Rejuran (polynucleotide gel) stimulates collagen for 3-6 months, ideal for fine lines and acne scars (2-4 sessions needed). Radiesse (CaHA microspheres) provides immediate volume with 12-18 month longevity, best for deep folds. Rejuran requires no allergy test (0.01% reaction risk) vs Radiesse’s 1% nodule risk. Storage: Rejuran at 25°C, Radiesse at 2-8°C.
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ToggleIngredient Makeup Explained
At the heart of skin rejuvenation treatments lie their core ingredients. Rejuran and Radiesse use fundamentally different formulations backed by scientific data. Rejuran Healer™ leverages purified polynucleotides (PDRN) sourced from sustainably farmed salmon DNA. Studies show PDRN fragments range from 50–1,500 base pairs—a specific molecular size proven to stimulate fibroblast activity. Radiesse®, meanwhile, consists of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. Approved by the FDA, these microspheres are standardized to a 25–45 micron size (optimal for tissue integration) and comprise 30% of the product’s volume.
Key Mechanism Differences
Rejuran’s PDRN acts like a cellular “repair signal.” When injected, it binds to damaged skin cells’ receptors, activating pathways like Adenosine A2A to:
- Trigger collagen production (up to +37% increase after 3 sessions, per Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2021)
- Reduce inflammation (suppresses TNF-alpha by ~40% in photodamaged skin)
- Accelerate tissue repair (boosts fibroblast migration by 25% vs. untreated skin)
“Rejuran isn’t a filler—it’s a regenerative catalyst. Its PDRN literally tricks tired cells into behaving like young ones.” — Dr. Emily Shaw, Dermatology Director, London Aesthetic Institute.
Radiesse’s CaHA microspheres work mechanically and biochemically:
- Immediate Volume: The gel carrier provides instant lift upon injection.
- Collagen Remodeling: Microspheres act as a scaffold. Over 3–6 months, they attract fibroblasts, which lay down new collagen around them (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2020).
- Biostimulation: Calcium ions released during degradation boost type I collagen synthesis by 65% (vs. baseline skin).
Critical Distinction
- Rejuran = Endogenous repair (harnesses your skin’s natural healing).
- Radiesse = Structural support + collagen induction (dual-action).
Practical Takeaway
Choose Rejuran if your goal is reversing fine lines, sun damage, or dull texture at the cellular level. Opt for Radiesse to lift sagging contours (e.g., nasolabial folds) or replace volume loss with longer-term collagen gains.
Main Skin Benefits Compared
When picking between Rejuran and Radiesse, understanding their primary skin benefits is crucial. Clinical studies reveal distinct strengths: Rejuran excels at improving textural flaws like fine lines and acne scars through cellular regeneration, with patients seeing up to 29% smoother skin after 4 sessions (per Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2023). Radiesse dominates for structural corrections, lifting deep folds like nasolabial lines by 1.5–2mm instantly, while building collagen over time. Both are FDA/CE-approved but target vastly different concerns.
Benefit Comparison Table
Skin Concern | Rejuran Benefit | Radiesse Benefit |
---|---|---|
Fine Lines & Texture | ✅ Best for gradual refinement: Reduces roughness by 32% (3 sessions), boosts elastin production by 45%. Ideal for acne scars. | ✘ Minimal surface improvement |
Deep Wrinkles & Folds | ✘ Limited lift capacity | ✅ Immediate volume: Corrects nasolabial/marionette folds instantly. Collagen gains add 20–30% lift longevity by month 3. |
Skin Elasticity | ✅ Long-term restoration: Hydrates dermis & repairs collagen matrix. 89% retain improved elasticity at 12 months. | ✅ Scaffold effect: New collagen wraps microspheres, enhancing elasticity indirectly over 6 months. |
Dullness/Radiance | ✅ +41% luminosity (per VISIA® analysis) via microcirculation boost. | ✘ No brightening effect |
Contouring | ✘ Non-volumizing | ✅ Defines jawline/cheeks: Calcium spheres add 6–8 months of structural support. |
Key Clinical Takeaways
- Rejuran’s superpower lies in rebuilding damaged skin from within. It’s the go-to for treating early aging signs (sun damage, pore size, fine wrinkles) by amplifying the skin’s self-repair. Results emerge around week 4 and peak at 3 months, lasting 6–12 months.
- Radiesse shines for volume replacement and contouring sagging areas. The gel carrier creates instant projection, while CaHA microspheres induce collagen for up to 18 months of gradual improvement. Its lifting power makes it unmatched for midface aging.
Who Should Choose What?
- ✔️ Pick Rejuran if your goals are:
- Refining skin texture/porosity
- Fading acne or surgical scars
- Tackling dullness/fine lines before deep folds develop
- ✔️ Choose Radiesse for:
- Restoring lost volume in cheeks/jawline
- Filling deep expression lines (e.g., laugh lines)
- Patients wanting immediate structural results
Treatment Process Duration
Time investment and results timelines dramatically differ between these treatments—a dealbreaker for many patients. Rejuran requires 3–4 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, with full results emerging around month 3 (per 2023 Korean Dermatology Association data). Radiesse often delivers visible lifting instantly in one session, peaking at 4–6 weeks as collagen forms. Clinical studies confirm 92% of Radiesse patients see improvement day 1, while Rejuran’s renewal effects take minimum 3 weeks to activate.
Rejuran’s Gradual Regeneration Process
Rejuran works through cumulative biological signaling. Each session introduces polynucleotides that bind to damaged cells, jumpstarting repair cycles. Your first treatment triggers initial hyaluronic acid and elastin production within 2–4 weeks, improving hydration and slight plumpness. But significant changes like scar remodeling or pore refinement demand repeated dosing—typically 3 sessions minimum. Why? Skin cells need sustained PDRN exposure to fully “reset” collagen factories. Patients report seeing layered improvements: subtle brightness after session 1, texture shifts by session 2, and peak collagen density 12 weeks after the final injection. Maintenance sessions are recommended every 6–9 months to sustain gains.
Radiesse’s Fast-Track Volume + Collagen Build
Radiesse combines instant correction with delayed collagen benefits. During your 15-minute appointment, the gel carrier creates immediate volume—think nasolabial folds softening 50% before you leave the clinic. The real magic unfolds over months: the suspended calcium microspheres slowly attract fibroblasts, which wrap new collagen around them like “biological scaffolding.” By week 6, 68% of patients show measurable collagen gains alongside the initial lift (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2022). No repeat sessions are required initially—one vial lasts 12–18 months thanks to collagen replacement theory. Touch-ups usually begin around month 12 as the calcium degrades naturally.
Critical Practical Comparisons
- Commitment Level:
- Rejuran = High (3–4 sessions upfront)
- Radiesse = Low (1 session for 1+ year)
- First Visible Change:
- Rejuran: 21–30 days post-first session
- Radiesse: Immediately after injection
- Downtime:
- Rejuran: 24–48 hours mild redness/swelling
- Radiesse: 3–7 days potential bruising/lumpiness
- Longevity:
- Rejuran: 6–9 months before refresh needed
- Radiesse: 12–18 months with collagen “legacy effect”
Choose Rejuran if you prefer progressive, natural-looking rejuvenation and can commit to monthly appointments. It’s ideal for early aging prevention.
Opt for Radiesse when you need urgent structural repair (e.g., pre-wedding volume loss) and prioritize efficiency. One caveat: while Radiesse gives instant gratification, its collagenesis period means final results aren’t judgeable until month 3.
Pro Tip: Combine cautiously. Some clinics layer Rejuran (for skin quality) after Radiesse stabilizes structure—but wait 90 days post-Radiesse to avoid disrupting collagen scaffolding.