Women and men can choose from many innovative anti-aging treatments today. However, traditional dermal fillers are still unmatched when it comes to filling static wrinkles and giving volume to sunken facial areas.
Juvéderm and Restylane are among the most popular hyaluronic acid dermal filler brands. Both fillers stimulate collagen production to build lost skin volume and eliminate wrinkles.
Their function is similar, but Juvéderm and Restylane have a few important differences. Let’s see what they are and how to choose the right filler for your needs.
Juvéderm Overview
Juvéderm is a line of HA-based dermal fillers that treat signs of aging in the lower part of the face, contour the cheeks, and add volume to lips. Each product contains a slightly different formula created for a specific facial area and skin issue. All products in the newest series contain lidocaine to numb the skin during the treatment and minimize discomfort and pain.
Restylane Overview
Restylane is the oldest and most studied HA-based dermal filler brand on the market. Restylane products treat signs of aging in the lower part of the face, add volume to lips, lift sunken cheeks, and are used for treating hands as well. Some Restylane products contain lidocaine.
Juvéderm vs. Restylane
The following table is a summary of Juvéderm and Restylane dermal filler key differences.
| Juvéderm | Restylane | |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Hyaluronic acid | Hyaluronic acid |
| Texture | Smooth | Some products are granular, some are smooth |
| Treatment areas | Cheeks Chin Nasolabial folds Lips Perioral lines | Cheeks Chin Nasolabial folds Lips Perioral lines Hands |
| Treatment duration | 15-60 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Time to first results | Immediate | Immediate |
| Results’ duration | 6-18 months | 6-18 months |
| Pain level | Minimal or no pain | Minimal or no pain |
| Side effects | Common: Redness, swelling, bruising, pain, itching, lumps | Common: Redness, swelling, bruising, pain, itching, lumps |
| Recovery period | No recovery period | No recovery period |
| Risk factors | Pregnancy, allergies, bleeding disorders, skin infections, previous surgery | Pregnancy, allergies, bleeding disorders, skin infections, previous surgery |
Formula
Juvéderm and Restylane products are based on synthetic hyaluronic acid. Both brands have multiple products with slightly different formulations specially designed to target different areas and skin concerns.
For example, Juvéderm Voluma XC is created to address volume loss in the cheeks and chin area, while Juvéderm Vollure is a very soft product that treats nasolabial folds and areas around the mouth. Ultra and Ultra Plus address moderate to severe wrinkles and folds.
Restylane Lyft is used to augment the cheeks and improve midface contours, while Restylane Kysse and Silk give volume to lips and smooth perioral wrinkles.
Juvéderm and Restylane products can be dissolved with the enzyme Hyaluronidase to reverse the effects of the treatment if the patient is not satisfied.
Texture
Texture is the most apparent difference between Juvéderm and Restylane. Juvéderm is smooth, while some Restylane products like RestylaneL and Restylane Lyft are granular. Dermal filler providers often choose one brand over the other based on their consistency and the area that is being treated. For example, Restylane Lyft’s thicker consistency is usually a better choice for sunken facial areas. For finer lines, Juvéderm’s smooth texture is easier to work with.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Juvéderm fillers are FDA-approved to treat the following areas:
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Nasolabial folds
- Perioral lines
- Lips
Restylane fillers are FDA-approved to treat the same areas and can also plump up the back of the hands.
Dermal fillers are also used off-label to treat tear throughs/the under-eye area.
Note: Learn more about the differences between Juvéderm and Restylane for lips.
The Procedure
Juvéderm and Restylane treatments follow a similar procedure.
The patient comes in for a consultation with their chosen medical provider. The provider examines the patient’s medical history, discusses the patient’s skin issue and desired results, and instructs the patient about things to avoid in the weeks before the treatment.
It’s important to communicate your goals to your dermal filler provider so they can customize the treatment and choose a dermal filler type based on your unique needs.
Before the treatment, the medical provider cleans your face with rubbing alcohol and marks the treatment area. They may apply numbing cream if necessary. Then, they inject the filler into the target area and massage it after the injections to ensure no lumps form.
The treatment lasts between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Procedure?
Most adults desiring a firmer, younger-looking skin are good candidates for Juvéderm and Restylane dermal fillers. They need to be over 21 and overall healthy.
The following medical conditions may pose a risk to having filler injections:
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Severe allergies
- Bleeding disorders
- Skin infections
- Scarring and pigmentation issues
- Previous surgery in the treatment area
Note: Dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular among men. Find out how lip fillers for men work and how to choose the best one.
Is It Painful?
Dermal filler injections are painful, but the pain is controlled with topical numbing agents, lidocaine mixed into the dermal filler by the manufacturer, and lidocaine injected into the mouth with a procedure known as a “dental block.”
The Results and Duration
Juvéderm and Restylane fillers plump up the skin, reduce moderate to severe wrinkles, augment facial features, and rejuvenate the skin.
Both filler types provide immediate results and can last up to 18 months. The longevity depends on the chosen product, the treatment area, and the amount that is injected.
Areas that move such as the lips will break down the product faster and reduce the longevity. Areas with less movement such as the under eyes will allow the results to last longer. A patients activity level and metabolism also play a role in product duration.
Side Effects
Common side effects after Juvéderm and Restylane treatments are similar and include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Lumps
- Discoloration
- Itching
These side effects typically resolve within two to four weeks, depending on the filler product and the patient’s sensitivity.
Severe side effects are extremely rare and can happen when non-medical staff administers the injections. Severe side effects include:
- Infection
- Scabs or scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Blindness
- Stroke
Cost
Juvéderm and Restylane prices depend on your chosen medical provider’s expertise, your specific skin concern, and desired effects.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, the cost of Juvéderm products ranges from $649 for Juvéderm Ultra to $850 for Voluma.
The cost of Restylane products ranges from $649 for Restylane Defyne to $749 for Restylane Lyft.
Juvéderm vs. Restylane: Which One Is Better?
Juvéderm and Restylane treat similar skin concerns and provide similar results. Both brands offer multiple products to target different skin concerns. Find an experienced, board-certified medical provider who will choose a suitable dermal filler product for your specific skin issue and desired look.
Note: If you want to compare Restylane to other treatments, read our article Restylane vs. Botox.
Conclusion
Dermal fillers are the most effective cosmetic treatment today for restoring volume in lips, cheeks, and chin, and for smoothing wrinkles around the mouth and nose.
Juvéderm and Restylane are the safest dermal fillers on the market because they are based on hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound that the body recognizes and which rarely causes allergic reactions.
Both fillers offer amazing results, but can be dissolved if the patient is unhappy with the results.
