What is the difference between hyaluronic acid products like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero and other products like Sculptra and Radiesse?
All these products are known as dermal fillers. They help replace lost volume, generally in the face, and can fill lines and wrinkles. They vary in thickness and duration so they can be used in different areas of the face or body and for different client needs.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance which our bodies produce to cushion and protect our joints and connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid fillers are extremely popular and generally last from six to twelve months before maintenance treatment is required.
Radiesse is a calcium-based dermal filler which lasts longer than dermal fillers. It’s a product which is generally used in areas where more structure or shaping is needed, especially popular for jawline shaping.
Sculptra uses poly-l-lactic acid which stimulates your body’s own natural collagen production. The result is a very natural looking increase in volume that develops over a period of months, and can be used to get a natural-looking, perfect booty without surgery. Unlike hyaluronic acid and Radiesse injections, Sculptra injections are not given during one time period. Most patients receive three treatments with each treatment session scheduled several weeks after the preceding one. Also, because collagen formation takes time, you may not start to see the results from Sculptra injections until several weeks after your treatment session. The good news is that Sculptra’s effects can last for over two years.
Finally, unlike hyaluronic acid which can be taken out with something called hyaluronidase, Radiesse and Sculptra cannot, so you need to wait until they naturally fade away if you are not happy with the result. That is why it’s important to work with an experienced injector to ensure the optimal results.