Should I Get Radiesse Or Sculptra?

Book Your Dermal Filler Appointment with Dr. Laura Geige

Radiesse: Immediate Volume with a Temporary Boost

How it Works

Radiesse and Sculptra are both popular dermal fillers used to restore volume and fullness to the face, but they work in different ways and provide varying results.

Radiesse is an injectable filler that utilizes calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in a gel carrier.

These microspheres are biocompatible and stimulate collagen production in the treated area.

Here’s how Radiesse works:

• Immediate Volume Enhancement: Upon injection, Radiesse particles provide immediate volume correction, plumping up areas like cheeks, chin, jawline, and hands.
• Collagen Stimulation: Over time, the body recognizes the microspheres as foreign bodies and initiates a natural healing response. This process involves the production of new collagen fibers around the injected area.
• Long-Lasting Results (Up to 18 Months): The combination of immediate volume and gradual collagen stimulation leads to results that can last up to 18 months, depending on individual factors.

It’s important to note that Radiesse is a temporary filler. Over time, the body gradually absorbs both the microspheres and the newly produced collagen.

To maintain the desired results, touch-up treatments are typically required every 12 to 18 months.

Results and Longevity

Radiesse Immediate Volume with a Temporary Boost dives into a dermal filler known for providing immediate volume and sculpting facial contours. It’s made from calcium hydroxyapatite, a biocompatible material that your body naturally absorbs over time. This means the results are noticeable right away but gradually soften over months.

One of Radiesse’s strengths is its ability to not only fill in wrinkles and folds but also stimulate collagen production. This temporary boost contributes to long-lasting improvements, even after the initial filler volume diminishes. However, it’s crucial to remember that results are not permanent and require periodic touch-up appointments to maintain the desired look.

Let’s break down Radiesse’s longevity: you can expect the initial volumizing effects to last for about 12-18 months. However, the collagen stimulation may continue to provide subtle improvements beyond that timeframe. This means you’ll enjoy noticeable results for a longer period compared to fillers with purely temporary effects.

When deciding between Radiesse and Sculptra, consider your desired outcome and longevity expectations. While both offer volume augmentation and collagen stimulation, Radiesse provides immediate gratification and longer-lasting initial results, while Sculptra focuses on gradual, cumulative volumization for more enduring changes.

Sculptra: Gradual Collagen Stimulation for Long-Lasting Results

The Science Behind Sculptra’s Action

Sculptra Aesthetic (poly-L-lactic acid) is a unique dermal filler that focuses on stimulating the body’s own collagen production rather than simply filling in wrinkles like some other fillers.

Here’s how it works: When injected into the skin, Sculptra acts as a biocompatible scaffold. It gradually degrades over time, but its presence triggers fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, to become more active.

This increased collagen production plumps up the skin from within, resulting in a gradual and natural-looking volumization. The effect of Sculptra is not immediate; it typically takes several sessions spaced weeks apart to achieve optimal results.

The beauty of this approach lies in its longevity. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that need to be repeated every few months, the newly formed collagen can last for two years or longer, providing a long-lasting solution for facial volume loss and wrinkles.

Sculptra is particularly effective for treating areas like the cheeks, temples, and jowls where volume loss is most noticeable with age.

The gradual nature of Sculptra’s action also minimizes the risk of a “filler face” appearance often associated with more immediate volumizers.

Expected Timeline and Maintenance

Book a Dermal Filler Consultation with Dr. Laura Geige at It’s Me and You Clinic

Sculptra Aesthetic is a dermal filler that differs from traditional fillers like Radiesse by utilizing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to stimulate your body’s natural collagen production.

Unlike immediate volumizers, Sculptra gradually works over time.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sculptra is injected into the targeted areas where you want to restore volume and definition.

2. The PLLA particles trigger your body’s fibroblasts (cells responsible for collagen production) to create new collagen fibers.

3. Over several weeks, these newly formed collagen fibers fill in the space created by lost volume, resulting in a more youthful and contoured appearance.

This gradual process allows for subtle yet natural-looking results.

Expected Timeline:

*

Initial Results:

You may notice a slight lift and smoothing effect immediately after treatment, but this is temporary.
*

Peak Results:

Full collagen production takes several weeks to months, with most patients achieving optimal results around 6-8 weeks post-treatment.
*

Long-Lasting Effects:

Sculptra’s effects can last for up to two years or even longer, depending on individual factors and lifestyle.

Maintenance:

These touch-ups are typically spaced out a year or more apart.

Schedule a Dermal Filler Consultation with Dr. Laura Geige Now

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider

Facial Anatomy and Goals

When deciding between Radiesse and Sculptra, understanding your individual needs and goals is paramount.

Here are key factors to consider:

• Desired Results:

Radiesse is best for immediate volume enhancement, addressing moderate to severe wrinkles, and restoring lost facial contours. Sculptra focuses on stimulating collagen production for gradual volumization over several treatment sessions, ideal for longer-lasting results and skin laxity.

• Treatment Areas:

Radiesse is commonly used for cheeks, jawline, marionette lines, and hands. Sculptra excels in addressing areas like temples, cheeks, laugh lines, and décolletage.

• Desired Timeline:**

Radiesse provides instant gratification with results visible immediately after treatment. Sculptra requires multiple sessions spaced weeks apart, with full results appearing over several months.

• Skin Type and Concerns:

Individuals with thinner skin may benefit more from Radiesse’s immediate volume, while those with laxity and collagen loss are better suited for Sculptra’s long-term rejuvenation.

Understanding facial anatomy is crucial when choosing between these fillers.

Radiesse, made of calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in a gel, provides instant lift by directly filling areas and stimulating collagen production over time. It’s effective for restoring lost volume, smoothing wrinkles, and adding definition.

Sculptra, comprised of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microparticles, works differently. When injected, PLLA stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, gradually filling in areas over several months.

Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on your unique facial structure and desired outcome.

A consultation with a qualified injector is essential to discuss your goals, assess your skin type and anatomy, and determine the most suitable filler for you.

Budget and Lifestyle Preferences

Choosing between Radiesse and Sculptra depends on several factors, including your desired outcome, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:

Radiesse

Radiesse is a dermal filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel. It is known for providing immediate volume and lift, making it ideal for:

• Restoring lost cheek volume
• Correcting moderate to severe nasolabial folds (laugh lines)
• Sculpting the jawline

Radiesse’s effects typically last 12-18 months.

Sculptra

Sculptra is a biocompatible implant made from poly-L-lactic acid. It works by stimulating collagen production, gradually adding volume over several weeks to months. Sculptra is suitable for:

• Addressing mild to moderate facial aging
• Improving skin laxity and texture
• Enhancing lip fullness

Sculptra’s results can last up to 2-3 years.

Budget Considerations

Radiesse injections tend to be more expensive per treatment compared to Sculptra. However, the longevity of Sculptra’s effects may result in fewer treatments required over time, potentially leading to cost savings.

Lifestyle Preferences

If you desire immediate results and are willing to undergo multiple treatments to maintain them, Radiesse may be a suitable option. If you prefer a gradual and more natural-looking enhancement with longer-lasting effects, Sculptra might be a better choice.

It’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced injector who can assess your individual needs and goals. They will guide you through the process, discuss potential risks and benefits, and help you determine which filler is best suited for you.

Elizabeth Joy Photo Mind Plus Motion Tableau Consulting LLC The New Cinema Magazine