Radiesse and Juvederm (Voluma) are FDA-approved fillers commonly used in Singapore. These premium fillers can add fullness in the face to reverse signs of ageing and can temporarily contour the face.
This article highlights compares the differences between Radiesse and Juvederm to help you understand how different fillers have different properties. Ultimately, it will be best to discuss your preferences and trust your doctors’ recommendations.
Similarities between Radiesse and Juvederm
- Both products are FDA approved dermal fillers
- Little to no downtime
- Similar side effects of mild swelling and bruising is common. Less common but serious side effects like blindness, skin necrosis leading to scarring of the skin are comparable
- Only available in licensed clinics in Singapore
- Most frequently used to treat hollowness and deep folds of the lower and mid face e.g. sunken cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines
- Immediate improvement is expected
- Not suitable for patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding
- Both fillers are temporary and requires touch up
- Cost are comparable ranging from $650-$900
Differences between Radiesse and Juvederm
- There are other range of Juvederm Ultra 2,3,4 which are NOT FDA approved.
- Radiesse contains Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) suspended in sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), which gives its unique feature of being able to stimulate collagen. Juvederm contains chains of Hyaluronic acids of different molecular weight cross-linked using Vycross technology limiting the risk of hypersensitivity reaction caused by chemical bonds.
- Radiesse may last longer than Juvederm – 18 months versus 12 months respectively
- Radiesse has collagen stimulating properties more than for Juvederm. This is histologically proven with the increased activity of fibroblast and elastin production. Therefore, Radiesse can improve on skin texture and elasticity, which Juvederm does not.
- Radiesse is more versatile and can be used in hyperdiluted form for a vector lift
- Radiesse is the only filler that is FDA approved for hand rejuvenation. The use of other fillers on hand as an ‘off-label’ treatment is not uncommon.
- Although Radiesse is ore versatile as a single filler, juvederm vycross has a range of Volbella, Volift, Vollite in addition to Voluma that caters to treat different indications.
- The risk of granuloma formation in Radiesse is slightly higher than Juvederm as Radiesse collagen stimulate collagen by inducing a low-grade inflammation process
- Radiesse cannot be easily corrected or dissolved in the event of undesired results
- 1 syringe of Juvederm is 1.0cc; Radiesse comes in 2 volume syringes 0.75 and 1.5cc
- Juvederm comes with pre-mixed 0.3% lignocaine to maximise patient comfort during the injection. However, it is contraindicated in patients with allergy to lignocaine
- Radiesse comes in 2 preparations – one with lignocaine (Radiesse+) and the other without. Your doctor can choose to add in lignocaine to Radiesse to achieve the correct concentration and dilution.
- Radiesse has a higher G’and higher cohesivity, making it a filler that spreads less easily. This is a good property to have especially for chin and nose fillers where you want a define shape that last, resisting changes to shear pressure. However, it can also increase the chance of lumpiness which are not easily ‘moulded’ away. Juvederm on the other hand has a smoother texture, which make it difficult to perceive any filler under the skin.
Is Radiesse the best filler?
Each filler has its own pros and cons. These fillers are both good fillers which I commonly use in my practice.
It is not uncommon to have both products used in the same session to treat different indications.
However, it is generally not advisable to treat the same area with 2 different fillers in the same session as the interactions between the two fillers are not thoroughly studied although Boletero (a HA filler produced by Merz, which also produces Radiesse) is shown to be safe to be done on the area with Radiesse.
It is important to find an experienced medical doctor to perform the procedure who will be able to give you the best, natural-looking results with minimal risk and downtime.
