What Are Radiesse and Sculptra?
Radiesse and Sculptra are two different collagen-stimulating treatments, also called biostimulators. Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite and gives support straight after treatment. Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid; it doesn’t add volume immediately, and its effect builds gradually over weeks and months as new collagen forms.
With age, the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin decline. The skin gets thinner, loses elasticity and the face’s support structure weakens. Classic hyaluronic acid fillers replace lost volume directly. Collagen stimulators instead prompt the skin to rebuild its own support tissue, so their goal is skin quality and firmness as well as volume.
Both treatments are offered at our clinic and planned by Dr. Sevgi Ekiyor after an examination and facial analysis. For full details, see our Radiesse filler and Sculptra pages.
How Radiesse Works
Radiesse is made of tiny calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel. After injection, the gel gives immediate support and a subtle lift. As the gel is absorbed over time, the microspheres act as a scaffold that stimulates new collagen around them.
- Immediate effect: The gel gives visible support and contour right after treatment.
- Gradual effect: Over the following months, new collagen contributes to firmer skin.
- How it’s used: For contour and support in areas such as the cheeks, jawline and chin. When diluted, it can also be used to support skin quality on the face, neck, décolletage and backs of the hands.
Results vary from person to person, but Radiesse usually lasts 12 to 18 months.
How Sculptra Works
Sculptra is a powder containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Before treatment it is mixed with sterile water, then placed in the deeper layers of the skin. The fullness you see right after treatment comes from the water and disappears within a few days.
- Gradual effect: The poly-L-lactic acid particles stimulate your body’s collagen production. Volume and firmness build slowly over weeks and months.
- Treatment plan: Usually 2 to 3 sessions are planned a few weeks apart. The number of sessions depends on how much collagen has been lost and is decided at consultation.
- Where it’s used: For widespread volume loss in the temples, cheeks and sides of the face, and when overall facial support has declined.
Results vary from person to person, and Sculptra can last up to around 2 years. Because the result builds gradually, don’t expect a marked change right after treatment.
Radiesse vs Sculptra: The Key Differences
Both treatments support collagen production, but they differ in how quickly results appear and what they’re mainly used for:
| Radiesse | Sculptra | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient | Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in gel | Poly-L-lactic acid, mixed with sterile water |
| Results | Support is visible straight away; collagen builds over months | Gradual; volume builds over weeks and months |
| Sessions | Often a single session | Usually 2 to 3 sessions a few weeks apart |
| How long it lasts | Usually 12 to 18 months | Up to around 2 years |
| Main uses | Contour and support for the jawline, cheeks and chin | Temples, cheeks and widespread volume loss |
| Can it be dissolved? | No | No |
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, neither product can be dissolved with an enzyme. That makes choosing the right area, dose and depth especially important. Neither is used in the lips or under the eyes; hyaluronic acid fillers are used there instead.
Which One May Suit You?
There’s no single “better” option between Radiesse and Sculptra. The right choice depends on your facial structure, the type of volume loss and what you expect:
- If you want clear contour and immediate support: Radiesse may be the better fit when the jawline has lost definition or the cheeks need support.
- If you prefer a gradual, natural change: Sculptra may suit people with widespread volume loss who are happy for results to build over time.
- If you need both volume and hydration: HarmonyCA filler, which combines hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, is another option.
- If there is marked sagging: Collagen stimulators may not be enough on their own and can be combined with a non-surgical facelift approach.
Some treatment plans combine different products for different areas of the face. In Dr. Sevgi Ekiyor’s Facial Architecture (Yüz Mimarisi®) approach, the choice of product for each area is based on an assessment of the whole face.
These treatments are not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, where there is an active infection in the treatment area, or to anyone with a known allergy to the ingredients. Always mention any medication you take and any fillers you’ve had before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lasts longer, Radiesse or Sculptra?
Sculptra can last up to around 2 years, while Radiesse usually lasts 12 to 18 months. How long results last depends on age, skin type, metabolism and lifestyle, so it varies from person to person.
Can Radiesse and Sculptra be used together?
Some treatment plans combine different products for different areas of the face. Which product goes where, and in what order, is decided at consultation after assessing the whole face.
When do you see results from Sculptra?
The initial fullness fades within a few days. The collagen effect starts within weeks and becomes clearer over months, so the result is assessed a few months after the final session.
Can Radiesse or Sculptra be dissolved?
No. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, neither can be dissolved with an enzyme; both are gradually absorbed by the body. That is why treatment should be planned by a doctor with a thorough knowledge of facial anatomy.
Can collagen-stimulating fillers be used in the lips?
No. Radiesse and Sculptra are not used in the lips or under the eyes. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as lip filler and under-eye light filler are used in these areas instead.
