Fast facts
About
- Both Radiesse and Juvéderm are dermal fillers that can add desired fullness in the face. Radiesse can also be used to improve the appearance of hands.
- The injections are a common alternative to plastic surgery.
- In 2017, more than 2.3 million injectable treatments were performed.
- The procedure takes about 15 to 60 minutes in a doctor’s office.
Safety
- Both treatments may cause mild, temporary side effects such as swelling or bruising.
- Some of the more serious side effects include infection, stroke, and blindness.
Convenience
- Radiesse and Juvéderm are FDA-approved, nonsurgical, outpatient procedures.
- The procedure should be performed by a trained and licensed medical professional.
Cost
- Treatment costs vary by individual but are generally between $650 and $800.
Efficacy
- According to studies, 75 percent of people surveyed were satisfied with Juvéderm after one year, and 72.6 percent of those who had a Radiesse treatment continued to show improvement at 6 months.
Juvéderm and Radiesse are dermal fillers used to increase fullness in the face and hands. Both are minimally invasive treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A medical professional licensed to administer such cosmetic injections can provide these treatments. Some people experience immediate results, and most people experience only mild side effects, such as itching, bruising, and tenderness.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm dermal fillers are an injectable gel with a hyaluronic acid base that can add volume to your face at the injection point. Juvéderm can increase the fullness of your cheeks, smooth out the “parentheses” or “marionette” lines that run from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth, smooth vertical lip lines, or plump the lip.
Similar types of hyaluronic acid fillers are Restylane and Perlane.
Radiesse
Radiesse uses calcium-based microspheres to correct wrinkles and folds in the face and hands. The microspheres stimulate your body to produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the body and is responsible for skin’s strength and elasticity.
Radiesse can be used on the same areas of the body as Juvéderm: cheeks, laugh lines around the mouth, lips, and lip lines. Radiesse can also be used on the pre-jowl fold, on chin wrinkles, and on the backs of the hands.
Juvéderm ingredients
Juvéderm uses hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring type of carbohydrate in your body’s tissues. Dermal fillers usually contain hyaluronic acid from bacteria or rooster combs (the fleshy ridge on a rooster’s head). Some hyaluronic acid is cross-linked (chemically modified) to last longer.
Juvéderm also contains a small amount of lidocaine to make the injection more comfortable. Lidocaine is an anesthetic.
Radiesse ingredients
Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxylapatite. This mineral is found in human teeth and bones. The calcium is suspended in a water-based, gel-like solution. After stimulating collagen growth, the calcium and the gel are absorbed by the body over time.
Your doctor can administer dermal fillers in a relatively short amount of time in an office visit.
Juvéderm time
Depending on what part of your face is being treated, a Juvéderm treatment takes about 15 to 60 minutes.
Radiesse time
A Radiesse treatment takes about 15 minutes, including any application of a topical anesthetic like lidocaine.
Both types of dermal fillers show immediate results. Radiesse’s full results may take one week to appear.
Juvéderm results
One clinical study involving 208 people showed favorable results for lip enhancement with Juvéderm Ultra XC.
Three months after treatment, 79 percent of participants reported at least a 1-point improvement in their lip fullness based on a 1-to-5 scale. After one year, the improvement dropped to 56 percent, supporting Juvéderm’s approximate one-year lifespan.
However, over 75 percent of the participants were still satisfied with the look of their lips after one year, reporting a lasting improvement in softness and smoothness.
Radiesse results
Merz Aesthetics, manufacturer of Radiesse, released study and survey data with satisfaction levels from people regarding improving fullness on the backs of their hands.
Eighty-five participants had both hands treated with Radiesse. At three months, 97.6 percent of the hands treated were rated as improved. A further breakdown shows 31.8 percent at very much improved, 44.1 percent at much improved, 21.8 percent at improved, and 2.4 percent at no change. Zero participants felt the treatment had changed their hands for the worse.
Both types of dermal fillers are considered safe for most individuals. However, there are some instances in which a doctor won’t recommend this type of treatment.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm isn’t recommended for those who have:
- severe allergies resulting in anaphylaxis
- multiple severe allergies
- allergy to lidocaine or similar medications
Radiesse
Those with any of the following conditions should avoid Radiesse treatment:
- severe allergies resulting in anaphylaxis
- multiple severe allergies
- a bleeding disorder
This treatment also isn’t recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When used for cosmetic procedures, dermal fillers generally aren’t covered by insurance. Insurance often covers the cost of dermal fillers that are used as a medical treatment, such as for pain from osteoarthritis.
The dermal filler injections are outpatient procedures. You’ll be able to leave your doctor’s office directly after treatment, so you won’t have to pay for a hospital stay.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm costs about $650 on average and lasts for approximately one year. Some people receive a touch-up two weeks to one month after the first injection.
Radiesse
Syringes for Radiesse cost about $650 to $800 each. The number of syringes needed depends on the area being treated and is usually determined in the first consultation.
Juvéderm
The most common side effects with Juvéderm for lip augmentation include:
- discoloration
- itching
- swelling
- bruising
- firmness
- lumps and bumps
- tenderness
- redness
- pain
These symptoms usually go away within 30 days.
If the syringe punctures a blood vessel, serious complications may arise, including the following:
- vision problems
- stroke
- blindness
- temporary scabs
- permanent scarring
Infection is also a risk of this procedure.
Radiesse
Those who’ve received Radiesse treatment in their hands or face have noticed short-term side effects, such as:
- bruising
- swelling
- redness
- itching
- pain
- difficulty performing activities (hands only)
Less common side effects for hands are lumps and bumps, and loss of sensation. For both hands and face, there’s also a risk of hematoma and infection.
There are minimal risks associated with these dermal fillers, including those listed above. While the FDA has approved Juvéderm, some unapproved versions are being sold in the United States. Consumers should be wary of Juvéderm Ultra 2, 3, and 4, as their safety can’t be assured without FDA approval.
If you’ve received Radiesse treatment, tell your medical professional before receiving an X-ray. The treatment may be visible in an X-ray and might be mistaken for something else.
| Radiesse | Juvéderm | |
| Procedure type | Nonsurgical injection. | Nonsurgical injection. |
| Cost | Syringes cost $650 to $800 each, with treatments and dosage varying by individual. | National average is about $650. |
| Pain | Mild discomfort at the injection site. | Mild discomfort at the injection site. |
| Number of treatments needed | Typically one session. | Typically one session. |
| Expected results | Immediate results lasting approximately 18 months. | Immediate results lasting approximately 6 to 12 months. |
| Noncandidates | People with severe allergies resulting in anaphylaxis; multiple severe allergies; allergy to lidocaine or similar medications; a bleeding disorder. Also applies to those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. | Those with severe allergies resulting in anaphylaxis or multiple severe allergies. Also applies to those who are under 21 years of age. |
| Recovery time | Immediate results, with full results within one week. | Immediate results. |
Since dermal fillers are a medical procedure, it’s important to find a qualified provider. Your doctor should be board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Ask your doctor if they have the necessary training and experience to inject dermal fillers.
Since results from this procedure vary, choose a doctor with the results you’re looking for. Before-and-after photos of their work can be a good place to start.
The operating facility where you get your injection should have a life-support system in case of emergencies. The anesthesiologist should be a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Juvéderm and Radiesse are dermal fillers that are used as cosmetic enhancements. They’re injected into the face or hands to reduce fine lines and add desired fullness.
Both treatment options are FDA-approved and have minimal side effects and recovery time. Costs vary slightly between the procedures.
Treatment with Radiesse may last longer than Juvéderm, though both are temporary and may require touch-ups.
