There is no perfect filler in the world, with the most common ones being Radiesse and hyaluronic acid. The difference between the two lies in their material characteristics.
In Hong Kong, Radiesse has often been overlooked because consumers are not familiar with the product and have many misconceptions about it. Radiesse is one of the temporary fillers, much like hyaluronic acid. Its main ingredient is calcium hydroxylapatite, a material that has been used in dentistry and orthopedics for decades. In 2006, the FDA approved its use to improve facial wrinkles, and it has become a popular filler in Taiwan and South Korea. In June 2015, the FDA approved its use in the hands to improve dorsal hand volume loss, making it the first filler approved for use in the hands.
The clinical effects of different fillers depend on their material characteristics, which are determined by four properties: cohesiveness, viscosity, elasticity, and plasticity. These properties fall under the scope of material science. Generally, Radiesse is more cohesive, robust, and less likely to deform than hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid’s characteristics vary depending on the brand and type, but it is generally more malleable, less viscous, and easier to integrate with skin tissue. Due to these characteristics, Radiesse is more suitable for shaping the nose, cheekbones, and chin. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, tends to provide a more rounded and natural effect, but it may not achieve ideal shaping results in certain situations.
The effects of hyaluronic acid typically last between six months to a year, while Radiesse lasts between 18 months to two years. For those who do not want to frequently seek touch-ups, Radiesse may be the better choice.
Radiesse is not suitable for injection into tear troughs, superficial skin, lips, and other areas, or it may result in granuloma formation. The biggest drawback of Radiesse is that there is no antidote for it. After the injection of hyaluronic acid, if the effect is not satisfactory, it can be dissolved with a solvent, but Radiesse needs to be naturally metabolized.
Different fillers have different characteristics, so the most important thing is to discuss with a doctor and choose the most suitable filler that meets your specific requirements and circumstances!