As we age, we naturally lose facial volume due to collagen depletion. Sculptra and Radiesse are two innovative injectable treatments designed to restore facial volume and revitalize your appearance—subtly and gradually, without the obvious signs of "having work done."
What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable biostimulator—not a traditional dermal filler. It contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic substance that stimulates your body’s own collagen production. By encouraging collagen growth, Sculptra helps rebuild the underlying structure of the skin and smooth out deep facial wrinkles and folds.
- Gradual Results: Sculptra works over time. Results typically develop over several weeks, providing a natural-looking improvement in facial volume and skin texture.
- Long-Lasting Effects: Many patients see results that can last up to two years.
- Subtle Enhancement: Because the effects emerge gradually, your rejuvenated appearance looks effortless and organic.
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)-based filler that acts as both a volumizing filler and a collagen stimulator. It is ideal for deeper wrinkles and volume loss, particularly in the cheeks, jawline, and hands.
- Immediate & Long-Term Results: Radiesse provides instant lift and volume, with longer-term skin tightening effects as collagen continues to rebuild.
- Natural Composition: CaHA is naturally found in the body, making it biocompatible and safe.
- Customizable Treatment: Radiesse can be hyper-diluted for skin tightening or used in its full form for contouring and volumization.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Sculptra® is an FDA-approved injectable that helps gradually replace lost collagen. It restores volume while tightening and thickening the skin.
Sculptra® is not like a regular hyaluronic acid filler that immediately volumizes and gives visible results right away. With Sculptra®, you will see a natural filling effect within the first couple days, followed but a decrease in volume. At this point, the body slowly starts to produce its own collagen, re-establishing volume that has been lost over time.
As explained on the Sculptra® website, “Sculptra Aesthetic is made with biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid, which is gradually and naturally absorbed by the body and helps to rebuild lost collagen through a series of treatments administered by a trained specialist. The specialist injects treatment within the deep dermis, where strands of collagen support your skin’s structure. Over time, Sculptra Aesthetic helps the body reproduce lost collagen. On average, three injection appointments are needed over a period of a few months. The number of injection appointments and the number of injections per appointment vary from person to person, depending on how much collagen has been lost.
Noticeable within 3-4 months.
Results can last up to two to three years.
The number of treatments varies from person to person, but on average, three treatments within the span of a few months is recommended.
Bruising is possible, plan 2 weeks ahead of any events/vacations.
Fillers are gel substances, like hyaluronic acid, that diminish lines by pushing up the dermis space beneath wrinkles and creases. Results appear immediately and can last up to several months. Collagen stimulators are used to diminish facial wrinkles by helping to restore the deep, underlying structure of the skin. Results appear gradually over the treatment regime (typically three injections over the course of three to four months) and can last up to two years.*
-Sculptra® Website
- Sculptra primarily stimulates collagen and improves volume over time with PLLA.
- Radiesse offers immediate volume with CaHA microspheres and continues to stimulate collagen for long-lasting results.
- Sculptra is ideal for global facial rejuvenation, while Radiesse is great for specific areas like cheeks, jawline, and hands.
- Sculptra: Most patients require 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart for optimal results.
- Radiesse: Typically 1 treatment provides immediate improvement, though a touch-up may be desired.
Both treatments involve minor discomfort, but topical numbing agents are used to improve comfort. Most patients tolerate the procedure very well.
- Sculptra: Results last up to 2 years.
- Radiesse: Results typically last 12–18 months, depending on the treatment area and individual metabolism.
Yes! Many patients benefit from a combination approach, using Sculptra for full-face collagen stimulation and Radiesse for targeted volumization or skin tightening.