When considering a longer-lasting dermal filler that does more than just “fill,” two leading options in Korea are Sculptra and Radiesse. Both are biostimulatory fillers (they stimulate your body’s collagen) rather than simply hyaluronic acid fillers—but they differ significantly in formulation, onset of effect, longevity, costs, and ideal indications. Below is a clear breakdown to help you understand and decide.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microspheres, injected beneath the skin to induce gradual collagen production.
Key features:

• The goal is long-term collagen rebuilding rather than immediate “plug” volume.
• Effects develop gradually over weeks to months. Basic improvements may be seen at ~1–2 months, full effect in ~3–4 months.
• Longevity: many sources claim up to 2 years or more depending on treatment area and maintenance.
• Because of slower onset, requires good patient expectations and maybe multiple sessions.

What Is Radiesse?

Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. It adds volume immediately and stimulates collagen as the scaffold remains.
Key features:

• You’ll see more immediate visible improvement because of the gel and scaffold effect.
• It also acts as a biostimulator, but because of the formulation the behaviour is somewhat different (immediate lift + scaffold then collagen) vs Sculptra’s more gradual build.
• Longevity: typically about 12-18 months, though may last longer with maintenance.

Key Differences to Understand

Speed of Visible Result

• Radiesse generally gives more immediate “lift” and volume due to the gel and CaHA microspheres.
• Sculptra takes longer (weeks to months) for full effect because the result depends on your body producing new collagen.

Longevity and Maintenance

• Sculptra may last longer (≈ 24 months or more) in some cases.
• Radiesse tends to last 12-18 months on average; some clinics report longer with good technique and patient factors.

Ideal Treatment Areas & Goals

• Sculptra is very good for diffuse volume loss, thinning skin, large areas (temples, cheeks, overall mid-face support) where you want gradual structural improvement.
• Radiesse is strong for structural lift, sharp jawline contouring, hands (volume loss in hands), and when you want somewhat faster visible result.

Technique & Risk Considerations

• Sculptra requires careful technique (volume, dilution, injection depth, massage afterwards) to avoid lumps or nodules.
• Radiesse is thicker, and may have higher risk of visible product or stiffness if injected into very thin/fragile skin or too superficially. Some sources argue CaHA can produce firmer tissue response (collagen + elastin) compared to Sculptra. SLK Clinic
• Because of its immediate volume, Radiesse may be less forgiving in over-correction, whereas Sculptra’s gradual effect gives a more “slow build” approach.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Sculptra if you:

• Have moderate to significant volume loss / facial hollows / thin skin
• Want long-term collagen rebuilding and subtle, natural improvement
• Are okay with waiting for full effect and possibly multiple sessions
• Prefer gradual transformation rather than immediate dramatic lift

Choose Radiesse if you:

• Want more immediate visible change or need structural support (jawline, hands, cheeks)
• Have moderate laxity but good skin quality and want sharper contours
• Need a fewer-session approach or slightly faster visible result
• Are okay with somewhat shorter maintenance interval or willing to maintain proactively

What to Ask During Consultation (Especially in Korea)

• Doctor, for my face shape and skin condition, which product fits best and why?
• How many vials/syringes will you use? What is the expected cost and how many sessions are required?
• What is the expected downtime, risk, and after-care?
• For Sculptra: will you perform the required post-injection massage routine, dilution, and management?
• For Radiesse: what is the plan for contour, injection depth, and how will you avoid over-filling or surface visibility, especially given Asian skin thickness?
• What is the expected maintenance timeline (when should I return, how often)?
• Are there before/after photos of patients with a similar Asian face type/skin thickness?

Aftercare & Expectations

• Both treatments involve injection-site swelling/bruising.
• With Sculptra, many clinicians advise massaging the treated area for several days to avoid nodules.
• With Radiesse, because of the thicker gel, you might feel more firmness in early days; you should avoid heavy pressure or massage unless instructed.
• Results: Sculptra starts subtle and improves gradually; Radiesse offers more immediate contour but may settle over time.
• Maintenance: Regular check-ups recommended. Lifestyle factors (smoking, sun, weight loss) will affect longevity.

Both Sculptra and Radiesse are powerful biostimulatory fillers with excellent capabilities—but neither is universally “better”; it depends on your anatomy, goals, timing, skin condition, and budget.

• Sculptra excels in long-term collagen building, subtle structural improvement, and full-face rejuvenation.
• Radiesse excels in faster visible volume/contour and structural support in targeted areas.
  In Korea, many expert clinics will offer a tailored plan, sometimes combining fillers or using each in different zones of the face to get optimal results. Your best outcome is from a skilled injector familiar with Asian facial anatomy and these advanced filler options.