Welcome back to The NB Edit–your insider guide to all things beauty, aesthetics, and skin rejuvenation at Newport Beach Medspa. When it comes to restoring youthful volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours, dermal fillers are one of the most popular and effective non-surgical treatments available today. But with so many options like Juvederm, Radiesse, and Sculptra–it’s natural to wonder: Which filler is right for me?
Each of these products offers unique benefits, textures, and formulations tailored to different goals. In this post, we’ll break down the differences between these top three fillers, how they work, what results you can expect, and how to choose the one best suited to your needs.
Introduction to Facial Aging
Facial aging is a natural and inevitable process that everyone experiences as they grow older. Over time, the skin’s connective tissue—primarily collagen and elastin—begins to break down, leading to a gradual loss of firmness, elasticity, and volume. This breakdown results in the development of severe facial wrinkles, deeper folds, and a noticeable change in the skin’s texture and appearance. Factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices can accelerate these changes, making wrinkles and folds more pronounced.
As the face loses its youthful contours, many people seek ways to restore volume and smooth out facial wrinkles without resorting to invasive surgical procedures. Dermal fillers have emerged as a popular and effective solution for addressing the visible signs of facial aging. By replenishing lost volume and supporting the skin’s structure, fillers like Radiesse can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds, giving the skin a smoother, more youthful look. Whether you’re looking to address early signs of aging or more severe facial wrinkles, today’s advanced dermal fillers offer a range of options to help you achieve your desired results.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore lost volume, smooth facial lines, and enhance contours in specific facial areas affected by aging, weight loss, or genetics. Over time, your skin naturally loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—the key components that keep it firm, plump, and hydrated.
Fillers work by replenishing the lost volume and stimulating your body’s own regenerative processes. Skilled providers inject fillers into targeted facial areas to restore volume and enhance contours. Depending on the formula, fillers can provide immediate results, long-term collagen stimulation, or both. At Newport Beach MedSpa, we offer a variety of FDA-approved fillers, including Juvederm, Radiesse, and Sculptra, to deliver natural, balanced results personalized to your goals.
Treatment Areas
Radiesse is a highly versatile dermal filler that can be tailored to address a variety of facial concerns and cosmetic goals. Its unique calcium hydroxylapatite filler formulation not only provides immediate volume but also stimulates your body’s own collagen production, helping to restore a youthful appearance over time. Common treatment areas include the nasolabial folds (the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines, and the cheek area for cheek augmentation. Radiesse is also used to enhance jawline definition, perform lip augmentation, and treat undereye hollows for a refreshed, revitalized look.
Because every face is unique, the ideal treatment areas and approach will vary from patient to patient. During your consultation, your doctor will assess your facial structure, discuss your cosmetic goals, and determine the best way to use Radiesse or other dermal fillers to achieve natural-looking results. Whether you’re seeking subtle lip enhancement, more defined cheeks, or a smoother jawline, Radiesse offers a customizable solution to help you look and feel your best.
Juvederm: The Hyaluronic Acid Hydrator
Juvederm is one of the most well-known and widely used families of fillers, made from hyaluronic acid (HA). This naturally occurring sugar molecule attracts and retains moisture in the skin. This dermal filler is ideal for adding soft, flexible volume and creating smooth, natural-looking enhancements. It’s perfect for treating:
- Lips (Juvederm Ultra, Volbella)
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines
- Cheeks and midface (Voluma)
- Under-eye hollows
Juvederm is injected into these areas for precise enhancement and contouring.
Benefits:
- Instant results: You’ll see visible improvement immediately after treatment.
- Customizable options: The Juvederm collection includes different formulations with varying thicknesses for each area of the face.
- Reversible: Because it’s made with hyaluronic acid, results can be adjusted or dissolved if needed.
- Hydrating and smoothing: The HA in Juvederm binds water molecules, improving overall skin texture and radiance.
- Juvederm can be used to enhance the natural shape of the lips and cheeks for a harmonious appearance.
Depending on the product used, results typically last 6-18 months. Areas with more movement, like the lips, may need touch-ups sooner than less mobile areas like the cheeks.
Radiesse: The Collagen-Boosting Contour Filler
Radiesse is a unique filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)—a mineral compound that mimics the structure of natural bone and stimulates your body’s collagen production. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse doesn’t just fill lines—it helps rebuild your skin’s foundation for longer-lasting rejuvenation. Radiesse is also effective for restoring volume lost due to fat loss, such as in cases of age-related or HIV-associated lipoatrophy. *Radiesse is not typically used in areas of thin skin or near the eyes and lips—it’s best for areas that require lift and definition. Radiesse is ideal for areas that need structure, lift, and definition, such as:
- Cheeks (to replenish lost fat in this anatomical region)
- Jawline and chin (restoring volume in these anatomical regions)
- Nasolabial folds (addressing fat loss and enhancing this anatomical region)
- Hands (to restore volume and smoothness)
Benefits:
- Immediate volume + long-term collagen stimulation
- Excellent for contouring and firming
- Thicker consistency makes it well-suited for deeper wrinkles and structural areas
Radiesse is injected into targeted anatomical regions to achieve optimal contour and lift.
Results can last 12 to 18 months, depending on your metabolism and the treatment area. Over time, the CaHA microspheres are naturally absorbed, leaving behind new collagen for continued firmness. Recovery time after Radiesse injections is typically minimal, with most patients able to resume normal activities quickly.
Sculptra: The Biostimulator That Builds From Within
Sculptra Aesthetic is not your traditional filler—it’s a collagen biostimulator made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Rather than adding immediate volume, Sculptra works gradually to stimulate your body’s natural collagen production over time. Sculptra is ideal for clients who want progressive, long-lasting rejuvenation rather than instant correction. It’s often used for:
- Cheeks and temples (to restore fullness)
- Jawline
- Lower face (to lift and smooth)
- Overall facial volume restoration
Benefits:
- Natural, gradual results that improve over several months
- Stimulates collagen production for long-term skin support
- Improves texture, firmness, and elasticity
- Results that can last up to two years or more
How It Works:
Sculptra is typically administered in a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. As the PLLA microparticles absorb, they trigger the body’s natural collagen-building process, restoring youthful structure and volume from within.
What to Expect During Treatment
All three fillers are administered using fine needles or cannulas during a quick in-office procedure, typically lasting 30–45 minutes. Your provider may apply a topical numbing cream for added comfort, and most formulations contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort. Local anesthesia may also be used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area before injections to further minimize discomfort.
After your treatment, you may notice mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising for a few days—these effects are temporary and typically resolve on their own. You can return to normal activities right away, though it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, heat exposure, or facial massages for 24–48 hours.
In some cases, botulinum toxin may be used before filler injections to relax facial muscles and enhance results.
Potential Side Effects
As with any injectable procedure, Radiesse injections can be associated with certain side effects. Most commonly, patients may experience temporary swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the injection site. Some individuals may notice mild pain or tenderness following treatment, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter medicines and proper aftercare. In rare cases, more serious adverse events such as infection, bleeding, or severe pain may occur. There is also a small risk of severe temple hollowing or accidental injection into a blood vessel, which can lead to significant complications.
To minimize the risk of side effects, it’s important to choose an experienced provider and follow all post-treatment instructions carefully. Avoiding strenuous exercise for the first 24–48 hours and keeping the treated area clean can help reduce the likelihood of complications. If you experience any unusual symptoms or severe pain after your procedure, contact your doctor promptly for guidance. While most side effects are mild and resolve on their own, being informed and proactive is key to a safe and comfortable treatment experience.
Results and Durability
One of the standout benefits of Radiesse as a dermal filler is its ability to deliver both immediate and long-lasting results. Patients often notice an instant improvement in wrinkles and folds right after their radiesse injections, with the bonus of ongoing collagen production that continues to enhance the skin’s appearance over time. The new collagen generated by the body helps to maintain a youthful appearance and smooth out wrinkles and folds for up to two years, depending on individual factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and the specific treatment area.
To ensure the best possible outcome, it’s important to discuss your cosmetic goals and expectations with your doctor. While Radiesse provides long-lasting results, touch-up treatments may be recommended to maintain your desired look as your skin continues to age. With proper care and a personalized treatment plan, Radiesse can help you achieve natural-looking, refreshed results that enhance your confidence and overall appearance.
Choosing the Right Filler for You
The best filler for you depends on your skin type, age, anatomy, and aesthetic goals. Determining the most suitable filler involves a thorough assessment of your facial structure and cosmetic goals. Juvederm is great for clients seeking soft, natural volume and hydration with instant results. Radiesse works well for those wanting structure, lift, and contour—especially in the lower face and jawline. Sculptra is ideal for patients seeking subtle, long-term rejuvenation and improved skin quality.
At Newport Beach MedSpa, our skilled injectors will evaluate your unique facial features, discuss your goals, and customize a treatment plan using the ideal filler—or a combination of fillers—for the most balanced and natural-looking outcome. These treatment plans are tailored based on the experiences and outcomes of actual patients to ensure realistic and satisfying results.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re enhancing your lips, defining your jawline, or restoring youthful fullness, today’s dermal fillers offer safe, effective, and highly customizable solutions. Each product—Juvederm, Radiesse, and Sculptra—has its strengths, and the key to beautiful, natural results lies in expert technique and personalized care.
At Newport Beach MedSpa, our experienced injectors specialize in creating subtle, refined enhancements that highlight your natural beauty while preserving facial harmony.
Ready to find your perfect filler?
Schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling (949) 631-2800 or booking online. Our expert team will help you explore your options and design a customized treatment plan that delivers confidence, balance, and timeless beauty.
Stay tuned for next week’s edition of The NB Edit, where we’ll discuss how combining neuromodulators and fillers can create the ultimate nonsurgical facial rejuvenation plan.