Juvederm vs. Restylane: What’s The Difference?
Juvederm and Restylane appear to be very similar on the surface. Both injectable dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to achieve a volume replacement benefit which reulsts in wrinkle eradication and lifting of the skin. Both treatments are non-surgical, require no downtime and are virtually pain free. Finally, they both can be used in similar facial areas to correct similar aging symptoms.
There are, however, a few key differences between Juvederm and Restylane. Here’s an overview of the benefits and weaknesses of each filler.
Formula
The formulas of Juvederm and Restylane use the same active ingredient: hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid is a natural carbohydrate molecule found in all living cells. HA is a well-known humectant which means it has the ability to attract and retain moisture. In fact, it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This ability is what allows both fillers to add volume and plump the skin. Since, the hyaluronic acid found in both Juvederm and Restylane are naturally occurring there is little to no risk of allergic reactions among patients.
Texture
The biggest difference between Restylane and Juvederm is their texture. Restylane is granular and more cohesive while Juvederm has a smoother texture. These texture differences give both fillers different strengths. The smoothness of Juvederm makes it better at addressing finer lines and wrinkles in tight facial areas. In contrast, the cohesive nature of Restylane allows it to stay in the place in the injected which makes it ideal for adding volume in specific sunken facial areas. Restylane is also moldable, which allows the injector to better create shapes and contours.
Treatment Areas
Restylane and Juvederm both have different formulas that target different facial areas. Juvederm can be used to address numerous areas of the face including the eyes, cheeks, and mouth. The Juvederm family includes Juvederm Ultra (orgional formula), Juvederm Voluma (FDA approved to enhance cheek volume), Juvederm Volbella (targeting lip lines and other fine lines around the mouth), and Juvederm Vollure (formulated to target severe folds and wrinkles included the nasolabial folds).
Restylane can be used to address many of the same facial areas as Juvederm, however it is particularly effective in treating the lips, cheeks, and area around the nose. It can also be used to for hand rejuvenation by adding volume to the back of the hands. The Restylane family includes Restylane Silk (lips), Restylane Lyft (mid-face, cheeks, nasolabial folds), and Restylane Refyne and Defyne (to address more severe wrinkling).
Results
Juvederm and Restylane have the ability to provide dramatic results, eradicating lines and wrinkles while boosting volume to make the skin firmer and plumper in appearance. Juvederm actually work slightly quicker, its results are apparent immediately whereas the results of Restylane can take a day or so to take full effect.
How Long Results Last
Comparing result duration (that is how long results last) between dermal fillers can be difficult as many variables beyond filler type including the treatment area and the patient’s metabolism play a role. Clinical results state that these fillers can last anywhere between 9 to 12 months.
The hyaluronic acid found in both formulas is biodegradable which is why results are non-permanent, over time the body will naturally cannibalize the added hyaluronic acid returning the treatment area to its pre-treated state. Patients can choose to maintain the results of Restylane and Juvederm by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments.
Pain
Patients experience little to no pain during a filler treatment, especially when it is performed by a skilled injector. Juvederm and Restylane procedures are non-surgical and minimally invasive, the filler is administered through a series of injections using an ultra-fine needle. Many formulas in both families contain lidocaine, which numbs the skin during injections to minimize any patient discomfort. Added topical numbing cream may also be applied to the treatment area if requested by the patient.
Treatment Time
Dermal filler treatments like Juvederm and Restylane are extremely quick and can even be performed during a patient’s lunch hour. While treatment time can differ, most patients will be in and out of the office within 30 to 45 minutes.
Downtime
There is no downtime (recovery time) required for either Juvederm or Restylane. Patients can go right back to their normal daily activities directly following the procedure. We do ask patients to reframe from working out for 24 hours to help decrease any post procedure swelling.
Side Effects
Potential side effect for both treatments are relatively minor and typically resolve without any intervention. Common side effects may include bruising, swelling, redness, rash, or pain around the site of the injection. Serious side effects are rare and can include allergic reactions, changes to skin color, infection, numbness, and scarring.
Cost
Restylane and Juvederm pricing is very comparable. However, the cost of any filler procedure can vary greatly depending on the needs of each patient. The procedure cost for either treatment is contingent on the amount of filler needed to accomplish the patient’s desired end result. Cost can only be calculated after a skilled injector assess patient needs during an in-person consultation.
Juvederm vs. Restylane: Which is better?
So which filler is better? The answer is a simple “it depends”. While it’s good for consumers to understand the differences and benefits of each filler, the final decision on which filler is best for you should be left up to a skilled injector. An experienced provider will be able to assess your individual needs in order to develop the best course of treatment. In fact, it’s not uncommon for injectors to recommend using a combination of both fillers to create the patient’s desired end result.
Kelly Wala is a Registered Nurse with a Baccalaureate Degree of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. As an Aesthetic Nurse Specialist for the past 10 years Kelly specialized in a full complement of non-surgical aesthetic services such as facial injectables, laser and light therapy, body contouring, and skin care. Kelly was the first in Texas to perform the Injectable Threadlift. Kelly is a Faculty trainer for Allergan Facial Aesthetics and Coolsculpting as well as a Faculty trainer for Galderma Facial Aesthetics and Sculptra. Aesthetics
I totally thought fillers were pretty much all the same until I read this. Do you have a post that compares all dermal fillers? Not sure which type I should be going for.
Hi Madeline,
Thanks for your great comment. We have a pretty good basic comparison of all fillers here: https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/guide-comparing-dermal-fillers/
I would also encourage you to go to our dermal filler page (https://www.westlakedermatology.com/cosmetic-procedures/injectables/). At the bottom you can see links to other resources that feature detailed comparisons and other info.
Hope that helps!
WD Staff
Hello,
I am interested in restalyn lyft. Do you have any monthly specials. Can I get on the special list?
Thanks
Hi Linda,
We do offer specials each month on various fillers. I have added your email to our list. We usually send the Specials email on the first working day of each month!
Thanks,
WD Staff
interested in fillers and wondering what current specials are as well? Are yall open right now? Also can I be placed on the specials list?
Hi Angela,
We’ll contact you directly over email for specials and add you to our specials list! I’ll have a consultant reach out to you this afternoon.
Thanks,
WD Staff
Oh please add me to the list for monthly specials. I was also wondering if you all are open now.
No problem Donna, we’ll add you to our email list! Also we are open now and would love to see you 🙂
Thanks,
WD Staff
Hello! I am also very interested in dermal fillers and would be more than happy to receive further info. Could I also be added to your special email list, please? Thanks!
Hi Dunya,
No problem, I added your email to our specials list and provided it to our cosmetic team. They will reach out to you with more information!
Thanks,
WD Staff
would love to get these specials as well
Hi Kelly,
Great comparison of Juvederm vs. Restylane. Thanks for the info
i am interested in the specials please email me !!
No problem Elise, I’ll add you to our mailing list. You’ll get an email every time there are new specials!
interested in hearing about specials
Great Linda!
We always post our current specials on this page: https://www.westlakedermatology.com/specials/
You can also join our mailing list to get an email every time we run a new special.
Thanks,
WD Staff
I saw some deals for juvede and restlyne. Do you have a better deal than Groupon? Also I am getting a Botox for hemiplasia twitching on left side of my face. Will it contradict to the Botox if I get juvederm it’s restyline? Thanks
Hi Liza,
We actually have our semi-annual special event going on now with some of our biggest discounts of the year. You can see all discounts available this month here: https://www.westlakedermatology.com/specials/
Thanks,
WD Staff