Dermal fillers are one way to achieve fuller, more defined lips while preserving a natural appearance. They are safe, provide reliable results, and require minimal downtime. The leading hyaluronic-acid lip filler brands are Juvéderm and Restylane, which differ in texture, longevity, results, and cost. Knowing these differences will help you make an informed choice.
Kristina Cadwell
August 23, 2023
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5 min read
Read our in-depth comparison of Juvéderm and Restylane lip fillers to decide which one suits you best.
Restylane vs. Juvéderm: Key Differences
There are many Restylane types on the market targeting different facial areas. Restylane fillers specially formulated for the lips include:
Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Volbella are FDA-approved for use in the lips. Juvederm Vollure and Juvederm Ultra Plus are FDA approved for other facial concerns, but many medical providers use them for lip augmentation in off-label procedures.
Restylane and Juvéderm formulations differ in consistency, technology, and application. The following table is an overview of the different Restylane filler types:
Restylane Type
Description
Restylane-L
Achieves a firm structure and bold lips.
Restylane Kysse
Soft, flexible texture, suitable for hydration and natural-looking lips.
Restylane Silk
Provides subtle hydration for thin lips with natural results.
Restylane Refyne
Off-label procedure for hydrating thin lips with natural-looking results.
Restylane Defyne
Off-label procedure for adding volume and producing bold lips.
The following table compares Juvéderm filler types:
Juvéderm Types
Description
Juvéderm Ultra
Enhances lip structure in a natural-looking way.
Juvéderm Ultra Plus
Achieves plumped up, bold lips
Juvéderm Volbella
Soft, subtle, and long-lasting results for thin lips; uses the Vycross technology.
Juvéderm Vollure
An off-label treatment for bold volume and soft, plump lips; uses the Vycross technology.
Restylane and Juvéderm lip fillers have gained worldwide popularity because of their effectiveness in treating lip lines, correcting asymmetries, and adding volume. Both brands offer a variety of HA-based formulas that differ in consistency, applicability, and outcome.
Type of Filler
Restylane and Juvéderm are hyaluronic acid lip fillers that can enhance lip definition, contour the mouth, and improve lip symmetry.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating agent able to retain water and moisturize the lips to provide a supple, voluminous look. The viscous, gel-like substance in the filler mimics the lubricating properties of HA naturally occurring in the body.
Both HA-based lip filler formulas contain a local anesthetic called lidocaine that numbs the injection site to minimize discomfort and pain.
Note: The provider can dissolve lip filler if the patient is not satisfied with the results.
Procedure
Lip filler treatment is a quick, walk-in procedure that takes 15 to 60 minutes. After a brief consultation to assess the patient’s suitability for the treatment and discuss their desired aesthetic goals, the provider disinfects the treatment area and marks the injection sites to achieve a symmetrical look.
The medical provider might also apply some topical numbing cream if the patient’s pain threshold is low. The injector gently massages the lip tissue to prevent lumps, which concludes the procedure.
Results
Juvéderm dermal fillers provide instant results that typically last for 12 months and up to 18 months with optimal aftercare treatment. Depending on the patient’s metabolism and the chosen product, the injector might schedule touch-up sessions to maintain the results.
Restylane lip fillers are visible immediately after injections and can last up to a year with regular follow-up appointments.
Results vary depending on the individual’s metabolism, the product used, and the injected amount. Hyaluronic acid breaks down at a rate unique to each patient’s body chemistry. Lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, sun exposure) and excessive muscle activity around the mouth (e.g., puckering, pouting, chewing, biting lips) can shorten the duration of the filler.
You can prolong the effects of your lip filler treatment regardless of brand by:
Avoiding direct sources of heat (e.g., sun exposure).
Healthy adults who want to achieve well-shaped lips with a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure can significantly benefit from lip filler treatments.
Refrain from getting a dermal injectable if you are:
Under 22 years of age
Allergic to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine
Prone to inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, rosacea)
Prone to bleeding disorders
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Using blood-thinning medication
Note: Are men good candidates for lip fillers? Find out in this article that explains how lip fillers for men work.
Cost
Vibrant Skin Bar offers both Juvéderm and Restylane lip filler injectables. The prices are listed per syringe, which is usually enough for one session.
Serious side effects are less common, and they include:
Hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration)
Skin infection
Necrosis (skin tissue death)
Allergic reaction
Scarring
In rare cases, an inexperienced lip filler provider may hit a blood vessel during the procedure, causing a stroke or blindness. Therefore, it is essential to schedule a treatment with qualified healthcare professionals.
There is no one-size-fits-all lip filler solution. The best way to choose an appropriate HA-based lip injectable is to consult your medical provider. They will recommend the right Juvéderm or Restylane type based on your unique facial features, the current condition of your lips, and your desired goals.
Finding the best lip filler can be a challenging task if you have never had this type of procedure. With enough knowledge about the different properties of Juvéderm and Restylane dermal injectables, you can easily make the right choice to achieve those perfectly shaped lips you have always wanted.
The Vibrant Skin Bar team members are experts in this cosmetic field and will happily answer any of your questions and concerns.
PA Kristina Cadwell graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She then completed the Physician Assistant program at A.T. Still University graduating with a Masters of Medical Science degree. Kristina has been working in the Aesthetic Medical field for over 15 years. She is certified in neurotoxin cosmetic injection, dermal fillers, laser therapy, chemical peels, and ultrasound. She is known for producing natural results and has extensive knowledge in nutrition, hormone balancing, microbiome health, diet and exercise. Her latest endeavor is the Vibrant Skincare Line, a microbiome-friendly line of skincare that works with your body. Her passion and the reason she does everything she does? Helping you achieve vibrant skin from the inside out.