Radiesse, Juvederm, Perlane – Which One’s Right for You?

In a recent article published in the journal of Dermatologic Surgery, a multicenter and randomized trial comparing four fillers helped shed some light in regards to which filler may better benefit our patients.  Because of the rising popularity of these products in regards to youthfulness and rejuvenation, comparative data becomes a crucial item for physicians as well as patients.  This test documented the effects of Radiesse® compared to Juvéderm®, Juvéderm® Ultra, and Perlane®.  Factors included patient satisfaction and duration of correction and were compared using two scales: Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS); Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS).

205 patients ranging in age from 18 to 80 years (52 years being the means) participated in this study and all were randomly administered a specific filler (Radiesse®, Juvéderm® and Juvéderm® Ultra, Perlane®) and were all asked to return for a touch up within 4 months.  After the touch up treatment, all patients were asked to return at 4, 8, and 12 months after the touch up treatment to reevaluate their condition.  The end result data was based off of the total number of patients whom returned for their final follow up (192 out of the 205 initial patients).

All patients were treated with an adequate amount of the filler being tested to produce the fullest result from the initiation of the trial.  Patients at the 4 month mark received a touch up treatment.  Patients treated with Radiesse® filler showed the highest number of satisfaction compared to the other fillers (Juvéderm having the lowest score).  By the 8 month mark, Radiesse® had consistent results and by the end of the trial had maintained one of the highest satisfaction marks.

Overall satisfaction is based on the appearance or lack thereof the Nasolabial Folds (NLFs).  All fillers did exactly that but required a certain amount of the product to obtain the results.  The following table details the amount used to obtain and maintain results within a 1 year period:

• Juvéderm® – 8 Syringes
• Juvéderm® Ultra – 4 Syringes
• Perlane® – 3 Syringes
• Radiesse® – 2 Syringes

When considering the cost per syringe and the expected duration of the filler, Radiesse® out did all the other fillers.  The last benefit that Radiesse has is its resilience in regards to HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy.