Cosmetic injectables can be grouped into several categories: neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and fat-dissolving treatments. In recent years, these treatments have been growing in popularity, as they provide many of the same effects as surgical procedures but are much less invasive, without the associated downtime and complications of traditional surgery.
Sculptra and Radiesse are two leading dermal fillers that act as collagen biostimulators—injectable treatments that encourage the body to produce additional collagen at the treatment site. These are perhaps the best-known fillers in this category, so it’s worthwhile to take an in-depth look at how they compare to one another. (Explore the full range of our genuine Dermal Filler supplies.)
How Do Collagen Biostimulators Work?
Generally speaking, there are two types of dermal fillers: those injected to provide immediate volume replacement (such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers), and collagen biostimulators. Each type has its own characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and method of application.
Biostimulators work by promoting collagen growth through fibroblast activation. This activation can be either inflammatory, as with Sculptra, or non-inflammatory, as with Radiesse. Over time, the formation of new collagen provides corrective benefits that extend results over a long period—typically between one and two years.
The effects of biostimulators are not immediate, as it takes time to stimulate tissue growth in the treatment areas. It’s important to note that the effects of these dermal fillers are irreversible, unlike those of hyaluronic acid-based fillers. For this reason, collagen biostimulators are usually not recommended for first-time patients.
Sculptra
The popular brand Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic and resorbable material that’s also used in other medical devices such as fixation screws and dissolvable sutures. Like other biostimulators, the effects are delayed by several weeks or months; however, the results are long-lasting, often up to two years.
When injected, the poly-L-lactic acid microparticles incite a foreign-body response, stimulating fibroblasts, mononuclear macrophages, and vascular fibrous tissue at the injection site. Fibroblasts then envelope the deposited microparticles and are triggered to produce collagen fibers, resulting in skin thickening.
Treatment with this dermal filler requires slightly more aftercare than other treatments. The treated areas require a massage for five minutes, five times per day, for five days after treatment. Additionally, repeat treatments are typically necessary to achieve full results. A typical treatment regimen consists of three sessions, spaced one month apart.
Radiesse
Radiesse contains microparticles of calcium hydroxylapatite suspended in a gel of water, glycerine, and a small amount of carboxymethylcellulose. The resulting gel has a high elastic modulus, allowing it to resist deformation. Due to its physical properties, this filler should be placed deeper in the skin compared to its counterparts.
This product has a slightly different method of stimulating fibroblast activity. Because it’s composed of the same component found in the mineral portion of bone and teeth, the filler is non-inflammatory. It acts as a scaffold for collagen production that promotes the ingrowth of new tissue similar to its surroundings. The treatment result is an overall improvement in skin texture and volume, with benefits that can last two years or more.
In addition to being a collagen biostimulator, this product has volumizing properties due to its high elasticity and viscosity—an added advantage. Numerous studies and years of clinical experience have repeatedly demonstrated its benefits and efficacy.
Comparison
Both products can be used to add volume to large areas suffering substantial volume loss, such as the cheeks or temples; to fill in skin depressions, such as pitted acne scars; to treat aged hands; and to address pronounced nasolabial folds.
The opacity of the calcium-based filler is considered especially suitable for hand contouring, as it causes prominent features such as veins and tendons to be obscured—a result that cannot be achieved with other dermal fillers, including the poly-L-lactic acid option.
The main difference between the two products is their timing of results. One product’s effects are not immediate, building gradually over time, whereas the other imparts a combination of both immediate and long-term volumizing effects. However, because gradual volume increase tends to appear very natural, this is often a feature desired by patients.
The calcium-based filler’s high viscosity makes it unsuitable for superficial placement. Therefore, it’s not recommended for areas with thin skin, such as the lips or lower eyelids, and should not be used for treating fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, the poly-L-lactic acid filler provides purely volumizing effects without lifting effects, and its results are very diffuse and consequently not targeted. Therefore, it’s not generally suitable for reshaping or augmentation procedures in areas such as the lips or eyes.
Conclusion
Dermal fillers with collagen biostimulation properties are valued for their long-lasting, natural-looking results. While these two leading options are comparable in terms of efficacy, safety, and duration of results, there are considerable differences in their composition, mode of fibroblast stimulation, and overall physical properties. Practitioners should be knowledgeable about these differences to help their patients attain optimal clinical outcomes from their dermal filler treatment.
About the Author: Doris Dickson is a specialist writer for Health Supplies Plus, focusing on the aesthetic medicine industry. She diligently researches cosmetic treatments and products to provide clear, concise information relevant to licensed medical professionals. Her work supports Health Supplies Plus’s commitment to being a reliable informational resource and trusted supplier for the aesthetic community.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is directed towards licensed medical professionals. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any specific product or technique. Practitioners must rely on their own professional judgment, clinical experience, and knowledge of patient needs, and should always consult the full product prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before use. Health Supplies Plus does not provide medical advice.