How biostimulators differ from dermal fillers
Sculptra and Radiesse are injectable collagen stimulators. They work with your body's own collagen, so changes develop over time. Radiesse can also give immediate volume, while Sculptra is used when gradual volume restoration is the aim.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers add hydration and volume to selected areas and can be dissolved. Biostimulators work more through collagen, and their results can last longer. Radiesse cannot be dissolved, so take time to feel comfortable with the plan before treatment. At consultation, Julia can assess which approach suits the change you have in mind.
Sculptra, Radiesse and hyperdilute Radiesse
Sculptra and Radiesse can restore or add volume. Hyperdilute Radiesse is used to work on skin quality.
Sculptra
Sculptra is made from biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It encourages your body to form collagen, which can gradually restore volume. It may suit hollowed cheeks, sunken areas, temples, the jawline and facial fat loss.
You might see some improvement just after treatment, though this fades within about 24 hours. The lasting change builds over the following weeks as collagen forms. Results last around two years on average, and you may need a touch-up.
A usual course is three to six sessions. Julia will talk through the number with you at consultation. Each treatment takes around 30 minutes.
Radiesse
Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a gel. The gel gives immediate volume, and the microspheres stimulate collagen. Collagen effects begin to show at around four to six weeks.
It can be used on the cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, corners of the mouth, chin and jawline. Results often last 12 to 18 months. Yearly touch-ups may be recommended.
A course of two sessions is usually recommended. Julia will discuss the number of vials and sessions with you at consultation. Radiesse cannot be dissolved like HA filler.
Hyperdilute Radiesse
Hyperdilute Radiesse is made by mixing Radiesse with saline or lidocaine, which lets it spread thinly over a larger area. It is used to improve skin quality, firmness and elasticity rather than add facial volume. Areas treated include the neck, décolletage and upper arms.
You may notice a subtle change within a few weeks, with fuller benefit developing over about three months. Results can last up to 18 months. Maintenance is usually every 12 to 18 months, and Julia will discuss the number of vials or sessions with you at consultation.
Sculptra or Radiesse: which suits you?
Your main aim helps guide the choice: gradual volume, immediate volume alongside collagen stimulation, or firmer skin over a wider area. Julia will assess the area and talk through what may suit you.
- Sculptra builds gradually over weeks and may suit you if you want volume restored in areas such as the cheeks, temples or sunken areas, or after facial fat loss.
- Radiesse gives immediate volume, with collagen effects appearing over the following weeks. It may suit areas such as the cheeks, chin and jawline.
- Hyperdilute Radiesse spreads across a larger area to work on skin quality and firmness, including the neck, décolletage and upper arms.
- HA filler can be dissolved, while Radiesse cannot. Talk the plan through carefully with Julia before treatment.
What happens at your appointment
At your face-to-face consultation, Julia will ask what you hope to achieve and about your health. She will assess whether treatment is suitable, discuss the change you can expect and explain the risks before agreeing a plan with you.
- Numbing cream can be applied for comfort. During the injections, you may feel slight pressure or stinging.
- Sculptra takes around 30 minutes. The time needed for Radiesse or hyperdilute Radiesse depends on the plan you agree at consultation.
- After Sculptra, massage the treated area for a few days as Julia advises. She will go through your aftercare at the appointment.
Before your appointment
For seven days before treatment, avoid over-the-counter blood-thinning products such as aspirin, ibuprofen, omega-3, vitamin E, garlic, St John's Wort and ginkgo biloba, unless prescribed. Check with your doctor before stopping prescribed medication. Tell Julia at consultation about any medicines or supplements you take.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment. Raise any health concerns or questions about preparing for treatment at your consultation.
Side effects and risks
Redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness or firmness around an injection site can occur. These effects are usually short-lived. Rare risks include vascular occlusion, when product blocks a blood vessel, infection and an allergic reaction.
Julia will explain the risks and aftercare before treatment. Tell her about allergies, previous reactions and health conditions. If you are concerned about a reaction afterwards, seek advice.
Who should not have it
Do not have Sculptra or Radiesse while pregnant or breastfeeding. Treatment may also be unsuitable if you have an infection at the treatment site, a suppressed immune system, an autoimmune disease, known hypersensitivity to the ingredients or multiple confirmed allergies. Blood-thinning medication may affect whether treatment is suitable.
Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from the doctor who prescribed it. Julia will ask about your health and medicines at consultation and discuss whether treatment is appropriate. Cosmetic filler treatments in England are for people aged 18 or over.
Sculptra and Radiesse prices in Bristol
Sculptra and Radiesse, including hyperdilute Radiesse, cost £350 for one vial or £600 for two. The prices are the same for both products. Julia will discuss how many vials and sessions suit you at consultation. See the full price list or explore other aesthetics and injectables in Bristol.
Who does your treatment
Julia Vickers, owner and founder of Skin & Beauty Box, carries out these treatments herself at all three salons. She has worked in the beauty industry for 20 years and in aesthetics for 10. Skin & Beauty Box was named Guinot Salon of the Year in 2019.
At consultation, you can ask Julia about her training and experience. The JCCP public information page gives people considering non-surgical treatments safety advice and access to practitioner registers. Treatment runs at all three salons, including the Clifton Down salon. You can also read about skin boosters, which focus on skin hydration and quality rather than facial volume.
Who you’ll see
- All three salons: Julia Vickers, founder and advanced aesthetics practitioner
Julia carries out this treatment herself at every salon.