Restoring volume to your skin with dermal fillers is an effective way to address signs of aging. Before receiving treatment, it is important to understand the difference between Radiesse (Radiesse®) and Juvéderm (JUVÉDERM®). As you age, visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, creases, and fine lines, can appear on your face. These changes can affect your appearance, leading to a diminished sense of self-confidence. Radiesse and Juvéderm are both well-tolerated, flexible formulas that move fluidly with your facial expressions for natural-looking results.
Alyson Wells, M.D., F.A.C.S. is the medical director and owner of Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa in Cockeysville, Maryland. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, Dr. Wells is committed to upholding patient safety to the highest degree while also providing consistent, stunning results to each of her patients. Dr. Wells is the first woman to be appointed as a division chief within the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Surgery, where she currently serves as the Chief of Plastic Surgery.
To schedule your consultation and learn more about the best type of dermal filler for you, please call our Baltimore County office at (410) 628-8200 or contact us online, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
About Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore natural-looking volume to the skin while also reducing visible signs of aging. Both Juvéderm and Radiesse are effective, biocompatible fillers that can significantly improve your appearance by restoring volume to the cheeks, temples, and tear troughs.
Radiesse
Radiesse is formulated with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)–tiny microspheres that increase your skin’s collagen levels to help renew your skin over time. This filler provides natural-looking volume to help reduce the appearance of deep creases and wrinkles and helps your skin produce fibroblasts–cells that help your body produce collagen. (1) In comparison to Juvederm, this treatment offers more gradual, long-term results.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is a soft tissue filler that we can administer beneath the skin to help reduce signs of facial aging. Juvéderm is composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance that helps your skin maintain its natural volume and hydration. It is formulated with Vycross technology, a cross-linked hyaluronic acid that moves fluidly with your facial expressions and distributes itself evenly beneath the skin. Juvéderm can restore volume to the cheeks, lips, and undereye area. The flexible formula is best for addressing mild to moderate signs of aging. (2)
To speak to a member of our staff regarding which filler is right for you, please call our Baltimore County office at (410) 628-8200 or contact us online.
Benefits of Juvéderm vs. Radiesse
Both Radiesse and Juvéderm offer unique benefits for each patient, providing a range of treatments to alleviate a variety of symptoms.
Benefits of Juvéderm
There are many benefits to receiving Juvéderm injections, which include:
- Reduced signs of aging: Patients can experience plumper lips and cheeks alongside fewer lines, wrinkles, and lip lines.
- Faster results: The final effects of Juvéderm can be seen sooner, appearing in just 1-2 weeks following treatment. (3)
- Hydrating: Because Juvéderm is composed of hyaluronic acid, it hydrates the skin while revitalizing it.
Benefits of Radiesse
Radiesse also offers many benefits for its patients, which include:
- Gradual results: Patients can experience continued improvement in the treatment area for months past their healing from the stimulated production of collagen.
- Restored facial volume: Patients will be able to enhance the look of various parts of the face, such as the nose, chin, lips, and under-eye area. (4)
- Fully customizable: This treatment is fully customizable and can be altered to provide as subtle or as dramatic of a change as desired.
Ideal Candidates
Candidates interested in Radiesse and/or Juvéderm would like to restore facial volume and reduce signs of facial aging. Juvéderm can provide softer, natural volume to delicate tissue. Meanwhile, Radiesse can address deeper folds and wrinkles while improving the skin’s elasticity with microspheres that stimulate collagen production.
Suitable candidates for dermal fillers should be in good overall health. All patients interested in dermal fillers should have reasonable expectations regarding the outcome of their procedure. If you have a lidocaine allergy or an underlying health condition that could impact your ability to heal, we will likely discuss an alternative treatment. To learn more about other treatments we offer, please read our blog.
Personal Consultation
Before your treatment, Dr. Wells will examine your skin and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine whether Radiesse or Juvéderm is right for you. She will also perform a comprehensive examination to determine the best treatment plan and provide specific instructions to help you prepare. Please come to your consultation with any questions you have. Our team of expertly trained staff is more than happy to address any concerns. We want to ensure that each patient feels informed and comfortable before each procedure.
To schedule your consultation and learn more about whether Radiesse or Juvederm is right for you, please call our office at (410) 628-8200 or contact us online.
Preparation
Preparation for both Radiesse and Juvederm is fairly simple. You must avoid taking supplements and medications that thin your blood before your treatment. You must also avoid harsh cleansers, chemical peels, retinoids, and excessive sun exposure before your treatment. We also recommend that you stop drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before the treatment. Dr. Wells can provide specific instructions to help you prepare based on your personalized treatment plan.
Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you will need to arrive with a clean face. This means your skin should be free of makeup and skincare products. Both Radiesse and Juvéderm are infused with lidocaine, but if you have sensitive skin, we can apply a topical anesthetic or numbing agent to keep you comfortable. Dr. Wells skillfully administers the filler into the treatment area, focusing on creating a natural-looking appearance. Depending on your treatment plan, and the number of areas you would like to treat, your appointment will most likely last under an hour.
After Your Treatment
After your treatment, you may notice slight tenderness and/or swelling in the treatment area. If you experience discomfort, you can alleviate it with over-the-counter medication. Since the treatment requires minimal downtime, most patients can return to their daily routines afterward as long as they avoid physical activity and excessive sun exposure for the first 24 hours after the appointment. You should avoid any activities that put pressure on your skin, as Dr. Wells recommends.
Results
Patients who receive either Radiesse or Juvéderm can enjoy noticeable improvements after their treatment. Juvederm results are often visible within 1-2 weeks. (3)
Although you can enjoy a noticeable improvement in volume after your Radiesse treatment, it can take longer for the formula to renew your skin by raising its collagen levels over time. Both treatments hydrate and plump the facial tissue, while Radiesse increases collagen production to gradually improve the skin’s elasticity. If you want to maintain your results, we generally recommend that you return every 6-12 months for Juvéderm touch-up appointments and every 12-18 months for Radiesse touch-up appointments.
Cost of Dermal Fillers in Baltimore
The cost of your treatment will depend on the size of the treatment area and the type of filler you receive. During your consultation, we can provide an all-inclusive quote based on your specific needs. Dr. Wells will establish a comprehensive treatment plan after meeting with you and discussing your aesthetic goals.
To schedule your personal consultation and explore the cost of your Radiesse or Juvederm treatment, please call (410) 628-8200 or contact us online and a team member will reach out as soon as possible.
References
- de Almeida AT, Figueredo V, da Cunha ALG, et al. Consensus Recommendations for the Use of Hyperdiluted Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) as a Face and Body Biostimulatory Agent. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(3):e2160. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002160
- Sánchez-Carpintero I, Candelas D, Ruiz-Rodríguez R. Dermal Fillers: Types, Indications, and Complications. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). 2010;101(5):381-393. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1578-2190(10)70660-0
- Baumann L. Hyaluronic acid gel (JuvédermTM) preparations in the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2008;Volume 3:629-634. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s3118
- Lorenc ZP, Black JM, Cheung JS, et al. Skin Tightening With Hyperdilute CaHA: Dilution Practices and Practical Guidance for Clinical Practice. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2022;42(1):NP29-NP37. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab269
