An individual preparing for their facial injection treatment.

The global aesthetic injectables market is projected to grow by 12 to 14 percent annually over the next five years, reflecting the increasing demand for non-surgical facial and body rejuvenation treatments.

As this market expands, numerous brands offer injectable fillers, making it essential for aesthetic professionals to guide individuals in choosing the most suitable option for their needs. In particular, comparing popular fillers like Ellanse and Radiesse requires a careful assessment of their unique ingredients and mechanisms to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

In this article, we will explore the differences between Ellanse vs Radiesse, focusing on their formulations, mechanisms of action, treatment applications, longevity of results, and common side effects.

Key Takeaways

  • Selecting the most appropriate dermal filler is crucial to achieve desired aesthetic goals and minimize potential risks or complications.
  • Ellanse and Radiesse provide immediate and sustained results with different active ingredients: Ellanse uses PCL, while Radiesse utilizes CaHA.
  • Both injectables offer a beneath-the-skin approach to addressing facial aging signs or conditions, such as lines, wrinkles, and folds.
  • Their active ingredients and formulations’ mechanism to stimulate collagen and provide instant volumization can deliver optimal treatment outcomes.
  • Due to its FDA approval, Radiesse may have more extensive clinical data and studies than Ellanse.

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Introduction to Dermal Fillers

An individual undergoing a cheek injection for their facial enhancement.

Soft-tissue or dermal fillers have gained popularity among individuals seeking non-surgical treatments for aesthetic enhancements. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 4.8 million hyaluronic acid (HA) filler procedures and 850,000 non-HA dermal filler procedures were performed in 2022.

Dermal fillers contain various active ingredients such as HA, poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and polycaprolactone. These ingredients offer different benefits, including restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles and folds, and enhancing facial contours.

Selecting the most suitable dermal filler is essential for achieving desired results and minimizing potential risks. A qualified aesthetic professional ensures the filler’s safety and effectiveness while considering the individual’s unique skin concerns and goals.

Among the many options, Ellanse and Radiesse stand out due to their advanced formulations, targeting not only surface-level improvements but also deep skin rejuvenation, making them appealing alternatives to traditional HA fillers.

Formulation and Composition

Syringes on a marble surface.

When comparing Ellanse vs Radiesse, the primary difference lies in their active ingredients and formulations. Understanding these key elements helps both providers and patients decide which injectable best aligns with the patient’s medical history, aesthetic concerns, and goals.

Ellanse contains polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose gel. This advanced formulation provides a dual-action benefit: immediate volumization of the skin and long-term collagen stimulation, resulting in extended-lasting effects that improve skin quality over time.

Meanwhile, Radiesse injections are composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a gel carrier made of sterile water, glycerin, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Like Ellanse, Radiesse also offers immediate results but focuses on volumizing and stimulating collagen production through its CaHA microspheres, providing a natural lift to the skin with sustained benefits.

Although their compositions differ, Ellanse and Radiesse offer a dual-action mechanism, combining instant results with longer-term improvements. With the correct application by qualified medical professionals, both dermal fillers can help patients achieve natural-looking, long-lasting aesthetic outcomes.

Mechanism of Action

The PCL microspheres of Ellanse dermal fillers provide instant volumizing and smoothing effects in the treatment area. Moreover, the stimulation of collagen production works in the skin over time, allowing a longer duration of these aesthetic enhancements of 18 to 24 months.

Radiesse’s CaHA formulation offers quick volume effects while stimulating collagen and elastin production. This process improves the skin’s texture and quality, lasting up to a year or more.

Both injectables provide immediate and sustained results, but Ellanse relies on PCL, while Radiesse uses CaHA. Despite their similar mechanism of action, it’s worth noting that Radiesse also stimulates elastin production, and Ellanse has a more prolonged longevity effect.

Treatment Applications

Aesthetic providers and patients should also consider the treatment areas when selecting a product that can safely and effectively address specific concerns. Ellanse and Radiesse have different approved treatment areas and uses. Both injectables are indicated for aesthetic treatments but may vary depending on their European and United States approvals.

Ellanse has received approval from Europe and several Asian regions to treat aging skin in various facial areas. Still, it has yet to undergo the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process in the United States.

  • Temples
  • Mid-Face
  • Chin
  • Jawline

The US FDA has approved Radiesse injections for the following treatment areas, highlighting its proven safety and efficacy in facial and body rejuvenation.

  • Lower Face
  • Hands
  • Jawline 

Due to their stimulation of collagen production, Ellanse and Radiesse offer a beneath-the-skin approach to addressing facial aging signs or conditions, such as lines, wrinkles, and folds. While they target the facial region to volumize, contour, and smooth, Radiesse has an added indication to volumize and enhance the appearance of the hands.

Patient Outcomes and Longevity

Another consideration that providers and patients should include involves the duration of effects. Ellanse dermal filler results can last up to two years or more, depending on the recommended Ellanse treatment. In contrast, Radiesse typically lasts for one year or more.

Both Ellanse and Radiesse can offer natural-looking outcomes but noticeable facial rejuvenation. Their active ingredients and formulations’ mechanism to stimulate collagen and provide instant volumization can deliver optimal treatment outcomes.

These patients have received Ellanse and Radiesse dermal fillers for their aesthetic journey. The Ellanse before and after photo shows a two-year difference in this patient’s improvements after treatment. The Radiesse-treated patient shows the filler’s results after four weeks of treatment.

An Ellanse patient's before and after photo of the filler's two-year improvements.
Photo Source: Ellanse
A Radiesse-treated patient's before and after photo of their treatment after four weeks.
Photo Source: Radiesse

Safety Profile

The safety profiles of both Ellanse and Radiesse fillers are well-documented, though side effects can occur post-treatment. These are typically mild and resolve as the skin adapts to the filler material.

  • Common Side Effects of Ellanse: Patients may experience Ellanse filler side effects such as temporary redness, itching, skin discoloration, or tenderness at the injection site.
  • Common Side Effects of Radiesse: Bruising, swelling, pain, and redness are common reactions at the injection site.

In rare cases, patients using either filler may experience more severe complications, including allergic reactions, infections, nodule formation, or vascular compromise. These symptoms require immediate medical intervention to avoid further issues.

While Radiesse is FDA-approved and has more clinical data supporting its safety profile, Ellanse is approved in Europe and parts of Asia. Consulting a medical professional to create a personalized treatment plan can help ensure the safe and effective use of either filler.

Conclusion

The comparison between Ellanse and Radiesse highlights the importance of understanding their unique formulations and dual-action mechanisms, offering immediate results and long-term collagen production.

While Radiesse is FDA-approved, Ellanse is currently approved only in Europe and parts of Asia. Both fillers provide long-lasting effects, but patients and professionals should carefully consider these differences to choose the best option based on individual needs and treatment goals.

FAQs

1. What are the key differences between Ellanse and Radiesse fillers?

Ellanse contains polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres, while Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. These differences affect their mechanisms of action and treatment applications.

2. How long do the effects of Ellanse and Radiesse fillers last?

Ellanse’s effects can last 18 to 24 months, while Radiesse’s can last up to a year or more.

3. What are the approved treatment areas for Ellanse and Radiesse fillers?

The US FDA has approved Ellanse for treating aging skin in various facial areas, while Radiesse is approved for the lower face, hands, and jawline. Ellanse has received approval in Europe and several Asian regions but has yet to undergo the FDA approval process in the United States.

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References

  1. Leclerc, O., Peters, N., Scaglione, A., & Waring, J. (n.d.). From extreme to mainstream: The future of aesthetics injectables | McKinsey. Www.mckinsey.com. Retrieved October 9, 2024, from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/from-extreme-to-mainstream-the-future-of-aesthetics-injectables
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2023). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. In American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf