All three of these get called “filler” but they work in totally different ways. Picking wrong wastes money. Here’s the practical breakdown from a Toronto medical aesthetics clinic.
The three categories
HA fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Teosyal) – Hyaluronic acid. Instant volume. Dissolvable.
Radiesse – Calcium hydroxylapatite. Instant volume + stimulates collagen. Not dissolvable.
Sculptra – Poly-L-lactic acid. No instant volume. Builds your own collagen over months. Not dissolvable.
Comparison table
| Factor | HA Fillers | Radiesse | Sculptra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant result | Yes (day 1) | Yes (day 1) | No (months 2-6) |
| Reversible | Yes (hyaluronidase) | No | No |
| Duration | 6-18 months | 12-18 months + collagen | 24-36 months |
| Best for | Lips, tear troughs, lines | Jawline, cheeks, hands | Cheek hollows, face architecture |
| Toronto cost per session | $400-$900 | $700-$1,200 | $850-$1,700 |
| Sessions needed | 1 per area | 1 per area | 2-3 per area |
When to use HA fillers
- Lip enhancement
- Under-eye hollows (very dilute HA only)
- Nasolabial folds
- Quick fix before an event (instant result)
- First-time patient who wants the option to reverse if they don’t like it
When to use Radiesse
- Jawline definition (men especially)
- Hand rejuvenation (loss of volume on hands)
- Cheekbones (deep structural)
- Patients who want both immediate result AND long-term collagen building
When to use Sculptra
- Significant cheek hollow / volume loss
- Overall face thinning from aging
- Patients with realistic expectations and patience (3-6 months for full result)
- Long-term investment – some patients see results 2-3 years out
The combo approach (what most Toronto patients actually do)
- Year 1, Session 1: Sculptra in cheeks for foundational volume. 2nd session 6 weeks later.
- Year 1, Session 3 (3 months later): HA in lips and tear troughs for fine-tuning.
- Year 2: Radiesse for jawline definition.
- Year 3: Maintenance HA top-ups every 9 months.
FAQ
Which is safest?
HA fillers are the safest because they’re fully reversible. Radiesse and Sculptra both have excellent safety profiles but require more skilled injectors due to non-reversibility.
Can I get nodules?
Sculptra has the highest risk if you don’t follow the 5-5-5 massage protocol. HA filler nodules are rare and easily dissolved.
Which feels most natural?
HA is the softest. Radiesse feels firmer initially then softens. Sculptra feels like your own tissue because it builds your own collagen.
Book a biostimulator consultation at Bar Beauty Medical Toronto. We’ll match the product to your specific face and goals.