Premier Image Cosmetic & Laser Surgery

(770) 457-6303

  • Surgical
    • Face
      • QT Lift®️️
      • Facelift
      • Neck lift
      • Brow lift
      • Blepharoplasty
      • Facial Liposuction
      • Chin & Cheek Enhancement
      • Otoplasty
      • Earlobe Repair
      • Trinity Procedure
    • Hair Transplant
      • Eyebrow Transplant
      • Forehead Reduction
      • Hair Restoration Medications
      • Hair Transplant
      • PRP for Hair Loss
  • Non-Surgical
    • Anti-Aging
      • Botox
      • Dysport
      • Dermal Fillers
      • VUE: Volumizing Under Eye
      • Liquid Facelift
      • InMode FaceTite
      • Hand Rejuvenation
      • Platelet-Rich Fibrin (ezPRF)
    • Laser Treatments
      • BodyTone
      • BodySculp
      • Laser Skin Resurfacing
      • IPL Laser
      • Laser Hair Reduction
      • Lip Augmentation
      • Stretch Mark Reduction
      • UltraLight
    • Other Treatments
      • Sclerotherapy
      • Fractora Face
      • Fractora Body
  • Med Spa
    • Face
      • Custom Premier Facial
      • Chemical Peels
      • Microneedling
      • Microneedling with PRP
      • Hydrafacial
      • IPL Photofacial
      • Dermaplaning
      • Waxing
      • Eyelash & Brow Tinting
      • Microblading
      • Microdermabrasion
      • Vivace RF Microneedling
    • Body
      • BodyTone
      • BodySculp
      • Stretch Mark Removal
      • Laser Hair Removal
      • Protégé Skin Tightening
      • UltraLight
    • More
      • Menu of Services
      • Retail Products
      • MedSpa Cancellation Policy
  • Photos
  • Reviews
  • About
    • About Premier Image Cosmetic & Laser Surgery
    • Media
    • Meet Dr. DeJoseph
    • Meet Jennifer Liechty, NP-C
    • Patient Resources
    • Consultation
    • Our Team
    • Our Aestheticians
    • Facility Tour
    • AAFPRS Fellowship Program
    • Careers At Premier
  • Specials
  • Contact Us
Contact Us
Facial Plastic Surgery in Atlanta
Blog / Radiesse vs. Sculptra – Which Filler Is Best for You?

Radiesse vs. Sculptra – Which Filler Is Best for You?

Radiesse and Sculptra are used to restore facial volume, but they work in different ways. Radiesse provides immediate results by adding structure under the skin, while Sculptra gradually stimulates collagen production for longer-lasting effects. Knowing how each filler works can help you make the best choice for your needs.

At Premier Image Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, our specialists offer expert guidance in facial fillers, helping patients choose the most suitable option. This comparison will cover key factors like treatment areas, how long results last, and what to expect during the procedure.

CONTACT US
Woman with smooth, youthful skin touching her face, representing the benefits of Radiesse and Sculptra fillers.
Radiesse provides immediate volume, while Sculptra stimulates collagen for gradual, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.

5 Important Takeaways About Radiesse vs. Sculptra

  1. Radiesse vs Sculptra are both injectable fillers that add volume to your face and reduce wrinkles.
  2. Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite for immediate plumping, while Sculptra is made with lactic acid microspheres to stimulate natural collagen production.
  3. Radiesse typically shows more immediate results, whereas Sculptra’s improvements emerge gradually over multiple sessions.
  4. Both fillers can be used in areas like the cheeks, nose, chin wrinkles, and nasolabial folds, with certain spots better suited for one over the other.
  5. Consulting with an experienced injector, like Dr. Louis DeJoseph at Premier Image, is key to finding the right treatment plan for your facial features and skin goals.

How Radiesse and Sculptra Work Differently 

Radiesse and Its Collagen-Boosting Effects

Radiesse is a dermal filler designed to offer immediate lift and contour. Made of tiny calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a water-based gel, Radiesse adds fullness right away after injection. Over time, these microspheres stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, leading to longer-lasting firmness and improved skin tone.

What Makes Radiesse Unique?

  1. Calcium Hydroxylapatite: This compound is found naturally in bones and teeth, making it highly biocompatible.
  2. Immediate Results: Most patients notice plumping as soon as the treatment area is injected.
  3. Collagen Production: As the gel is absorbed, your body replaces it with its own collagen, prolonging the filler’s effects.

Radiesse injections are popular for patients seeking a safe, effective way to address wrinkles in the cheeks, chin wrinkles, and even the backs of the hands. If you’re looking for a dermal filler treatment with fairly quick results, Radiesse might be your best bet.

Sculptra’s Long-Term Volume Restoration for a Youthful Face

Sculptra is different from other fillers because it relies on poly-L-lactic acid (often referred to simply as lactic acid) to rebuild the underlying structure of the skin. Rather than just filling in lines, Sculptra helps your body boost natural collagen production to restore facial volume gradually.

How Does Sculptra Stand Out?

  1. Gradual Improvement: Sculptra works over multiple sessions, allowing for a subtle and steady change in your appearance.
  2. Long-Lasting Effects: Results can last up to two years or more, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and good skincare.
  3. Versatility: Sculptra is frequently used in areas like the cheeks and temples, as well as for deeper lines such as nasolabial folds. Some providers also use Sculptra for a non-surgical Sculptra butt lift to enhance body contours.

Because Sculptra injections take time to show full results, they’re ideal for patients who prefer a gentle transformation rather than a sudden change.

Radiesse Before and After Photos

Injectables and Fillers Before and after photos in Sandy Springs, GA, Patient 15960

* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

CONTACT US

Best Uses of Radiesse and Sculptra for Facial Rejuvenation

Both Sculptra and Radiesse are considered top options for correcting facial wrinkles, adding volume, and improving overall skin quality. The right treatment often depends on your specific needs, such as how quickly you want to see changes and whether you’re looking to improve superficial or deep wrinkles.

Areas Where Radiesse Excels

Radiesse can be beneficial in various facial areas—especially where a firm lift and defined contour are desired. When you need a quick fix for hollowed cheeks or moderate to severe wrinkles, Radiesse may offer a notable advantage. Common injection sites include:

  • Cheeks: For added lift and improved facial shape.
  • Nasolabial Folds: To minimize those lines running from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth.
  • Chin Wrinkles: To smooth out lines and bring definition to the lower face.

Radiesse often delivers a noticeable transformation in just one session, which is appealing to many patients who prefer immediate results.

Areas Where Sculptra Delivers the Best Results

Sculptra, on the other hand, is a great option if you seek more gradual improvements. Its reliance on collagen production is especially effective in:

  • Facial Hollowing: Ideal for patients who have lost significant volume in the cheeks, temples, or around the jawline.
  • Deep Wrinkles: By gradually replenishing collagen, Sculptra helps address deeper lines without an “overfilled” look.
  • Wider Treatment Areas: Since Sculptra can be used over multiple sessions, it’s often chosen for comprehensive facial areas.

If you want a subtle yet steady change that continues to improve over a few months, Sculptra and Radiesse used in combination or Sculptra alone can be a powerful treatment plan.

Secure Your Safe Procedure Experience with Dr. Louis DeJoseph

Join our satisfied clients who’ve experienced safe, effective treatments.

CONTACT US

Longevity and Effectiveness Over Time

One of the biggest considerations when choosing between Radiesse and Sculptra is how long the results will last. Longevity varies from patient to patient, but the formula and mechanism of action also play major roles.

Duration of Radiesse Results

Radiesse typically lasts about a year, sometimes up to 18 months, depending on factors like your metabolism, skin condition, and the injection site. Patients appreciate seeing improvements immediately, but the calcium hydroxylapatite also stimulates new collagen. This means Radiesse over Sculptra might be preferable if you want a quicker fix for wrinkles and volume loss. However, periodic touch-ups are necessary to maintain long-term results.

Sculptra’s Gradual and Lasting Improvements

Sculptra has the potential to last two years or more, making it a go-to for long-term volume restoration. Because Sculptra relies on your body’s natural collagen production, it usually requires multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart to build up the desired effect. The flip side is that once the process is complete, you’ll likely enjoy a smoother face for a year or longer before needing maintenance treatments.

Injection Process and Treatment Experience

Although both Radiesse and Sculptra are administered via injections, the overall treatment experience can differ. Consulting with an experienced injector, such as Dr. Louis DeJoseph, is critical to achieving results that look natural.

For patients also considering other cosmetic treatments like Botox to reduce dynamic wrinkles on the forehead or around the eyes, combining injectables can create a more comprehensive anti-aging strategy. However, the best approach depends on your unique anatomy and goals.

What to Expect With Radiesse Sessions

During a Radiesse session, the filler is injected into the targeted facial areas using a fine needle. Here’s how the procedure typically goes:

  1. Preparation: The skin is cleansed, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort.
  2. Injection: Radiesse is carefully injected into the dermis or deeper, depending on your treatment plan.
  3. Immediate Plumping: You’ll notice added volume right away, though some swelling or bruising may temporarily alter your appearance.

Aftercare: You might be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a day or two, but recovery is generally minimal.

Sculptra’s Multi-Session Approach

Sculptra sessions are slightly different because you’ll need multiple visits for optimal results. A typical course of treatment involves:

  1. Initial Consultation: Your provider assesses your face and discusses realistic expectations.
  2. First Injection: Sculptra is injected into the targeted areas to start stimulating collagen production.
  3. Follow-Up Sessions: Additional injections are spaced a few weeks apart, allowing your skin to gradually build up more collagen.

Ongoing Improvements: Results become more visible after each session, culminating in a fuller, more youthful face.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Both Radiesse and Sculptra are FDA-approved fillers that have been widely used in the field of cosmetic dermatology. However, no treatment is entirely free of risks. It’s essential to choose an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy, especially in delicate areas like the lips or nose.

Possible Reactions to Radiesse

Some people experience minor side effects after Radiesse injections, such as:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Redness at the injection site

These reactions typically subside within a few days. Rarely, lumps or nodules can form, especially if the filler is placed too superficially. At Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, we take every precaution to minimize these risks.

What to Know About Sculptra’s Safety

Like Radiesse, Sculptra is generally well-tolerated. Some of the possible side effects include:

  • Mild swelling or redness
  • Bruising or tenderness
  • Small lumps that may resolve over time

Lumps can sometimes be massaged out, so your provider might instruct you on aftercare techniques. The key to avoiding complications is a proper injection technique tailored to the patient’s unique facial features.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Goals

If you’re on the fence about which dermal filler is right for your treatment area—be it the cheeks, temples, nose, or chin—consider your timeline, budget, and desired outcome. Do you want immediate results, or do you prefer a gradual transformation? Are you trying to correct deep wrinkles in a single session, or do you have multiple facial areas that require a long-term plan?

When Radiesse May Be the Better Choice

You might lean toward Radiesse if:

  • You want to see changes right away
  • You have moderate to severe wrinkles that need firm support
  • You prefer a single treatment session or fewer sessions
  • You’re looking to address specific issues such as chin wrinkles or deep nasolabial folds quickly

Radiesse can also be a great stepping stone if you want to see how you look with increased volume before committing to a longer-term filler like Sculptra.

When Sculptra Offers More Advantages

Sculptra might be the ideal choice if:

  • You desire long-lasting volume and a natural improvement that emerges gradually
  • You’re treating multiple facial areas or more extensive volume loss
  • You appreciate the subtle, ongoing improvements that collagen production offers
  • You don’t mind multiple treatment sessions to fine-tune your results

For patients seeking significant improvement in skin texture, deep wrinkles, or more global volumization in areas like the cheeks and temples, Sculptra is often the recommended filler. It capitalizes on your body’s own ability to produce collagen, delivering results that can look and feel extremely natural over time.

Schedule a Consultation Today

At Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, we understand that every face is unique. Dr. Louis DeJoseph’s extensive background in facial plastic surgery and Injectables allows him to craft a personalized treatment plan—be it Radiesse, Sculptra, or even a combination of fillers and Botox injections for the ultimate anti-aging makeover.

If you’re still unsure whether you’d prefer Radiesse over Sculptra, or if a blend of both might be your best option, we’re here to help. We pride ourselves on delivering safe, effective cosmetic treatments that highlight your natural beauty while minimizing downtime.

Get the youthful skin and confidence you deserve through one of the most trusted practices in the Atlanta area. Call us or book an appointment online.

Schedule Your Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

Fill out the information below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Consultation Location*
Date of birth*
By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use (opens in a new tab)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

4.57 stars — based on 338 reviews
Premier Image Atlanta, GA

Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery was founded in 1970 as Georgia's first cosmetic surgery practice center to specialize in complete specialty aesthetic plastic surgery for both facial and body procedures.

Facebook (opens in a new tab) YouTube (opens in a new tab) Instagram (opens in a new tab) Ask for reviews (opens in a new tab)

Quick links

  • Surgical
  • Non-Surgical
  • Spa
  • Photos
  • Reviews
  • About
  • Specials

Resources

  • For patients
  • Consultation
  • Careers

More Info

  • News
  • Media
  • Videos
  • Blog

Contact

6085 Barfield Rd #100,
Sandy Springs,
GA 30328

770-457-6303

Copyright © 2025 · Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery | All Rights Reserved | Terms | Privacy | Sitemap (opens in a new tab)