Radiesse Vs Juvederm: 5 Minute Read

Radiesse and Juvederm are two brands of dermal fillers that are widely used in the field of aesthetic medicine. Radiesse and Juvederm are manufactured by Merz Aesthetics and Allergan, respectively. These soft tissue implants are different in the following ways:

1. The active ingredient: The main difference lies between these two brands lies in the active ingredient each product uses. Radiesse is a CaHA-based implant containing 30% CaHA microspheres that are left suspended in a 70% aqueous carrier gel. The smooth aqueous gel is made of a combination of carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, and high purity water. This filler is free from any pyrogen and latex and can even be administered without any skin patch tests. As for Juvederm, it is made of completely synthetic hyaluronic acid gel. The molecules are manufactured via tightly regulated biofermentation and purified deeply to be free from any impurities that can induce unwanted foreign body reactions. Juvederm fillers are then cross-linked to be viscoelastic with a monophasic gel texture.   
2. The range of fillers: As of now, Radiesse is only available in four different varieties: Radiesse 0.8ml, Radiesse 1.5ml, Radiesse (+) 0.8ml with Lidocaine, and Radiesse (+) 1.5ml with Lidocaine. These products, as their names suggest, differ on the basis of the volume of the injectable prefilled in their syringe (Radiesse 0.8ml and Radiesse 1.5ml) and the integration of 0.3% lidocaine (Radiesse (+) 0.8ml with Lidocaine and Radiesse 1.5ml (+) with Lidocaine). As for the Juvederm brand, there is a wide filler selection that differ in terms of the concentration of hyaluronic acid, the presence of lidocaine, and the processing technology used. As of now, the fillers can be divided into two major collections: Juvederm Vycross fillers made using Vycross Technology, and Juvederm Ultra made using Hylacross Technology. The choice of using a Radiesse filler or a Juvederm filler depends on the problematic areas that require treatment, the severity of dermal imperfections, and patient’s tolerance towards lidocaine.
3. The mechanism of action: Radiesse is distinguished for its unique mechanism of action that has excellent biostimulating activity. Once injected into the skin, the aqueous carrier gel instantly plumps the skin while the CaHA microspheres encourage the synthesis of new collagen fibers via neocollagenesis. Over time, the carrier gel is metabolized into the surrounding tissues, but the formation of new collagen fibers enables the skin structure to remain sturdy. As for Juvederm fillers, they function by instantly volumizing any depressed skin areas and erasing any visible facial wrinkles through the properties of hyaluronic acid, resulting in skin appearing smooth and plump.
4. Indications for treatment: Patients may be treated using Radiesse filler if they are diagnosed with the following aesthetic abnormalities:

• Deep-set wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines;
• Visible veins on aging hands;
• Sunken facial areas, such as the temples and cheeks;
• Vocal cold deficiencies;
• Other maxillofacial defects.

Since the Juvederm range is made of various fillers, an even larger number of cosmetic conditions can be corrected using the Juvederm brand. These indications include the following:

1. Premature aging signs, such as dullness, dehydration, inelasticity of the skin;
2. Superficial wrinkles;
3. Moderate to deep wrinkles;
4. Severe facial creases, such as nasogenian furrows;
5. Sunken facial areas;
6. Thinning or undefined lips;
7. Undefined facial contours, including in the cheekbones and jawline.
8. The administration technique: Once the proposed injection areas have been cleaned and sanitized, Radiesse can then be injected via deep dermal or sub-dermal injections. As for Juvederm, the depth of injection and injection technique that is used depends on the severity of condition at hand and the chosen filler. Nevertheless, the problematic areas must not be overcorrected, as it could result in unnatural-looking outcomes. Corrected areas should be massaged gently to ensure the filler is well-integrated with the surrounding tissues.
9. The duration of action: The onset of action for Radiesse is immediate due to the presence of the carrier gel. Additionally, the injected CaHA microspheres stimulate the fibroblasts to restore lost collagen fibers. These new collagen fibers maintain the volumizing effect of the Radiesse filler. Overall, the duration of action for a Radiesse filler has been proven to be about a year or more. As for Juvederm, while the aesthetic improvements are immediate, the exact residence time depends on the chosen filler and the area treated. Allergan claims that most fillers in the range can last for about a year, except for Juvederm Hydrate, which can only last between four to six months.
10. Cost of treatment: On average, Radiesse syringes cost between $650 to $800 each. Juvederm treatment typically costs an average of $650. That being said, the exact cost of either brand may differ based on the amount of filler needed for adequate correction and miscellaneous treatment charges.  

What are the similarities between and Radiesse and Juvederm?

Despite their vast differences, Radiesse and Juvederm do share strong similarities between them, as described below:

1. Biodegradability: Both Radiesse and Juvederm are temporary fillers that deliver temporary results. They are both completely biodegradable and will be resorbed into the surrounding tissues gradually. The exact duration of action of either filler is dependent on a patient’s age, lifestyle, health status, and the severity of their dermal imperfection(s), as well as the amount of filler administered and the physician’s skills.
2. Possible side effects: Patients who undergo Radiesse or Juvederm treatments may develop inflammatory reactions on injection sites, such as pain, redness, swelling, bruising, and itchiness. Other more serious post-procedural health effects that they may experience include pus formation, infections, tissue death, and immediate or delayed allergic reactions. For both fillers, unintentional intravascular injection of filler is extremely dangerous, as it can cause visual abnormalities, blindness, and even stroke. Hence, only certified and experienced medical practitioners should administer these fillers on suitable patients.