Radiesse vs. Restylane: Which Filler Is Right for You?

Quick Summary

• Radiesse and Restylane are both FDA-approved dermal fillers with different textures, ingredients, and ideal treatment areas
• Radiesse is calcium-based and best for deeper wrinkles, sculpting, and collagen stimulation
• Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler that offers flexible, natural movement in delicate areas
• Radiesse lasts 12 to 18 months; Restylane lasts 6 to 12 months depending on the formula
• Restylane is reversible; Radiesse is not, so choosing the right option depends on your goals and comfort level

Choosing between Radiesse and Restylane can feel confusing when they both promise smoother skin, restored volume, and facial rejuvenation. Even though both belong to the larger family of dermal fillers, the way they interact with your dermal tissue and the type of result they create are very different. At Be You Medical, we help patients understand how each filler works so they can feel confident in their choice.

There’s no single best filler. Instead, the right option depends on your facial anatomy, treatment area, personal preferences, and the look you want to achieve. This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the filler that feels best for you.

Not All Fillers Work the Same Way

Dermal fillers may look similar when you see the syringe, but they behave very differently once injected. This is especially true when comparing Radiesse vs Restylane, as one is calcium-based and the other is a hyaluronic acid filler. Their textures, firmness, flexibility, and longevity all vary.

At Be You Medical, we evaluate much more than just the treatment area:

• Your skin thickness
  
• Your natural facial structure
  
• Whether you need lift, contour, hydration, or refined detail
  
• How much movement exists in the area
  
• Whether you prefer reversible or non-reversible fillers
  

Some patients benefit from the strong, sculpted look Radiesse provides, especially in the jawline and cheeks. Others need the soft, natural movement of Restylane for areas like the lips or under the eyes. Many patients even benefit from both fillers in different areas for a balanced and natural result.

What Is Radiesse?

Radiesse is a volumizing and collagen-stimulating filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). Because it contains calcium-based microspheres, it acts like scaffolding in the skin, giving structure and lift where deeper volume loss has occurred. This makes Radiesse particularly useful in patients who want more sculpting, definition, or long-lasting correction of deeper wrinkles.

Over time, Radiesse encourages your body to produce collagen around these microspheres. That collagen remains even after the gel carrier breaks down, creating improved firmness and elasticity. This makes Radiesse one of the most effective options for patients seeking both immediate results and long-term improvement.

Key Features

Radiesse is known for:

• Providing both immediate volume and gradual collagen stimulation
  
• Correcting deeper wrinkles like marionette lines and pronounced nasolabial folds
  
• Adding structure to areas needing firmer support
  
• Creating a lifted, contoured look in the cheeks or jawline
  
• Offering long-lasting facial rejuvenation due to collagen production
  

As collagen develops, many patients notice their skin looking firmer and smoother, even months after their Radiesse injection. This sets Radiesse apart from traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, which offer beautiful results but don’t stimulate collagen in the same way.

Best For

Radiesse is ideal for:

• Cheeks needing shape and lift
  
• Chin and jawline contouring
  
• Deep wrinkles and folds
  
• Moderate to severe facial volume loss
  
• Back of the hands
  
• Patients seeking longer-lasting structural improvement
  

Some patients also pursue a Radiesse butt lift, a treatment that improves subtle shape and firmness without invasive procedures.

Because Radiesse is not a hyaluronic acid filler, it’s not reversible, so choosing an experienced provider is critical.

What Is Restylane?

Restylane is a family of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers designed to add soft, natural-looking volume. Hyaluronic acid binds to water in the skin, making Restylane ideal for areas needing gentle plumping, hydration, or fine detail.

The Restylane collection includes multiple formulas like Kysse, Refyne, Defyne, Restylane-L, and Restylane Lyft. Each formula is created with a specific texture and flexibility, allowing providers to use the perfect filler for each treatment area.

Key Features

Restylane fillers are loved for their:

• Smooth, flexible texture
  
• Natural integration with facial expressions
  
• Versatility across delicate and mobile areas
  
• Immediate results that feel soft and hydrated
  
• Reversibility with hyaluronidase if needed
  

Restylane’s flexibility makes it ideal for refining features or adding subtle volume rather than heavy sculpting. It’s especially beneficial in areas where too much stiffness would look unnatural.

Best For

Restylane injections excel in:

• Lips
  
• Tear troughs
  
• Smile lines
  
• Subtle cheek enhancement
  
• Nasolabial fold smoothing
  
• Delicate areas needing precision
  

For patients who previously used Juvederm Ultra and want something slightly firmer or more structured, Restylane formulas like Lyft can offer a great alternative. Learn more about the differences between Restylane and Juvederm.

Radiesse vs. Restylane: Key Differences

Understanding the differences helps patients choose the right option for their needs.

Radiesse vs Restylane Comparison Chart

Feature	Radiesse	Restylane
Composition	Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)	Hyaluronic acid
Texture	Thick, firm	Smooth, flexible
Best For	Cheeks, chin, jawline, deeper wrinkles	Lips, tear troughs, delicate areas
Longevity	12 to 18 months	6 to 12 months
Reversibility	Not reversible	Reversible
Primary Benefit	Structure and collagen stimulation	Hydration and natural movement

Radiesse provides lift and definition where firmness matters, while Restylane offers soft, natural flexibility in high-movement or delicate areas. Both dermal fillers are incredibly useful, but they serve very different purposes.

Side Effects and Recovery: What to Expect

Whether you choose Radiesse or Restylane, both treatments are considered safe, well-tolerated, and minimally invasive. Still, it’s important to understand what to expect during recovery so you can plan accordingly and feel confident before your appointment.

Common Side Effects

Most patients notice mild, temporary side effects that resolve within a few days. These may include:

Mild swelling

• Tenderness in the treatment area
• Redness at injection points
• Small bruises
• Sensitivity when touching the skin
  

These reactions occur because the filler is placed beneath the skin and the body needs a short time to adjust. Applying a cool compress and avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours can help minimize swelling.

Radiesse-Specific Considerations

Because Radiesse has a thicker consistency, you may feel more firmness or fullness in the first few days after treatment. This is normal. As the product settles and integrates with your dermal tissue, it softens, and your result begins to look more natural. Some patients experience slightly longer swelling with Radiesse, especially when treating the cheeks, jawline, or chin.

Restylane-Specific Considerations

Restylane tends to settle quickly due to its smooth, flexible texture. Swelling in areas like the lips or tear troughs is common but temporary. Because Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler, it integrates with the surrounding tissue quickly, which often leads to a shorter and more comfortable recovery.

Returning to Normal Activities

Most patients return to daily routines right away. Makeup can typically be applied after 24 hours, and results continue improving as the filler settles.

Dermal Filler Pricing at Be You Medical

Restylane Pricing

• $700 per syringe

Radiesse Pricing

• $875 per syringe
  

Your recommended amount depends on your treatment area, your goals, and how much correction is needed. During your consultation, we design a treatment plan that fits your unique anatomy and provides natural, balanced results.

Why Choose Be You Medical for Your Filler Treatment?

Expertise matters in aesthetics. At Be You Medical, your dermal filler treatment in Sacramento is performed by a team led by Dr. Selene, a board-certified physician who takes a thoughtful, conservative approach designed to highlight your natural features.

Patients choose us because:

• Treatments are personalized, never one-size-fits-all
  
• Results are natural, elegant, and aligned with your comfort level
  
• We prioritize education, safety, and transparency
  
• We take time to understand your goals and concerns
  
• Our approach blends medical expertise with an artistic eye
  

Many patients also combine dermal fillers with supportive services like laser treatment to enhance their overall skin health and maximize results.

Still Deciding Between Fillers? Let’s Talk.

If you’re weighing Radiesse vs Restylane for the first time, you’re not alone. Whether you want refined detail, hydration, lift, or long-term collagen stimulation, we’ll guide you toward the option that fits your goals and your comfort level.

Book an appointment at Be You Medical and explore your best, safest filler options with our team.

Contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions