Sculptra vs Radiesse
Sculptra® vs. Radiesse® – What's the Difference?
At DermNurse Medical Aesthetics, we offer two powerful biostimulatory dermal fillers: Sculptra® and Radiesse®. Both go beyond traditional fillers by stimulating your body’s own collagen production for natural, long-lasting volume. But how do they compare?
Gentle. Effective. Glowing Results.
At DermNurse Medical Aesthetics, we’re proud to offer Cellenis® Red Light Therapy—a safe, non-invasive treatment designed to boost skin healing, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production from the inside out.
Whether you’re recovering from a treatment, calming irritated skin, or simply looking to enhance your natural glow, Cellenis Red Light Therapy is a powerful, evidence-based way to recharge your skin at the cellular level.
How Does It Work?
| Filler | Key Ingredient | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sculptra® | Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) | Collagen biostimulator |
| Radiesse® | Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres | Volumizing filler + biostimulator |
How Does It Work?
Red light targets your skin’s mitochondria—the “powerhouse” of the cell. By enhancing ATP (energy) production, your skin becomes more efficient at:
- Healing tissue
- Reducing inflammation
- Stimulating collagen and elastin
- Improving blood circulation
- Repairing sun damage and pigmentation
How Do They Work?
Sculptra®
- Injected deep into the dermis
- Stimulates fibroblasts to build new collagen over time
- Volume appears gradually over several months with sculptra and immediate with Radiesse
Results last up to 2+ years
Radiesse®
- Provides immediate volume correction
- Microspheres stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Results last 12–18 months
Can also be diluted for skin tightening (“Hyperdilute Radiesse”)
What Do They Treat?
| Concern | Sculptra® | Radiesse® |
|---|---|---|
| Cheek hollows | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Jawline definition | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Marionette lines | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Chin projection | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Temple hollowing | ✔️ | - |
| Neck, chest, arms skin laxity | - | ✔️ (Hyperdilute) |
| Hands rejuvenation | - | ✔️ (Approved) |
Who Is the Best Candidate?
| Sculptra® | Radiesse® | |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 30–60s | 30–60s |
| Skin Type | All skin types | Fitzpatrick I–IV (use caution on V–VI) |
| Goals | Subtle, long-term lift & collagen rebuild | Instant volume + collagen stimulation |
| Preferred Results Style | Slow and natural | Immediate + structured |
| Not Ideal For | Autoimmune disorders, keloid-prone skin | Severe allergies, calcification disorders |
After Treatment:
| Sculptra® | Radiesse® |
|---|---|
| Massage area 5x/day for 5 days (“5-5-5 rule”) | Avoid massage unless directed by provider |
| Mild swelling or bruising expected | Some swelling, firmness, or lumps may occur |
| Avoid heat (sauna, intense workouts) 48 hrs | Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hrs |
| No dental work or vaccines for 2 weeks | No dental work or vaccines for 2 weeks |
Cost Comparison
| Treatment Area | Sculptra® | Radiesse® |
|---|---|---|
| Per vial / syringe | $899 per vial | $899 per syringe |
| Typical # of treatments | 2–3 sessions, spaced 4–6 wks | 1–2 sessions, often fewer needed |
| Longevity | Up to 2+ years | 12–18 months |
Pricing may vary based on treatment area and number of vials/syringes used. Your provider will recommend a customized plan during consultation.
Downtime
- Sculptra®: Minimal downtime, possible swelling, or mild bruising. There is a need to massage the treated areas 5 x per day x 5 minutes x 5 days.
- Radiesse®: Mild bruising or swelling; typically resolves in 3–5 days
Most clients return to regular activities the next day.
Book Your Consultation
Not sure which option is right for you? Book a Skin Quality Assessment at DermNurse. We’ll evaluate your facial structure, collagen status, and treatment goals to design the perfect plan for long-term facial rejuvenation.