Injectable antiaging treatments have gained momentum in the past decade. Their popularity lies in their convenience: they are quick, minimally invasive, provide quick results, and don’t require downtime.
Botox and Juvéderm are among the most popular antiaging injectables. Both reduce visible lines and wrinkles. Juvederm plumps up the skin.
Let’s see how Botox and Juvéderm differ, and how to choose the right treatment for your needs.
Botox vs. Juvéderm: What Is the Difference?
Two main differences between Botox and Juvéderm are their active ingredients and the types of wrinkles they reduce.
Botox is classified as a neurotoxin injectable. It’s made from botulinum toxin type A, a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox is used for treating wrinkles that form due to repetitive facial movements. They are called dynamic wrinkles, and they usually appear in the upper part of the face.
Juvéderm is classified as a dermal filler, and its main ingredient is hyaluronic acid. It’s used for treating wrinkles that form due to thinning skin and loss of elasticity. They’re called static wrinkles, and they usually appear in the lower part of the face. Juvederm also enhances and contours cheeks and lips.
The following table summarizes the most important differences between Botox and Juvederm.
| Botox | Juvederm | |
| What is it | Neurotoxin injectable | Dermal filler |
| Main ingredient | Botulinum toxin type A | Hyaluronic acid |
| Time to first results | Up to 72 hours | Immediately |
| Areas it treats | Dynamic wrinkles | Static wrinkles, thinning skin |
| Efficacy of results | Visibly reduces wrinkles | Visibly reduces wrinkles and adds volume to the skin |
| Longevity of results | Up to four months | Up to 18 months |
| Convenience | Quick procedure and no downtime | Quick procedure and recovery time of up to two weeks |
| Pain level | Painless or causing mild pain and discomfort | Painless or causing mild pain and discomfort |
| Side effects | Common: Mild bruising and swelling Rare: Allergic reactions, drooping eyelids, headaches | Common: Mild bruising and swelling Rare: Allergic reactions, blindness |
| Cost | $12.5 per unit | $625-850 per syringe |
Botox Overview
Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment for dynamic wrinkles. It is FDA approved to treat forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and lines between the brows. It also has many off-label uses, like wrinkle reduction on the neck, chin, nose, etc.
Treatments
Botox treatments are quick and typically painless. A licensed medical provider injects Botox in the treatment area, relaxing the targeted muscles and limiting their movement. Limited muscle movement in the targeted area softens the wrinkles and prevents the formation of new lines until the effects of Botox wear off. The patient can resume their daily activities right after the treatment.
Preparation for the Treatment
Preparation for the Botox treatment includes a consultation with the chosen medical provider. They discuss the patient’s medical history, expectations from the procedure, the number of Botox units needed for the targeted area, and the total cost of the procedure. The medical provider also advises the patient about things to avoid before the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, the injector cleans the patient’s skin with alcohol, marks the injection sites, and administers the required Botox dose into the treatment area.
Procedure Duration
Treating one area with Botox takes only a few minutes. Treating more areas requires longer sessions.
If the patient has a low pain threshold, the medical provider typically applies a numbing cream to the treatment area before the procedure. This adds another half an hour to the procedure.
Results
The effects of Botox usually become visible within three days. Full effects appear within two weeks. They last three to four months. You can’t reverse the effects of Botox. If you’re not happy with the results, you need to wait until Botox wears off.
Who Can Get a Botox Treatment?
If you’re over 18 and generally healthy, you are eligible for Botox. Your Botox injector reviews your medical history during the consultation to determine if there is anything that may prevent you from getting the treatment. Counterindications to receiving Botox include:
- Pregnancy
- Allergy to botulinum toxin
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Infection in the target area
- Bleeding disorders
Your medical provider will advise you to stop taking certain medications and vitamins one or two weeks before the procedure.
Treatment Cost
One unit of Botox at Vibrant Skin Bar costs $12.5. The cost of one Botox treatment depends on the treatment area, the patient’s expectations, and the number of required units. For example, Botox for crow’s feet typically requires 8-20 units per side. This translates to $200-500 for the Botox for crow’s feet treatment.
Juvéderm Overview
Juvéderm is a gel injection made of hyaluronic acid. At Vibrant Skin Bar, we offer five types of Juvéderm injections to boost collagen production, fill in wrinkles, plump up thinning skin, and provide lift where needed.
Treatments
Juvéderm’s active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, is a natural substance found in the human body. Its production deteriorates with age, causing thinning skin, hollow cheeks, and wrinkles. When a medical provider injects Juvéderm into the treatment area, hyaluronic acid plumps up the area, adding volume to the skin and filling in wrinkles. Juvéderm injections include lidocaine to minimize pain and discomfort.
After the injection, the medical provider massages the treatment area to ensure even distribution of the product. The patient can resume their daily activities right after the treatment.
Preparation for the Treatment
Patients first schedule a consultation with the medical provider to discuss their goals and expectations from the procedure. The medical provider evaluates the patient’s eligibility for the treatment based on their medical history and current physical state. They advise the patient about things to avoid before the procedure. They also determine which Juvederm injection is suitable for the target area.
On the day of the procedure, the injector cleans the patient’s skin with alcohol, marks the injection sites, and injects Juvéderm into the treatment area.
Procedure Duration
One Juvéderm treatment lasts 15-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
Results
The effects of Juvéderm may appear immediately after the procedure. They last up to 18 months. If you are unhappy with the results, you can undergo a treatment to dissolve your fillers.
Who Can Get a Juvéderm Treatment?
Juvéderm injectables are available to healthy adults over 21. Your medical provider determines your eligibility for the treatment based on your medical condition. The following conditions may prevent you from getting the treatment:
- Pregnancy
- Allergy to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine
- Excessive scarring
- Pigmentation disorders
- Infection in the target area
- Bleeding disorders
You will also be advised to stop taking certain medications and vitamins one or two weeks before the procedure.
Note: People who experience severe Botox side effects or have Botox resistance could potentially be great candidates for Juvéderm. If botulinum toxin type A does not work for you for whatever reason, consult your treatment provider about Juvéderm and other Botox alternatives.
Treatment Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, one Juvéderm syringe costs $625-850, depending on the Juvéderm injectable type. One or two syringes is usually enough for most treatment areas.
Botox vs. Juvéderm: Which One is Better for You?
Botox and Juvéderm treat different areas.
Botox typically treats dynamic wrinkles in the upper face (forehead wrinkles, lines between the brows, and crow’s feet). It reduces the appearance of wrinkles by freezing the muscle movement in the targeted area.
Juvéderm treats static wrinkles in the lower face caused by loss of facial volume and elasticity. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles by adding volume to the treated area. It also plumps up hollow cheeks and enlarges the lips.
If you want to minimize wrinkles in your upper face, choose Botox. If you want to minimize wrinkles around your mouth and nose, plump up your cheeks, or add volume to lips, choose Juvéderm.
Note: If you want to find out the difference between Botox and other treatments offered by Vibrant Skin Bar, read our article Restylane vs. Botox.
Can Botox and Juvéderm Be Used Together?
Botox and Juvéderm are often used together for the full antiaging effect.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, we combine a Botox Lip Flip—a Botox treatment for a more sensual upper lip—with Juvéderm. For every Juvéderm lip treatment done on a Friday, we offer our patients a complimentary Botox Lip Flip.
Conclusion
Botox and dermal fillers are becoming household names in antiaging treatments. They have similar goals – to reduce wrinkles – but they treat different areas. Consult your medical provider to determine whether Botox or Juvéderm is the right solution for you, or whether you should combine them.
