Dermal fillers and biostimulators have become a game-changer in aesthetic medicine when restoring facial volume and achieving that youthful glow. Two treatments are among the most popular options: RADIESSE® and Sculptra®. If you’ve been researching RADIESSE® vs. Sculptra®, you’re probably wondering which one might be the perfect fit for your aesthetic goals. At The Aesthetic Edit, we love helping our clients navigate these choices with personalized care that delivers beautiful, natural-looking results.
RADIESSE® and Sculptra®: Let’s Break It Down
Both RADIESSE® and Sculptra® fall into the specific category of fillers considered biostimulators—injectable treatments that don’t just add volume but actually encourage your skin to produce its own collagen naturally. While traditional fillers provide immediate results by simply adding volume, biostimulators take a more holistic approach. They work with your body’s healing processes to create gradual, long-lasting improvements that look natural.
RADIESSE®: The Instant Wow Factor
RADIESSE® is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. What makes this treatment so special is that CaHA is naturally found in our body, making it completely biocompatible.
When RADIESSE® is injected, it provides immediate volume correction while simultaneously stimulating your skin’s collagen production. The gel carrier gives you that instant lift and smoothing effect, while the CaHA microspheres get to work encouraging new collagen growth. Over time, your body naturally metabolizes the gel, but the new collagen structure remains, maintaining your refreshed appearance.
Sculptra®: Trust the Process
Sculptra® takes a slightly different approach to facial rejuvenation. Made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), this biostimulator is all about the long game. PLLA is a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic material that’s been used in medical applications for decades.
Unlike treatments that provide immediate volume, Sculptra® works gradually by stimulating your fibroblasts—the cells responsible for collagen production. After injection, Sculptra® begins encouraging your skin to rebuild its collagen infrastructure from within. This process takes time, with results typically becoming noticeable over several weeks to months.
The beauty of Sculptra® lies in its subtlety. Your friends and family will notice you looking refreshed and vibrant, but they won’t be able to pinpoint exactly what’s different—it’s just you, looking like the best version of yourself.
What Sets Them Apart: RADIESSE® vs. Sculptra®
When considering RADIESSE® vs. Sculptra®, several key differences can help guide your decision:
Timeline of Results: RADIESSE® provides immediate visible improvements with continued enhancement over time, while Sculptra® focuses on gradual, progressive results that develop over 2-3 months.
Treatment Areas: RADIESSE® excels in areas where you want both immediate correction and collagen stimulation. Sculptra® is particularly effective for overall facial volume restoration, especially in the cheeks, temples, and jawline.
Number of Sessions: RADIESSE® typically requires fewer sessions, often just 1-2 treatments, while Sculptra® usually involves a series of 2-3 sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart.
Longevity: Both treatments offer impressive longevity, with RADIESSE® lasting 12-18 months and Sculptra® results lasting up to 2 years or more.
Benefits of RADIESSE®
RADIESSE® provides immediate results, meaning you can see improvement right after treatment. This is the ideal treatment if you have a special event coming up or simply prefer instant gratification.
The treatment is known for being incredibly versatile, working beautifully for facial enhancement across multiple areas. Many clients appreciate being able to address various concerns in a comprehensive approach.
RADIESSE® also provides excellent structural support, making it ideal for areas that need lifting and contouring. The CaHA microspheres create a scaffold that supports your skin while encouraging natural collagen production for long-lasting results.
Benefits of Sculptra®
Sculptra® has many benefits that make it a popular choice for our clients. It shines in its ability to provide incredibly natural-looking results that develop gradually. This makes it perfect for clients who prefer a subtle transformation that won’t draw unwanted attention or questions.
The treatment is particularly effective for overall facial volume restoration, addressing the gradual volume loss that occurs naturally with aging. Instead of targeting specific lines or areas, Sculptra® takes a more holistic approach to facial rejuvenation.
One of our clients’ favorite aspects of Sculptra® is its longevity. With results lasting up to two years, it’s an excellent investment for those seeking long-term facial rejuvenation with minimal maintenance.
Team RADIESSE® or Team Sculptra®?
When discussing RADIESSE® vs. Sculptra® with our clients, we consider several factors to determine which treatment aligns best with their goals and lifestyle.
RADIESSE® is ideal for individuals who want immediate improvement in specific areas. It’s perfect for clients who prefer seeing results right away and don’t mind maintaining them with periodic touch-ups.
Sculptra® works wonderfully for clients experiencing overall facial volume loss who prefer gradual, natural-looking enhancement. It’s excellent for those who want long-lasting results and don’t mind waiting a few months to see the full transformation. Sculptra® is also ideal for clients who want to address aging proactively rather than reactively.
Your Questions Answered
What are the main differences between RADIESSE® and Sculptra®?
The primary differences lie in their composition, timeline of results, and treatment approach. RADIESSE® is made with calcium hydroxylapatite and offers results that begin to show immediately, lasting 12-18 months. Sculptra® is made with poly-L-lactic acid and offers results that develop over 2-3 months and last up to 2 years.
How do RADIESSE® and Sculptra® work to improve facial volume and contour?
Both treatments stimulate natural collagen production, but through different mechanisms. RADIESSE® provides immediate volume while its CaHA microspheres encourage collagen production. Sculptra® works exclusively through collagen stimulation, gradually rebuilding your skin’s support structure from within.
What are the benefits of choosing RADIESSE® over Sculptra®, and vice versa?
RADIESSE® is a great choice if you want immediate results and are treating specific areas like nasolabial folds. Sculptra® may be the better choice if you prefer gradual, natural-looking enhancement for overall facial rejuvenation.
Who is an ideal candidate for RADIESSE®? Who is an ideal candidate for Sculptra®?
Ideal candidates for RADIESSE® typically desire immediate improvement in specific areas and don’t mind periodic touch-ups. Ideal Sculptra® candidates generally prefer gradual enhancement, have overall volume loss, want long-lasting results, and are willing to be patient with the treatment process.
How do the results and longevity of RADIESSE® compare to those of Sculptra®?
RADIESSE® provides immediate visible improvements that last 12-18 months, while Sculptra® results gradually develop over 2-3 months and can last up to 2 years. Both provide excellent longevity compared to traditional fillers.
Your Journey With Biostimulators Starts at The Aesthetic Edit
Understanding the differences between RADIESSE® vs. Sculptra® is just the beginning of your aesthetic journey. While both treatments offer incredible benefits, we’re excited to help you discover how Sculptra® can enhance your natural beauty with results that develop beautifully over time. At The Aesthetic Edit, we believe that feeling confident and radiant shouldn’t be complicated—it should feel like coming home to the best version of yourself. Book your consultation today to get started.
