Juvederm® vs. Radiesse®: Which Is the Better Choice for You?

When it comes to wrinkles and other changes that happen due to aging or external skin damage, there’s not a lot you can do. You basically have two choices: accept your features the way they are, or take action to change your appearance. Topical skincare products won’t do much to fix pronounced creases caused by volume loss. For that, you’ll need to consider having dermal fillers. At Dr. Happe Medical Aesthetics, patients can choose from a variety of filler alternatives, including Juvederm® and Radiesse®. The Newton area team routinely helps patients decide on the best option to reach their goals by explaining some of the major similarities and differences between the two facial rejuvenation methods. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy personalized results that last.

What Can Fillers Correct?

Our skin loses a lot of its collagen (a substance that helps it retain its strength) and moisture over time as we get older. We also tend to lose fat from under the skin. Because of this, it’s common for the cheeks to become hollow and folds to form on the lower face, directly causing deep creases known as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and smile lines.

Soft tissue fillers help to minimize facial lines and hollows. In terms of lines, fillers specifically address what are known as static wrinkles: permanent lines that are visible even when the face is at rest.

The products in the Juvederm® family and all types of Radiesse® can improve moderate to severe wrinkles on the central and lower part of the face, such as nasolabial folds around the mouth and nose. These non-surgical treatments smooth out skin that has begun to show creases due to loss of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and even bone loss from osteoporosis-type changes to the face.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Juvederm® gels all contain hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body that attracts and binds to water to regulate hydration in tissues. We find less and less of this substance in our skin as we age, which is why the skin appears thinner and drier over time, rather than supple. Juvederm® adds hyaluronic acid back into the skin to increase both volume and moisture retention. It has a softer consistency compared to Radiesse®.

Radiesse® was the first filler to be approved by the FDA for the face and hands. It contains synthetic microspheres of a mineral called calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). In addition to instantly restoring volume that has been lost, once the skin has been infused with the particles, they gradually stimulate collagen production. Radiesse® generally lasts several months longer than Juvederm®.

Procedure Details

Both fillers are administered via injections that can be completed in a short space of time—between 15 minutes and an hour for Juvederm®, and the same for Radiesse®. Session details depend on the area or areas being treated, as well as other factors.

Who is a Good Candidate for Fillers?

In most cases, people who have a history of severe allergies, an allergy to a specific ingredient in these products, skin infections, a bleeding disorder, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding will not be suitable candidates for Juvederm® and Radiesse®.

Recovery and Aftercare

Minor, short-term side effects that may occur after both Radiesse® and Juvederm® include swelling, bruising, redness, and discomfort. There isn’t much aftercare required for either treatment, and recovery time is usually minimal. For at least the first 24 hours after an injection session, patients should refrain from engaging in heavy exercise or excessive exposure to sun and heat. It’s better to wait for side effects to wear off before getting involved in these activities again.

The Dr. Happe Medical Aesthetics team invites anyone interested in fillers to learn more about Radiesse®, Juvederm®, and other fillers. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation or find out more about what’s involved, contact their Newton office by calling 617-597-2600 or submitting a contact form to book online.