Sculptra® vs. Radiesse®: Which Is Better for Long-Term Rejuvenation?

It’s no exaggeration to say that cosmetic injectables like Botox® and hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers have revolutionized the way we address the signs of aging. Gone are the days of invasive procedures as science and simplicity take over.

Now, cosmetic injectables are getting even better with the introduction of collagen-stimulating fillers that work with your body to rejuvenate aging skin. Of the 6.3 million filler treatments in the United States in 2024, nearly one million were collagen-stimulating fillers — and this number is rising.

At Skin Shop MedSpa, Dr. Tiffany Su and Dr. Hui “He” Kang were early adopters of collagen-stimulating fillers, and we’re highly impressed with the results. Our early use of these fillers also means we have experience with the two most popular collagen-stimulating fillers — Radiesse® and Sculptra® — and we compare them here.

How collagen-stimulating fillers are different

Collagen-stimulating fillers aren't as filling as HA fillers are. 

The structure and elasticity of your skin come from proteins like collagen and elastin, and your production of these proteins gradually diminishes as you age — by about 1% per year starting in early adulthood.

To offset the loss of this support, we’ve turned to HA fillers that provide immediate volume to make up for the loss of collagen and elastin.

With collagen-stimulating fillers, the focus is on ramping up sluggish collagen and elastin production in your body. We tackle the underlying aging problem directly for more natural, longer-lasting results.

We use collagen-stimulating fillers to treat the same issues as HA fillers, including:

• Adding volume to cheeks and the midface area
• Filling in nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Lifting and smoothing out jowls
• Smoothing out under-eye areas

We can also use fillers to benefit aging hands, giving them a less craggy appearance.

Radiesse — instant volume and long-term results

Our first collagen-stimulating filler does double duty — it provides immediate volume and ongoing collagen stimulation.

Radiesse relies on calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that we inject into your skin. These CaHA microspheres add immediate structure to your skin while providing a scaffold for new collagen to adhere to.

The collagen-building effects last 12-18 months, at which point you can return for another round of quick-and-easy injections.

Radiesse is a great solution for contouring, especially around your jaw and chin, plus fulfilling the normal dermal filler duties we outlined above.

Sculptra — long-term collagen boost

Sculptra is Poly-L-lactic acid, which gradually stimulates collagen production in the deepest layers of your skin. When we say gradual, this biostimulatory action takes place over the 6 to 12 weeks following your injections, when you learn of the results, which last up to two years.

Because Sculptra is a stimulator over a volumizer, it’s a great solution for issues like Ozempic® face and the general volume loss that comes with aging.

Which collagen-stimulating filler is best for you?

When choosing between Sculptra and Radiesse, you really can't go wrong. That said, visit us for a consultation so we can examine your skin and discuss your goals. From there, we can determine which of the two great bio-stimulating fillers would work best.

To get started, contact our Houston, Texas, office at 713-701-1717 today. Or use our convenient booking feature online to schedule an appointment.