As patients seek more natural, long term results from injectables, biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse have continued to gain significant popularity. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that focus on restoring contours and definition, biostimulators work by stimulating your body’s own collagen production, creating gradual, lasting improvements in skin structure and volume.
But while both are categorized as biostimulators, Sculptra and Radiesse function differently, and choosing the right one depends on your skin goals, treatment area, and desired timeline.
What Are Sculptra and Radiesse?
Sculptra and Radiesse are injectable biostimulatory treatments that enhance volume and improve skin quality by encouraging natural collagen production.
- Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It works gradually over several weeks to rebuild collagen in the deep dermis, offering subtle volume restoration and improved texture.
- Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. It offers an immediate volumizing effect while also promoting long-term collagen synthesis.
Both are used to correct signs of aging, restore youthful volume, and improve skin integrity, but their formulation, timelines, and ideal treatment areas vary.
Key Differences Between Sculptra and Hyperdilute Radiesse
While Radiesse can be used as a traditional filler, it’s often hyperdiluted for skin rejuvenation and biostimulation in larger or more delicate areas.
Here’s how they differ:
Results Timeline:
- Sculptra results develop gradually, typically over 6–12 weeks, as the body builds collagen around the product.
- Radiesse provides some immediate volume due to its gel carrier, followed by continued improvement from collagen stimulation.
Texture and Application:
- Sculptra is best suited for areas with early or moderate volume loss and for improving skin texture.
- Hyperdilute Radiesse is often used more superficially to enhance skin elasticity and firmness in areas like the neck, chest, and hands.
Common Treatment Areas:
- Sculptra: Temples, cheeks, jawline
- Hyperdilute Radiesse: Preauricular area, neck, décolletage, hands
Sculptra is typically selected for patients wanting subtle, structural enhancement. Hyperdilute Radiesse is often chosen when the goal is to improve skin quality or smooth crepey texture in hard to treat areas.
Is Sculptra or Radiesse better?
There’s no definitive “best” option. The better option depends on your aesthetic goals, treatment area, and desired timeline.
- Choose Sculptra if you want gradual volume enhancement and skin thickening, especially in areas like the temples, cheeks, or jawline.
- Choose hyperdilute Radiesse if you’re looking to improve skin texture, firmness, or elasticity in the neck, chest, hands, or preauricular area, with the added benefit of some immediate lift.
Sculptra and Radiesse Side Effects
Both Sculptra and Radiesse are FDA approved and have well documented safety profiles when administered by trained professionals.
Common side effects include:
- Mild swelling
- Redness at the injection site
- Bruising
- Temporary lumps or firmness
With Sculptra, small nodules under the skin can occur if post treatment massage is not followed correctly. Radiesse has slightly more risk of firmness if overcorrected, but with an experienced injector using conservative volumes, and effective layering this risk is minimal.
Choosing the Right Collagen Stimulator for You
Biostimulators offer an effective, natural looking solution for volume loss and skin aging, but the right choice depends on your anatomy, skin concerns, and long term goals.
At your consultation, we’ll assess your facial structure and skin condition, where collagen stimulation is most beneficial, and your treatment timeline. From there we’ll recommend the right approach, whether that’s Sculptra or hyperdilute Radiesse to give you the most effective, lasting results that align with your goals.
Book your consultation today to start your customized biostimulator treatment plan.
