About This Treatment
Sculptra / Radiesse Biostimulators
Sculptra and Radiesse are two popular dermafillers , each with the ability to address common signs of facial aging including lines, wrinkles, and volume loss. Both fillers are classified as collagen biostimulators, that is they work to promote the growth of collagen and other skin firming proteins far after being injected. Additionally, Sculptra and Radiesse an often be used to address the same facial areas and both treatments are minimally painful and require no downtime.
Sculptra uses a formula containing the material called poly-L-lactic acid which is a synthetic material that is able to be absorbed by the body over time. It’s the same material used in implantable medical devices like dissolvable stitches and sutures. Sculptra uses an inflammatory response in order to trigger collagen production and thicken the skin. After being injected into the skin, Sculptra triggers the body’s immune system to create fibroblasts which surround the foreign body (filler). The process results in the production of collagen in the area, resulting in skin firming and thickening.
Radiesse is an injectable filler that combines a gel with tiny calcium microspheres called calcium hydroxylapatite, which is structurally similar to what is found in the bones and teeth. Like Sculptra, Radiesse is a biostimulator that activates fibroblasts to stimulate collagen production. However, Radiesse is non-inflammatory. Instead the calcium particles become embedded in the skin and act as a scaffold that promotes the growth of new surrounding tissue.
HOW SOON RESULTS APPEAR
One of the biggest differences between Sculptra and Radiesse is how fast results can appear. It’s important to note that biostimulators do not create immediate results as it takes time for the body to produce collagen. Sculptra is no different as the filler requires between a few weeks and a month before the final desired end result is achieved. Radiesse is a little different since it provides an immediate volumizing effect (due to its highly viscous nature) combined with the long-term benefit of extended collagen production.
RESULT DURATION
All dermal fillers provide temporary results. Eventually the body naturally degrades the filler resulting in the return of the treatment area to its pre-treatment state. Result duration can vary greatly as explained in this previous blog post. It’s also important to mention that several factors beyond a fillers formulation can determine how long results last, including the patient’s metabolism.
With that said, Radiesse and Sculptra are two of the longest lasting fillers on the market today. Sculptra lasts longer, with results sustaining for up to 24 months. The results of Radiesse typically last for up to 1 year. The results of both fillers can be sustained by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments.
TREATMENT AREAS
Both Radiesse and Sculptra can address significant volume loss in the cheeks, temples, around the eyes, between the mouth and nose, and hands.
The inherent viscosity of Radiesse makes the filler not suitable for superficial placement which does somewhat limit its placement. Radiesse cannot be used in areas with thin skin.
PAIN
In theory, patients may experience more discomfort during a Radiesse injection compared to a Sculptra injection since Radiesse must be injected deeper in the skin. However, both treatments are non-surgical and minimally painful, especially when performed by a skilled injector. Additionally, a topical numbing cream can also be used to minimize patient discomfort before injecting either filler.
DOWNTIME
Both Radiesse and Sculptra require no downtime (recovery time). Patients are able to go right back to normal daily activity right after injection. Sculptra does, however, require a bit more aftercare. For the first five days following injection patients are encouraged to give the treated area a five-minute massage multiple times per day.