Each year, more than 3.4 million people in the U.S. get dermal filler treatments, making them the second most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment (after Botox).
Of these dermal filler treatments, Radiesse and Restylane are among the most widely used products. Understandably, patients often ask how Radiesse compares to Restylane in terms of cost, result duration, and potential side effects.
Essentially, the Radiesse vs. Restylane comparison boils down to treating similar aesthetic concerns – such as wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss, in different parts of your face. The products consist of different compounds that achieve similar results but work better for different purposes.
At Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Arthur Shektman provides both fillers and is an expert on their similarities and differences.
Radiesse vs. Restylane Overview
While there are several differences between Radiesse and Restylane, there are also some similarities you should be aware of. For instance, both fillers have received FDA approval for cosmetic use after passing a series of rigorous clinical trials to prove their safety and efficacy.
These injectables have a remarkable ability to minimize wrinkles, lines, and folds, and restore volume to your face. You can use them to address various cosmetic concerns, such as deep wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and volume loss in the cheeks and lips.
Injections are a minimally invasive, non-surgical in-office procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes. You can schedule your appointment over your lunch break and return to work immediately after. If you want to achieve a naturally refreshed appearance and are not yet ready to commit to surgeries like a facelift, dermal fillers are an excellent choice.
Now we’ve discussed the similarities, we’ll look at the differences between Radiesse and Restylane, and help you decide which is better for your aesthetic goals and desires.
Which Filler Lasts Longer?
One of the primary differences between Radiesse and Restylane is their durability. While both fillers are temporary treatments that require periodic maintenance, Radiesse tends to last longer than Restylane.
Radiesse Longevity
Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel-like substance. This unique composition allows Radiesse to stimulate collagen production within your skin, maintaining its volume and firmness over time. Radiesse can last for up to a year or more, making it an excellent choice for those looking for long-lasting results.
Restylane Longevity
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler. HA occurs naturally in the human body, but its production declines with age. While Restylane is also effective at filling in wrinkles and restoring volume, it tends to break down more quickly than Radiesse. In general, Restylane can last for several months, with most patients requiring touch-up treatments every six to nine months to maintain their results.
The duration of both fillers can vary depending on the treated area, the amount of filler used, and your metabolism. For example, highly mobile areas such as your mouth may require more frequent touch-up treatments.
What Are the Best Indications for Radiesse and Restylane?
Radiesse and Restylane have different indications and are suitable for treating different aesthetic concerns. Knowing which product best suits your concerns is vital for achieving your desired aesthetic goal.
Radiesse Indications
Radiesse is an ideal filler for deeper wrinkles, folds, and areas that require a larger volume of filler, such as the cheeks and jawline. It’s also an excellent choice for patients looking for longer-lasting results, as it stimulates collagen production in the skin.
Due to its more robust composition, Radiesse can provide hand rejuvenation. If the backs of your hands look bony and sunken, it can add years to your appearance. Non-surgical Radiesse injections are a quick solution to this problem.
Restylane Indications
With its naturally occurring hyaluronic acid formula, Restylane is suitable for more delicate wrinkles and fine lines, as well as areas that require a smaller volume of filler, such as the undereye area and lips.
The immediate results and zero downtime provided by Restylane make it an outstanding choice for those looking for an immediate improvement. In contrast, Radiesse can cause slightly more swelling and incur a marginally longer recovery time. Restylane non-surgical lip augmentations provide a plumper, more defined appearance for your mouth.
An alternative surgical option that volumizes the face and adds contour is facial fat grafting, which provides long-term, natural results similar to those of Radiesse and Restylane.
Is Radiesse More Expensive Than Restylane?
Generally, Radiesse tends to be slightly more expensive than Restylane because of its longer-lasting effects and unique composition. However, the cost can vary depending on several factors, especially the number of filler units required to achieve your desired aesthetic.
While Radiesse tends to have a higher upfront cost, you should also consider how long-term benefits can be more affordable over time. Because Radiesse lasts longer than Restylane, you may require fewer touch-up treatments, which can ultimately result in cost savings.
How Does Recovery Differ Between Radiesse and Restylane?
The recovery process for Radiesse and Restylane should be quick, relatively painless and straightforward, requiring little to no downtime.
Because these fillers are minimally invasive and non-surgical, most patients return to their typical activities immediately after their treatment. However, you should be aware of some side effects and aftercare differences.
Radiesse Recovery
After receiving Radiesse injections, patients may experience swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
Restylane Recovery
Since Restylane has a thicker formula, you will likely experience fewer side effects following your appointment.
After either treatment, we advise you to avoid sun exposure, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours to allow the fillers to settle and deliver optimal results. Please do not touch or rub the treated area, as doing so could adversely affect your outcome.
Why Choose Dr. Shektman for Your Radiesse and Restylane Treatment?
Even with a non-surgical, low-risk treatment, it’s essential to choose a highly experienced and trusted provider. Dr. Shektman is one of the most experienced plastic surgeons in Boston. He has spent the past 30 years crafting his reputation by delivering high-quality results.
Dr. Shektman’s Boston Radiesse and Restylane procedures offer unparalleled levels of customer care, from the first consultation through to post-procedure follow-ups. He has served thousands of patients, and his client list continues to grow, despite increasing competition from local and international doctors.
His extensive experience means he can suggest the perfect treatment for your aesthetic desires, and can deliver the procedure with expert skill. Please call (781) 239-0680 or fill out our online form to book your no-obligation consultation to learn more about Restylane vs. Radiesse.
Radiesse vs. Restylane FAQs
Does Radiesse last longer than Restylane?
Due to Radiesse’s calcium-based formula, it tends to last longer than Restylane. People metabolize calcium more slowly than hyaluronic acid, which is the foundational compound in Restylane.
Is Restylane better than Radiesse?
When considering injectables, don’t think in terms of which solution is “better.” Radiesse and Restylane are excellent products formulated to treat different concerns. For instance, Radiesse can provide long-lasting results for larger areas such as your cheeks and jawline. On the other hand, Restylane is excellent for subtler applications, such as fine lines around your mouth.
Does Radiesse swell more than other fillers?
Because of its calcium foundation, Radiesse tends to cause more swelling than hyaluronic acid fillers. However, most patients who opt for Radiesse report their results are worth it.
Do you see immediate results with Radiesse?
You’ll notice an almost instantaneous improvement from your Radiesse injections, with added volume and fewer wrinkles. It takes anywhere from two to four weeks for the treatment to settle and fully heal.
Can Radiesse lift cheeks?
Certainly! Radiesse injections are an ideal way to lift and volumize sunken cheeks.
Is one syringe of Radiesse enough?
The number of Radiesse syringes required depends entirely on your aesthetic goals. In many cases, one syringe is enough to eliminate wrinkles. However, if you’re looking for significant volumizing of your cheeks and jawline, more than one unit can deliver better results.