Sculptra vs Radiesse: what the sources say

MedSpaGrades editorial teamUpdated 22 Oct 20264 sources checkedHow we write

Sculptra and Radiesse are both fillers that last longer than many, and people often ask how they differ. The sources we read describe differences in how each works and how long it is said to last. They do not say which is better, and we do not either.

What each is made of

The FDA lists both among the absorbable (temporary) filler materials. Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which the FDA describes as a biodegradable, biocompatible man-made polymer. Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), which the FDA describes as a mineral found in human teeth and bones, suspended in a gel-like solution. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a society of dermatologists who do surgery, names Sculptra as the brand of PLLA and Radiesse as the brand of CaHA.

How each works, as the sources describe it

ASDS calls PLLA a biostimulatory filler: it stimulates your own skin to produce new collagen, and its effects appear gradually over a few months. The FDA says PLLA is given in a series of injections over several months. ASDS says multiple sessions are needed, often about a month apart.

ASDS says CaHA produces immediate results and over time can also increase collagen production in the areas injected. ASDS describes the injections without a series.

How long each lasts

The sources give different figures, and we show them all. For PLLA, the FDA says the effects may last up to 2 years, and ASDS says up to two years, depending on the person. For CaHA, the FDA says the effects last approximately 18 months, and ASDS says they typically last about 12 months, and describes CaHA as lasting "12 month or more". ASDS says that after that time, more injections are needed to maintain the effects of either filler.

Other things the sources mention

The FDA says that while in the body, calcium hydroxylapatite will be visible on X-rays and may obscure underlying features. ASDS says CaHA can be seen on X-ray films and CT scans, and that if you are having a radiology procedure on your face, you should tell your physician you have been injected with it.

ASDS lists who it says should not have each. For PLLA: a current oral herpes or similar infection, lupus or another connective tissue disorder, an allergy to a component, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. For CaHA: a current oral herpes or similar infection, an allergy to its ingredients or a history of anaphylaxis, and pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The FDA's general warnings about fillers apply to both: bruising, swelling, lumps, infection, and, most seriously, accidental injection into a blood vessel, which can cause tissue death, vision problems including blindness, and stroke.

How to decide, as a conversation

The choice is made with your provider, who knows your health history and the areas to be treated. The labeling for each exact product says where it is approved. We did not read either product's labeling. These questions follow from the sources:

For each on its own, see Sculptra.