Two of the most popular collagen-stimulating fillers—Sculptra® and Radiesse® (ابرة الكالسيوم للوجة راديس)—restore volume and improve skin quality, yet they differ in composition, longevity, ideal applications, and the type of results they deliver. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right treatment for your aesthetic goals.
What They Are Made Of
Sculptra® (Poly-L-Lactic Acid / PLLA)
A biostimulatory injectable that works gradually.
Contains microscopic PLLA particles that trigger the body’s natural collagen production.
Creates subtle, progressively improving volume and skin firmness over time.
Radiesse® (Calcium Hydroxylapatite / CaHA)
A hybrid filler offering immediate lift plus long-term collagen stimulation.
Gel carrier provides instant volume; CaHA microspheres support collagen production as the gel is absorbed.
How They Work
Sculptra
Stimulates fibroblasts to build new collagen fibers over 6–12 weeks.
Results appear gradually and look extremely natural.
Often used in a series of 2–3 sessions spaced several weeks apart.
Radiesse
Provides instant lift due to its thicker gel structure.
Over time, CaHA particles promote collagen and elastin formation.
Can be diluted (“Radiesse wash”) for skin rejuvenation and textural improvement.
Ideal Treatment Areas
Sculptra
Best for broad areas needing global volume restoration, such as:
Cheeks and midface
Temples
Jawline
Lower face
Body areas (buttocks, hips, cellulite improvement, skin tightening)
Radiesse
Great for sculpting and structural support, including:
Jawline and chin enhancement
Cheek augmentation
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Hands (FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation)
Neck and décolletage (when hyper-diluted)
How Fast Do You See Results?
| Filler | Speed of Results |
|---|---|
| Sculptra | Slow & progressive (6–12 weeks) |
| Radiesse | Immediate improvement + continued collagen boost |
How Long Do They Last?
| Filler | Longevity |
|---|---|
| Sculptra | 2–3+ years (after full treatment series) |
| Radiesse | 12–18 months (sometimes longer depending on placement) |
Both stimulate collagen, so some long-term benefit may extend beyond the typical timeframe.
Texture & Aesthetic Differences
Sculptra
More subtle and diffuse.
Excellent for overall facial rejuvenation and patients wanting “nobody knows, but you look great” results.
Not ideal for precise contouring.
Radiesse
Thicker and more structural.
Good for contour definition, lifting, and shaping.
Can be diluted for smoother, biostimulatory treatments.
Safety & Considerations
Sculptra
Requires proper injection technique to avoid nodule formation.
Not recommended for delicate areas like lips or under eyes.
Radiesse
Not suitable for areas prone to lumping (such as lips or tear troughs).
Should be avoided in patients requiring future deep laser resurfacing in certain zones unless discussed with a provider.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Sculptra if you want:
Global volume restoration
Subtle, natural, slow-build results
Long-lasting collagen production
Improvement in skin thickness and elasticity
Choose Radiesse if you want:
Immediate lift or contour
Structural definition (jawline, chin, cheeks)
Hand rejuvenation
Skin tightening via hyper-dilute application
The Bottom Line
Sculptra and Radiesse are both excellent collagen stimulators but serve different purposes. Sculptra is a slow-and-steady collagen builder for overall rejuvenation, while Radiesse offers immediate structural support with additional regenerative benefits. The best choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and timeline—so consulting with an experienced injector is essential.
