
BOTOX
SCULPTRA VS. RADIESSE: WHICH BIOSTIMULATOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
02-14-2025
ALLY - RN, BSCN
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, injectables are no longer just about filling lines and wrinkles—they’re about restoring volume, improving skin quality, and stimulating your body’s own collagen production for long-term results. Enter biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse, two powerhouse treatments that go beyond traditional fillers to help rebuild the skin’s foundation from within.
At Aisthetikos, we offer both Sculptra and Radiesse, and while they share similarities, they also have distinct differences that make one more ideal than the other depending on your skin, face and goals. Let’s break it down.
WHAT ARE BIOSTIMULATORS?
Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, which add immediate volume, biostimulators work by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production over time. This means results develop gradually, offering a more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation.
Both Sculptra and Radiesse fit into this category, but they work in slightly different ways.
SCULPTRA: SLOW & STEADY FOR GLOBAL VOLUME
Best for: Overall facial volume loss, skin laxity, deep wrinkles
Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible substance that kickstarts collagen production. It doesn’t provide instant volume but rather works gradually over several months, helping to rebuild your skin’s structure and restore lost volume in a natural, subtle way.
Great for treating:
- Hollow cheeks & temples
- Skin laxity and crepiness
- Deep folds like smile lines
- Overall facial rejuvenation
Treatment Timeline:
- Most patients need 2-3 sessions, spaced 6-8 weeks apart
- Full results develop over 3-6 months and can last 2+ years
Sculptra is ideal if you’re looking for a gradual, long-lasting improvement with results that keep getting better over time.
RADIESSE: INSTANT LIFT & COLLAGEN BOOST
Best for: Defined contouring, lifting, tightening and immediate results
Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, which provide instant volume while also stimulating collagen. This makes it unique because you get both an immediate lifting effect and long-term improvement as new collagen forms.
Great for treating:
- Jawline & chin definition
- Cheek contouring
- Deep wrinkles & folds
- Neck, chest and hand rejuvenation
- Elbows, arms and knees
Treatment Timeline:
- Instant results with additional collagen production over 3-6 months
- Lasts around 2 years
Radiesse is a fantastic option if you want both an immediate transformation and long-term skin benefits.
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Both Sculptra and Radiesse work by stimulating collagen, but the right choice depends on your specific goals:
Feature | Sculptra | Radiesse |
---|---|---|
Results | Gradual (3-6 months) | Immediate + long-term |
Best for | Overall facial volume, skin quality, neck, chest | Lifting, contouring, skin tightening, hands, chest |
Longevity | 2+ years | 2+ years |
Texture | Subtle, natural fullness | More structure & definition |
Ideal Areas | Cheeks, temples, nasolabial folds, improve heaviness or jowling | Jawline, chin, hands, deep wrinkles, skin laxity |
If you’re looking for a slow, natural rejuvenation with long-term results, Sculptra might be your best bet. If you want immediate volume and definition with added collagen benefits, Radiesse is a great option.
LET'S CREATE A PLAN FOR YOU
The best way to determine whether Sculptra or Radiesse is right for you is to book a complimentary consultation at Aisthetikos. We’ll assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Ready to get started? Let’s build your best skin—inside and out.