Sculptra vs. Radiesse: Which Collagen-Stimulating Filler is Right for You? Insights from Dr. Rios in Verona, NJ

Both Sculptra and Radiesse are advanced injectable fillers designed to stimulate collagen and restore lost volume. They offer long-term skin rejuvenation, making them popular choices for patients who want natural-looking, gradual improvements in facial or body contour.

But while they share similar goals, their compositions, behavior, and ideal treatment areas differ—so let’s break it down.

Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible material that encourages your body to gradually produce collagen. It’s ideal for:

• Restoring facial volume

• Softening smile lines and marionette folds

• Enhancing skin thickness

• Non-surgical buttock or hip dip augmentation

• Treating crepey skin on the neck, arms, or chest

Sculptra results build over time and last up to 2 years or more, making it perfect for patients who prefer subtle, progressive changes.

Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. It provides both immediate volume and long-term collagen stimulation. Radiesse is commonly used for:

• Cheek and jawline contouring

• Hand rejuvenation

• Lower face sculpting

• Firming skin on the neck, arms, and thighs

Unlike Sculptra, Radiesse gives instant results that improve further over time. It lasts about 12 to 18 months depending on the treatment area.

• Main Ingredient
Sculptra: Poly-L-lactic acid
Radiesse: Calcium hydroxylapatite

• Onset of Results
Sculptra: Gradual (4–8 weeks)
Radiesse: Immediate with continued improvement

• Longevity
Sculptra: Up to 2+ years
Radiesse: 12–18 months

• Texture
Sculptra: Soft and natural
Radiesse: Firmer, more structured

• Best For
Sculptra: Volume loss, collagen stimulation
Radiesse: Contouring, instant lift

• Treatment Areas
Sculptra: Face, neck, chest, buttocks, arms
Radiesse: Face, jawline, hands, neck

• Number of Sessions
Sculptra: Usually 2–3 treatments
Radiesse: Often 1 session, sometimes 2

Choose Sculptra if you:

• Want a natural, slow transformation
• Prefer collagen stimulation over gel volume
• Need subtle improvement across larger areas
• Want to treat deeper skin laxity or crepiness

Choose Radiesse if you:

• Desire immediate volume with structure
• Want sharper contouring (jawline, cheeks)
• Need a quick fix for hands or lower face
• Prefer fewer sessions

At True Bliss Medical, Dr. Rios takes a personalized, art-meets-science approach to every filler treatment. She may even recommend combining both Sculptra and Radiesse for optimal results, depending on your goals, skin type, and treatment area.

Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation, volume restoration, or skin firming, you’ll receive a customized plan tailored to your unique features.

Yes. Both Sculptra and Radiesse are FDA-approved and have a strong track record of safety when administered by trained professionals.

Both deliver natural results, but Sculptra’s gradual collagen-building effect is often seen as more subtle.

Absolutely. In certain cases, Dr. Rios combines them to balance volume and structure across the face and body.

Minimal. Some swelling or bruising may occur, but you can typically resume daily activities immediately.

Pricing varies based on the treatment area and number of sessions. A consultation with Dr. Rios will provide an accurate estimate.

Whether you’re drawn to Sculptra’s collagen-boosting power or Radiesse’s instant lift, Dr. Rios and the team at True Bliss Medical will help you choose the perfect solution for natural, rejuvenated beauty.

Book your consultation today and let your transformation begin—beautifully, confidently, and completely you. We are conveniently located at 96 Pompton Ave Suite 102, Verona, NJ 07044. We serve clients from Verona NJ, Livingston NJ, West Orange NJ, Montclair NJ, Clifton NJ, Cedar Grove NJ, Wayne NJ, Caldwell NJ, Roseland NJ, and BEYOND!