After Sculptra is injected, and the initial swelling resolves, results of increased fullness can be seen in 4-6 weeks.  Radiesse is composed of Calcium hydroxyapatite - a naturally occurring compound in our teeth and bones.  Radiesse is injected as a filler in areas of soft tissue deficiency and deeper lines.  Its results as a filler are immediate.  There are long term collagen stimulating effects associated with Radiesse as well, however these are more subtle than with Sculptra.  
Sculptra's results can last up to 3 years where as Radiesse is expected to last 12-18 months.  

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