Collagen Stimulators
Sculptra vs Radiesse: How Collagen Stimulators Differ
Sculptra and Radiesse are often mentioned together, as both work by encouraging the skin to make its own collagen. But they are different products, and suit different needs. Here is how they compare.
Key Points
- Both are collagen stimulating fillers, but they are made from different materials.
- Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Results can last more than 2 years.
- Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CAHA), typically used to treat the mid-face, and typically lasts 18 months.
- Dr Hana will advise which, if either, suits you at your consultation.
What Are Collagen Stimulators?
Collagen is one of the proteins that keeps skin firm. As we age, we make less of it. Collagen stimulators are injectable treatments designed to encourage the skin to rebuild its own collagen, so results develop gradually rather than all at once.
What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a collagen stimulating filler, made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It works by helping the skin rebuild natural collagen. Results can last more than 2 years. Each vial can treat numerous areas in the face.
Because Sculptra works by stimulating collagen, the result builds over the weeks after treatment rather than being seen straight away.
What Is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a collagen-stimulating filler, made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CAHA). Each syringe is 1.5 ml, typically used to treat the mid-face. Radiesse typically lasts 18 months.
Radiesse can show on X-rays and CT scans, so it is worth telling anyone taking a scan that you have had it.
The Key Differences
Material: Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid. Radiesse is calcium hydroxylapatite.
How long it lasts: Sculptra results can last more than 2 years. Radiesse typically lasts 18 months.
Typical use: each vial of Sculptra can treat numerous areas in the face, while Radiesse is typically used to treat the mid-face.
Neither is right for everyone. The best choice depends on your face, your skin and what you would like to achieve.
How Much Do They Cost?
At Dr Hana Aesthetics, Sculptra is £450 for one vial and £800 for two vials. Radiesse is £275 for one syringe (1.5ml) and £450 for two syringes.
Questions
Is Sculptra a Filler?
Sculptra is a collagen stimulating filler. Rather than adding shape straight away like a hyaluronic acid filler, it works by helping the skin rebuild natural collagen.
Which Lasts Longer, Sculptra or Radiesse?
Sculptra results can last more than 2 years. Radiesse typically lasts 18 months.
Can I Have Both?
Some people are suited to a combination of treatments. Dr Hana will advise at your free face to face consultation.
Dr Hana Aesthetics
Every treatment is carried out by Dr Hana (Dr Hanieh Mimeh), a GMC registered medical doctor with a Masters (MSc) in Aesthetic Medicine. This article is general information and not a substitute for a face to face consultation. Read more.
