Sculptra Vs Radiesse: What is the Difference?

Lee, Both Sculptra and Radiesse are long-term fillers which work by slightly different mechanisms, but both lead to very nice results. Sculptra consists of poly-L-lactic acid, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and mannitol which attract water and stimulates collagen production. The effect of Sculptra will increase with time. Radiesse is made of hydroxyapatite which is an effective temporary volume filler. The effect of Radiesse will not increase with time. Additionally, Radiesse may cause some temporary swelling which enhances its initial effect, but resolves over a few weeks. I hope this is helpful.

Radiesse is a filler that is made of Synthetic Calcium hydroxyapatite and adds volume. Sculptra primarily stimulates collagen because it is made of a biocomposable material known as Poly-L-lactic Acid. Radiesse provides immediate results, while Sculptra gives gradual results, but may last up to 2 years. Radiesse usually lasts up to 1 year. Both are used when significant volume loss has occurred because of the aging process or the medications used.  
 

Both "fillers" stimulate collagen production making them very effective anti aging options.  Radiesse is more of a traditional filler which functions by adding volume.  Sculptra's primary function is to stimulate collagen production.  Radiesse is a single treatment while sculptra is typically done in a series of treatment sessions.

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

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.

Sculptra and Radiesse are two completely different soft tissue fillers that differ in what they are made of, where they are used, how they are used, what effects they can achieve, how they work, and how long they last. It is of paramount importance to take all these factors into consideration when selecting which product to use in each individual case. Both of these products require skill and experience for proper application and maximal results.

Radiesse is a filler that gives instantaneous results and lasts 10-12 months.  A small percentage of the product is replaced with collagen as it dissipates but this is probably less than 10%.  Radiesse is the strongest lifting agent on the market so is great for patients with fuller faces, and individuals who have a significant amount of volume loss.  Sculptra is a medication that is injected and stimulates the face to increase collagen for volume.  This takes 3-4 months to happen so it's not instantaneous but will last 2 years once you see the result.  Because the product is dependent on collagen production ability, younger patients usually respond better.  Patients over the age of 60 do well with Sculptra but usually require 6-7 vials over 3-4 sessions to get a good result.Both are great volumizers and frequently can be used together if your surgeon is familiar with combining products. 

Sculptra and Radiesse are very good fillers for the face. They're both used in the midface region, temples, nasolabial folds, and marrionette regions. I tend to use Sculptra when I am trying to go for a broader area of volumizing and someone is willing to come back for several treatments as it works by a very different mechanism. Sculptra relies on your body's ability to form collagen that surrounds the poly lactic acid particles.Radiesse tends to be much more of a what you see is what you get approached to volumizing. It is more suited to someone who has a need for more of the instant gratification, for example, someone has an event coming up in several weeks.  Sculptra is also more suited for advanced injectors.  It is one of my favorite injectable product.  I would make sure you visit with someone with a lot of experience with injectables.

Sculptra is a stimulatory filler, while Radiesse is a volumizing stimulatory filler that instantly adds volume and stimulates collagen. I use both with Ultherapy to enhance results. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSLos Angeles