Radiesse

Radiesse is a temporary dermal filler used to restore lost volume and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the face.

Radiesse is also considered a collagen stimulator so even after the product has dissolved the area treated often still looks better than it did prior to treatment.

It is often used “off-label”, meaning for treatment that is not yet FDA approved, all over the body for skin tightening and improved appearance of skin. Common body areas treated with Radiesse are the neck, chest, stomach (particularly after weight loss or pregnancy), above the knees and inner arms. 

What is Radiesse made from?

Radiesse is made from tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in gel. The microspheres are bioidentical to minerals that are found naturally in the body so allergy testing is not necessary. Eventually, the gel and the microspheres are absorbed by the body and the natural collagen remains. 

Radiesse vs Sculptra What is the difference?

 Radiesse and Sculptra are two favorites of injectors and clients. Neither is necessarily better, they are simply different, but can provide the same results in the long-run.  Often an injector may have a favorite or choose one over the other for a specific patient.  

Similarities:

• Radiesse and Sculptra are both collagen stimulators, meaning they create new collagen in the area injected. 
• They are both considered advanced products and need to be injected by an experienced provider.
• Radiesse and Sculptra both take several treatments to achieve full results. Usually, 3 are recommended.

Differences:

• Radiesse is a filler and a collagen stimulator. That means you get an immediate correction, as well as long-term collagen benefits. Sculptra is only a collagen stimulator.
• Radiesse is made from minerals that are bio-identical to minerals found in human bone and teeth. Sculptra is made from the same material as dissolvable sutures used in surgery.
• Sculptra creates an inflammatory process around the injected molecules that stimulates collagen production. Radiesse stimulates collagen through the minerals injected that create a matrix for collagen to form around. 
• Radiesse is usually diluted when used for collagen stimulation and can be done immediately before the procedure. Sculptra has to be mixed ahead of time, often the night before so a deposit is typically required so the product is not wasted in case of cancellation.