Juvederm vs. Radiesse: What’s The Difference?
Juvederm and Radiesse are two highly popular dermal fillers with the ability to completely rejuvenate the skin by smoothing lines and wrinkles. They are both completely non-surgical, minimally painful, and require no downtime. Additionally, both treatments can be used to correct similar facial aging symptoms.
There are, however, a few critical differences between Radiesse and Juvederm that prospective filler patients should know.
Formulas
Juvederm has a gel-based formula that uses hyaluronic acid (HA) as its active ingredient. HA is a powerful humectant with the ability to attract and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This water absorption characteristic is what makes Juvederm work so well: once injected into the skin Juvederm filler draws moisture into the treatment area to plump the skin eradicate wrinkles.
Radiesse is an injectable filler that combines a gel with tiny calcium microspheres called calcium hydroxylapatite, which is structurally similar to what is found in the bones and teeth. Both elements work together to plump the skin by stimulating the production of new collagen. When injected, the gel component of Radiesse creates a temporary fill, lasting anywhere from three to six months. The calcium particles left behind create a scaffold for your tissue to build around which creates the longer-term fill.
Treatment Areas Addressed
Radiesse and Juvederm can be used to treat aging symptoms on many of the same facial areas including the cheeks and jawline. Both fillers are viable options for correcting marionette lines (also known as laugh lines) which are vertical lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin.
The Juvederm family includes Juvederm Ultra (original formula), Juvederm Voluma (FDA approved to enhance cheek volume), Juvederm Volbella (targeting lip lines and other fine lines around the mouth), and Juvederm Vollure (formulated to target severe folds and wrinkles included the nasolabial folds).
In addition to treating the same areas as Juvederm, the volumizing effects of Radiesse can be used to address the hands. It’s also a great filler for hand rejuvenation, adding new volume to decrease the visibility of bones and veins.
Results
Both Radiesse and Juvederm provide dramatic results, making the skin appear more youthful. Juvederm is effective at addressing finer lines and deeper wrinkles (depending on which product in the Juvederm family is being injected) while Radiesse is effective at correcting deeper (more severe) lines and folds.
Result Duration (How Long Results Last)
All dermal fillers provide temporary results. Eventually the body naturally degrades the filler resulting in the return of the treatment area to its pre-treatment state. Result duration can vary greatly as explained in this previous blog post. Beyond the fillers formulation, there can be dramatic differences in other variables such as a patient’s metabolism which determine how long the results of any dermal filler lasts.
Radiesse typically lasts longer than Juvederm due to its ability to increase collagen production within the skin. Most patients will notice the results of Radiesse for 18-24 months (and possibly longer) while Juvederm results last for up to 1 year (2 years for juvederm voluma).
Patients can choose to maintain the results provided by either Radiesse and Juvederm by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments.
Pain
Pain or discomfort from either a Radiesse and Juvederm procedure is minimal especially when the treatment is performed by an experienced injector. Both treatments are minimally invasive and are performed through a series of injections using an ultra-fine needle. Many formulations in the Juvederm family and Radiesse contain added lidocaine to numb the injection site during the procedure. For filler treatments, patients can request the application of a topical numbing cream prior to receiving injections.
Treatment Time
Both Radiesse and Juvederm treatments can be performed very quickly, with most procedures performed within 30 to 45 minutes depending on the location and size of the treatment area. Dermal filler treatments can even be performed during the patient’s lunch hour.
Recovery
Radiesse and Juvederm require no downtime (recovery time). Patients who receive either filler can immediately return to normal activities directly after their treatment.
Side Effects
Side effects of both Radiesse and Juvederm treatments are typically minor and short term, with most effects resolving without the need for intervention. Common side effects may include bruising, swelling, redness, rash, itching, or discoloration around the site of the injection. Serious side effects are rare and can include allergic reactions, changes to skin color, infection, numbness, and scarring.
Cost
Radiesse is typically more expensive than Juvederm. However, patients should keep in mind that Radiesse lasts longer than Juvederm.
It’s important to note that the cost of any dermal filler treatment can differ greatly from individual to individual based on the unique needs and desired result of each patient. Total procedure cost depends greatly on the amount of filler required.
Juvederm vs. Radiesse: Which is better?
At this point many readers may be asking which filler is better. Here’s our (potentially unsatisfying) answer: Radiesse and Juvederm are equally great! Both fillers have respective benefits in the fight against aging symptoms. Patients should be open to both options and let an experienced injector assess their individual need and goals in determining which filler to use. In some cases, a patient’s ideal treatment plan may involve using both Juvederm and Radiesse to create the patient’s desired end result.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
Wait users can do more than one type of filler? Sorry confused lol
Hi Verthil,
That’s correct, depending on patient need a combination of different injectables can be used to create your desired end result. That’s why its always best to see a licensed injector that has a lot of experience using all major filler and nueromodulator (i.e. Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) types.
We hope that helps clear everything up!
Thanks,
WD Staff
Hi,
For the most dramatic effect when contouring the cheekbones would you recommend Juvederm or Radiesse on a young person?
Thanks.
Great question! We’ve been achieving great results for our younger patients with Restylane Contour. However, Juvederm Voluma is also a good choice.
As always, however, its difficult to recommend a treatment without seeing you for an in-person consultation. So, you definitely want to find a skilled injector for a more detailed assessment!
We hope that helps,
WD Staff