Is Juvederm better than Restylane?

The jury is still out, but it is possible that Juvederm does, in fact, last a few months longer than Restylane in some, not all, patients. I have seen the reverse as well.

I am in the midst of a one year test checking the longevity of Restylane vs. Juvederm. In general, they are roughly equivalent when you ask most physicians who perform filler injections.

Juvederm and Restylane are both hyluronic acid fillers and are competitors of each other. In experienced hands, we can get very nice results with each, but it all depends on the specific area being treated. For example:

• I use Juvederm for lips and for nasolabial folds because I feel it is softer and a bit more hydrophilic (attracts fluid to the area) so it tends to provide a very smooth result.

• However, this extra bit of swelling is not as helpful around the eyes, so I use Restylane for the tear troughs (area underneath the lower eyelids).

• For very fine lines, I will use a newer product called Prevelle Silk, which is also a hylauronic acid filler, but not as thick as Juvederm or Restylane.

• Finally, for deeper wrinkles or to add volume to the cheeks, I will use Radiesse, which provides excellent results in this area.

So, it's important for your doctor to really listen to what your areas of concern are, and then pick the right product to treat those specific areas.

Juvederm and Restlane are so-called “Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid” (NASHA) fillers. Hyaluronic acid is derived as a product from bacterial cultures which are specially bio-engineered. The product is then purified and treated so as to stabilize it, and also to make it more viscous and to create micro-spherical particles of varying sizes. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring complex carbohydrate molecule found in the human skin matrix in the space between cells. The molecule is hydrophilic, attracting water molecules to the area where it is found or placed. Since the human form of hyaluronic acid is identical to the form produced by the bio-engineered bacteria, there is no need for allergy testing, and virtually no risk of immune reactions to the NASHA products.

Juvederm and Restylane both have variants, which are essentially the same product with different particle sizes. Juvederm (Allergan, Inc.) has four particle sizes (Juvederm 18, Juvederm 24, Juvederm 24 HV, Juvederm 30), used to treat the progression from fine to deep lines. Restylane (Q-Med, Medicis) has four particle sizes (Restyane Touch, Restylane, Perlane, Restylane Sub-Q) with progressively larger particle sizes used to treat the progression from fine to deep lines and facial atrophy.

Since both Restylane and Juvederm are NASHA products with varying particle size, what’s the difference? Some injectors have a preference for one product over the other based on ease of injection, viscosity, the “feel” of the syringe, quantity of the product in each syringe, etc. There have been no studies to date to document that one product lasts longer or out-performs the competitor’s comparable product in a controlled, double-blind test format. Both products can provide excellent results when properly administered.

So, when it comes to the choice between Restylane or Juvederm as a filler, it’s a matter of individual preference or taste, not much different than the preference of Coke vs. Pepsi as a beverage. A NASHA is a NASHA, and a cola is a cola, whether or not you agree with my choice.

Juvederm and Restylane are both hyaluronic acid fillers. Juvederm is more recent than Restylane.

So far both Juvederm and Restylane seem to go head-to-head. However, since Juvederm is very new, it is hard to definitely draw a conclusion.

Juvederm and Restylane are both non animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid fillers (NASHA). They are both excellent products that are safe and effective in restoring youthful volume to the deflated aging face and hands.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is ubiquitous in our bodies. These products are made to look very much like our own hyaluronic acid so they only very rarely cause allergic reactions and they are very well tolerated. They are stabilized so that they last longer in the body than our own hyaluronic acid.

Restylane and its big sister, Perlane, are more robust than Juvederm Ultra and its big sister, Juvederm Ultra Plus. This means that a Restylane product may be better in some uses than a Juvederm product and in some applications Juvederm may be better than Restylane. For example, I prefer to use Juvederm (softer and smoother) for lip enhancement, but I prefer Restylane or Perlane (more structure) for filling in the area in front of the jowls.

In some patients Juvederm seems to last longer than Restylane and in other patients Restylane seems to last longer than Juvederm. The area injected may make a difference. I have not seen a good clinical study that concludes that one lasts longer than the other, so there is a certain amount of patient specific variation that has to be learned.

As usual, the management plan for each patient has to be customized for the individual.

Both of these products have very similar properties.

In general, what I have noticed is that Restylane is a bit stiffer and maintains its shape better, while Juvederm is smoother and conforms better. So, I take advantage of this and use Restylane in areas were I want the bulk to help push the tissue up. For example, around the eyes I generally use Restylane when injecting the tear troughs and brows. When treating lips, I like Juvederm because I find its smoother quality makes the lips feel softer and more natural. Further, because it does tend to spread around more, I use it to treat the fine lines around the lips.

In other areas, such as the nasolabial folds, both products work great. And whether one lasts longer than the other seems to be related to the to the site of injection and the individual being treated.

Both are excellent products. The key to an excellent outcome is going to be more dependent on the quality of the person injecting it than between Juvederm vs. Restylane.

Both Restylane and Juvederm are excellent products, and are both hyaluronic acid.

Restylane remains the "gold standard." We utilize both products as they do have slightly different benefits. For example, Restylane is better for the lip border. However, it is more important to have a trained and experienced injector, with the general preference of most patients that a board certified physician does the treatment.

Both are great tools for non-surgical rejuvenation. It has always been my opinion that "it is not the filler, it is the Filler", that makes the difference. Therefore, is important to be injected by a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who understands the differences between products, how and where to inject them, and how to manage any complications (although they are rare).

Restylane and both forms of Juvederm: Ultra and Ultra Plus contain hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in your skin. Hyaluronic acid products are very safe and effective when properly injected.

There are differences in the products because of proprietary differences in the manufacturing process. Juvederm Ultra is softer, making it superior in the lips. Juvederm Ultra Plus gives an extraordinarily soft lift to cheeks. Restylane is a bit stiffer, making it stay in place better, so I like it for an eyebrow lift and to define the lip border (although Comsplast is STILL the best for that).

Most of my patients have reported Juvederm lasts longer, but some people feel strongly otherwise. If in doubt, try both and see which lasts longer in you. After all, every patient is different so it is important to see a doctor who can deliver YOUR best result.

"It is not the filler it is the Filler."

Both Restylane and Juvederm are great filler agents.

Restylane was the first FDA approved hyaluronic acid filler in this class. I feel that Juvederm is a better filler because it is smooth and lasts somewhat longer. If you compare the two fillers - Restylane is like blowing jello through a straw and get small cubes as they come out vs. Juvederm which is like a very thick syrup.

I like the smoothness of Juvederm and I primarily use Juvederm Ultra Plus in all areas and if i want to use it in finer lines I use it through a 31G needle (very small). I think it is much better and gives lips a more natural fill.

In skilled, experienced hands, Juvederm and Restylane are both extremely effective in filling and smoothing out facial lines and wrinkles. However, Juvederm claims to last longer.

Juvederm and Restylane are both hyaluronic acid products used to fill wrinkles and lines on the face and to add volume in areas such as the lips, tear troughs (lower lid hollows), and in the cheeks. They are competitors of each other and both work well.

There may be differences in how long they last, and in my practice, the Juvederm does not last as long as long as the Restylane. The Juvederm seems to feel softer than the Restylane, so we often use it in the lips.

Both are very good products.  It appears that in scientific studies, Juvederm may last longer than restylane.  I prefer Juvederm for this reason as well as for the ease with which I can inject the product.

Juvederm and Restylane are actually both very good products, marketing aside. In my opinion the key differences are that Juvederm is more cross-linked leading to a longer lasting effect. It also injects more smoothly typically. I have noticed a tendency to spread through the tissues if the pressure on the syringe plunger is too much. Restylane is a stiffer product, and in my opinion, stays where you put it more efficiently. Finally, the decision regarding which product to use often boils down to which product your injectionist feels most comfortable with.

As an aside, one thing that you need to realize with the use of any hyaluronic acid (HA) product is that it will ultimately be absorbed. Their is little data to suggest that they have a collagen building effect. Some experts even suggest that longterm useage of HA may lead to thinning in the areas injected. You may find yourself shelling out a lot of money over time from repeated injections. If more long term effects are desired, some of the volumizers (Radiesse, Sculptra, autologous fat, etc.) might be better. They are thought to actually build collagen. Repeated use then stack collagen up creating a volumizing effect. They however need to be used deeper and are not appropriate to treat fine lines. They are great in areas like the nasolabial folds, marionettes lines, cheeks, along the jowls, temple areas, etc.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Shah

Marketing companies will have you believe that one is better than the other, but they are comparable to each other.

Each product has its pros and cons. However, my personal experience has caused me to use Juvederm much more than Restylane.

Similarities:

• Both products are safe and effective.
• They cost about the same.
• They are both made of hyaluronic acid, which is a normal component of your skin's matrix. That is why, unlike some other collagen based products, allergy testing is not needed. Because of this you can be treated on the same day as your consultation.
• Both products tend to be smooth and plane out after injection.

Key Differences:

• Although Restylane typically lasts 6-9 months, Juvederm often lasts 9-12 months and has FDA labeling saying that it "may last up to 12 months."

• Microscopically, Juvederm is a smoother compound than Restylane, although I am not sure that it behaves much differently in patients.

• Juvederm has a higher concentration of the active product, hyaluronic acid.

• A treatment session with Juvederm uses a complete syringe (it can't be shared or stored for later use). Restylane is offered in both 0.4cc and 1.0cc sizes, so you have the ability to purchase a smaller syringe at a lower cost if you have a low volume issue requiring correction.

• Also, Restylane syringes typically have 1.2 or 1.3cc while Juvederm has 1.0 or 1.1cc. So, you get more physical product with Restylane than Juvederm.

• The reason that I use Juvederm more is that I feel it does settle in smoother. My patients agree on this fact.

• I also believe Juvederm lasts a little bit longer than Restylane.

• Finally, the design of the syringe makes it easier to inject, increasing the precision of the injections.

As a cosmetic dermatologist, I inject both Juvederm and Restylane, both are excellent products from the same class of fillers: hyaluronic acid based gels.  They are not that different except in subtle ways. 

Some patients have anecdotally claimed they feel Restylane lasts a bit longer, and some patients claim they feel Juvederm feels 'smoother' in their skin. Much of this is up to the skill of the injector. 

In general, these fillers can be used in the:

• Nasolabial folds (laugh lines)
• Marionette lines (sides of chin)
• Lips
• Earlobes
• Under the eyes (tear troughs). 

Both can last up to a year in ideal cases.  Neither appears to have any allergenic problems and test spots are not necessary.  Neither is formulated with anesthesia yet (stay tuned, it is coming), so topical anesthesia or a nerve block might be necessary if you are pain-sensitive.

Although there are differences between Juvederm and Restylane, the injector's preference is the most important issue in obtaining your optimal result. Some other things to consider:

• Both contain hylauronic acid.
• Restylane comes in 1 cc syringes where Juvederm comes in 0.8 cc syringes.
• Although you get a little more Restylane than Juvederm in the syringe, there is actually a little more Hyaluronic Acid in the Juvederm syringe.
• The Juvederm absorbs a little less water after it is injected than the Restylane, but after a few days the difference appears to be minimal.
• I find that I get a little less lip swelling with Juvederm so I prefer Juvederm when doing lip enhancements. In the nasolabial folds (smile lines), the difference in swelling is barely visible.

As far as pain goes, the skill of the injector is FAR more important in minimizing pain than the choice of fillers. Many injectors will mix anesthetic into the fillers before injecting (this is off-label). By combining a custom made topical anesthetic and mixing the local anesthetic into the syringe, most of my patients rate the pain of the injections as a 1 or 2 out of 10. In the next few years, almost all of the fillers will be shipped premixed with local anesthetic.

As far as bruising is concerned, there is not much difference. Again the skill of the injector is far more important for minimizing bruising. Having the patient avoid asprin, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, etc. for a week prior to the injection is also very helpful. If I think the patient is going to have any excessive bruising, I may treat the site with an IPL device to stop the bruising before it starts.

Lumps should rarely be a problem with either Restylane or Juvederm. By injecting slowly and massaging the area, the fillers should not show any visible lumps. Keep in mind that both products are actually surgical implants - this means you may feel them with your fingers or tongue, but you should not see any lumps. If a lump does develop, it is very easy to dissolve it with Hyaluronidase.

The cost of both products is about the same in the USA. The price that a patient will pay varies widely and depends more on the location of the injection - some areas are easier to inject than others.

Some studies say Juvederm lasts a little longer, but that varies a lot between individual patients. If either product is injected too deeply, they will appear to disappear more quickly. If either product is injected to superficially, both can leave a blue discoloration (this is called the Tyndall effect).

Excellent results can be obtained with both Restylane and Juvederm.

Juvederm has been rated by the FDA to last up to one year.

This does vary somewhat by location on the face. In areas with a lot of movement, like the lips, it may dissolve in 3-6 months but does leave a small amount of new collagen behind.

I only use Juvederm in my practice, and abandoned Restylane in the beginning of 2007.

There are some newer products coming out in the next six months that may be significantly cheaper and last almost as long.

There is no one product that is better or worse here, but I can say that Juvederm is a little more expensive than Restylane, so until the syringes of Juvederm contain the same amount of Restylane (they contain 27% less filler than Restylane syringes), I will use more Restylane.

As a board certified dermatologist, I like both products and actually did the studies for Perlane, a new form of the Restylane product that is used for filling large wrinkles. Juvederm seems to go in a little bit more smoothly and is not as likely to be lumpy. On the other hand, however, it doesn't seem to provide the lift that Restylane and Perlane provide.

The best thing to do is to try them both! I frequently will use both for patients that ask and let them decide.

They are both very good products. I find that Restylane is more dependable than Juvederm. I have used both in the lower eyelid. Restylane behaves itself there. I have had two cases with Juvederm where the patients looked fine and "under corrected" when they left my office, only to have excessive swelling a few days later.

Likewise, the only time that it was necessary to decrease the size of lips was after a very small amount of Juvederm was injected in a high profile patient. Fortunately, after Widase injections the lips were corrected.

I have had many patients who did fine with Juvederm, but the risk of excess swelling in that occasional patient has me using Restylane more often. My experience is that when I use equal amounts of the products, Restylane lasts longer.

I do not think one is better than the other in all people.

Depending on the location it is being used, and the type of problem being addressed, I will choose one product or another.

For example, are you treating deep, narrow grooves between the nose and the mouth? Or are you addressing an overall loss of volume on the lower face? Are you addressing the very fine lines on the upper lip? Are you filling the lips?

One size doesn't fit all, and each of the fillers has its place in our arsenal against aging.

Juvederm and Restylane are both made from very similar substances - hyaluronic acid gel. Restylane has been on the market longer (since 1996). They are both considered safe and effective, and are FDA approved for wrinkles. Some physicians seem to believe that Juvederm is a little softer and causes less swelling.

Both products last from 6-12 months depending how many syringes you have done and how deep your wrinkles are. A typical treatment is 2 syringes of either product.

This all depends on the person, location, and personal preference, provider's experience with the product. Restylane and Juvederm have many similiar properties but are very different. I have some patients who love one or the other. Some say there is a better "look" to one product. That is something that only that person will know after the injection once they have tried both.

Now, Juvederm is definitely smoother. You don't feel it when you get injected. So for the lips and the nasolabial folds, these are great areas to do Juvederm. If you are person who doesn't want to feel the product, Juvederm probably will be the better choice.

Some patients like the feel of the product because they feel better that they know that they have the product and it is doing something in that desired area. For underneath the eyes, I prefer to use Restylane because as the injector I feel I have more control where the product goes.

Longevity is also an issue. Restylane around the nasolabial areas last 4-6 months. For Juvederm, it could be the same or it can last longer. Some of my patients, feel it can last 9-12 months. This is certainly a determining factor for a lot of patients.

The Juvederm reps say that injected Juvederm is less painful. I am not sure if I could say that yet.

Cost could be an issue. Some doctors will charge slightly more for Juvederm. There is a little less in the Juvederm syringe so sometimes I feel that I might need to use another syringe, which will increast the total cost.

Juvederm Ultra and Restylane are very similar. In fact, they are the same substance.

Juvederm Ultra is a more concentrated form of Hyaluronic Acid and it MAY last longer. With Restylane you get 20% more product for your money (1.0 cc vs. 0.8 cc per Syringe).

I like to use Juvederm Ultra in the lips because it lasts longer in the lips. I like to use Restylane in the Tear Troughs and the Infraorbital Area.

For the deeper folds and lines, there is a more concentrated form of Juvederm called Juvederm Ultra Plus. There is also a more concentrated form of Restylane called Perlane. Radiesse is another product that I like to use for deep folds and lines.

Juvederm is not better than Restylane - it is different in subtle ways. Your provider should use a number of fillers to get the best results in each area treated.

Currently we have 4 major FDA approved hyaluronic acid fillers on the market:

1. Restylane
2. Perlane
3. Juvederm Ultra
4. Juvederm Ultra Plus

Restylane and Perlane are produced by Medicis. They are similar products, but Perlane has bigger size particles, and is better for correction of deeper, larger troughs, for example deep, wide nasolabial folds.

Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus come from Allergan. Juvederm Ultra is similar to Restylane, and Juvederm Ultra Plus is similar to Perlane, with larger size particle, need for deeper injection, and suitability for larger size defect correction.

As far as the difference between Restylane and Juvederm is concerned, I tell my patients that it is similar to the one between Coke and Pepsi - mostly depends on the personal preference. There is slightly more of a spread effect from Juvederm, and slightly more localized volume correction from Restylane, but the difference most of the time is minimal. They last about the same, and the cost in our clinic is the same.

While it is common to hear that Restylane causes more lumps, I believe it is more dependent upon the injector. If you have a good, experienced injector, you will do great with Restylane in the lips. We have been doing it for years.

Both Juvederm and Restylane are composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a component of skin that helps to keep the area looking plump.

Juvederm has a greater concentration of particles, so the actual volume that comes in a syringe is less. When the particles are cross-linked, they theoretically last longer in the body. The particles are more cross-linked in Juvederm Ultra (ever moreso in Juvederm Ultra Plus) than Restylane.

As soon as either product is injected, the hyaluronic acid will absorb surrounding water like a sponge. This provides the volume that many people lose with aging. The longevity of the product also depends on the area in which it is injected, since areas that move more (lips, nasolabial folds versus the under-eye area) will break those cross-links quicker, and the product will dissipate sooner. Manipulation of the area after the injection (massaging the area) may also make the product break down faster, so aggressively massaging the area in the first two weeks after injection should be avoided. Clients should also avoid sleeping on their face or their side, as this can sometimes move the product where it was not intended.

I usually mold the product immediately after injection while the client is still numb, to make sure it blends with the surrounding tissue. I then follow with Arnica gel, which helps with the bruising, and I have clients take Arnica homeopathic tablets as well for the next few days. A cool compress with ice / frozen peas is also great to deal with swelling.

I have found that Juvederm has a smoother texture, leaving fewer lumps, which is especially important in the lips. If the product was injected a little too superficially, or if it was not blended well, the lumps may be more apparent. Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, can be injected if a lump persists after the first couple of weeks.

Many of my clients have used both products, and they generally prefer the Juvederm over the Restylane, as it does not show when they smile, or is not obvious when kissing. Depending on the depth of the defect, many different products are available to correct them. Some areas may warrant a more robust product like Restylane or Juvederm Ultra Plus, which may last longer, and holds its shape better. Some areas may need one product layered over another. You can expect to have lasting results for 4 - 6 months with either product.

The product does degrade gradually isovolumetrically - that is, it will diminish from all directions, somewhat like an ice cube in water, so you don't just wake up one day with no lips. The products also do leave behind a bit of scaffolding, so you don't usually return to baseline after it wears out. I like to have my clients return before they get back to baseline, so they can continue to build on the scaffolding to maintain the volume.

Restylane does come in a smaller syringe size (0.4 ml), so if you're on a budget, this may be a better option for you. Juvederm and Restylane can be used in many areas of the face, including the lips, nasolabial folds, shallow acne scars, temples, and the under-eye area. They are FDA approved in the nasolabial fold areas, but the other areas are off-label use (which does not necessarily mean it shouldn't be used there; the companies have not applied for FDA approval for those sites).

Most of the time, it does depend on the skill of the injector, so be sure to view before and after photos that were actually performed by the injector. Your goal should be to look like you did years ago, not like a different species.

I have years of experience using both fillers and observe that less and less patients are requesting Restylane.

First of all - Juvederm is less traumatic for the surrounding tissues and patients come out of the office less swollen and red. It hurts less when injected and very few patients need more then just topical numbing now.

Second important advantage - less lumps with Juvederm.

Third - it does last longer. Just today I saw one of my patients that I treated exactly 1 year ago (parenthesis) and she still has good results and we decided to wait several more months with her next treatment.

I still prefer Restylane for treatment under eyes and in the areas where skin needs to be "anchored" in place since it does stay exactly where you inject it.

Both Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid products. Both are exceptional fillers in their own rights.

Juvederm is cross-linked and can reportedly last a little longer than Restylane. While Juvederm is a little thinner and easier to inject for novice injectors, Restylane has more filling characteristics and seems to add more volume per syringe in my hands (and when discussed with many of my peers). More Juvederm seems to be used to fill the same area despite what the syringe label reads!

Both are great products. It all depends on if you want something that goes in easier but needs more injected (Juvederm) to achieve consistent volumes achieved with a product that has been used successfully for several years (Restylane). I prefer Restylane because it's what I am familiar with and don't want to feel like I'm ripping someone off to follow the Allergan bandwagon. Of course the Allergan ads that bombard all of us want us to become a Juvederm nation. I don't think we are ready for that!

Restylane and Juvederm are both hyaluronic acid fillers that can produce excellent aesthetic results as facial fillers. Juvederm is available as both Juvederm Ultra, as well as Juvederm Ultraplus, a formulation suited for correcting deeper wrinkles and folds.

Some practitioners find the products to be essentially equivalent, whereas others find one product to be easier and/or better to use. I agree with some of the others on this board that Juvederm has a somewhat smoother consistency and flows easier into certain areas such as the lips. This does not necessarily make it a better product, however, and I find that both Restylane and Juvederm produce similar results for a similar length of time.

Facial fillers is a broad term that refers to temporary or possibly permanent injectable materials which are added to the face to erase some of the signs of aging. There are many on the market today and this article will focus on several on the market composed of hyaluronic acid.

Restylane, Perlane, and Juvéderm are composed of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a component of all connective tissues, especially abundant in the deep layers of skin, and is the same chemical composition across species.

Three different formulations of Juvederm were approved by the FDA in 2006 for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds). The formulations differed in the size of the hyaluronic acid particle. Adverse side effects of Juvéderm treatment are rare, and usually go away in less than a week without any intervention. Side effects of Juvéderm usually result from the injection itself and may include redness, tenderness, swelling, firmness, and bruising. Since your body already contains hyaluronic acid, and the ingredient in Juvéderm is created through biosynthesis in a laboratory and is designed for biocompatibility, there is very little risk of an allergic reaction after Juvéderm treatment. In June 2007, the FDA granted a label extension to Allergan that allows it to say that Juvederm can last up to a year, though of course, individual results will vary.

Restylane is another hyaluronic acid, similar to Juvederm. It is also synthetically created and technically has less hyaluronic acid per volume, though the significance of this clinically has not been determined. In theory it lasts less time than Juvéderm though the actual results in clinical practice have yet to be directly tested. Restylane is said to last about 6 months though individual results may vary.

The major difference in the products is the size of the particle which will determine their effectiveness in various situations. Smaller particle sizes are useful for fine lines and wrinkles, such as those around the lips. Larger particle sizes are more useful for deeper folds, such as the nasolabial folds.

The good thing is – if you don’t like what you see it will be gone without a trace in about 6 months. The bad thing is – if you like what you see it will be gone without a trace in about 6 months.

In my practice, I use both Juvederm and Restylane. I find that Restylane goes in smoother and can be molded easier, therefore I use it in the eye area (upper and lower eyelids) and the lip line. I prefer Juvederm for the nasolabial folds (laugh lines).

A good injector knows the individual advantages and disadvantages of each product and rarely uses a single injectable for every application. While many injectors feel that Juvederm is smoother and less lumpy than Restylane, they also recognize that the inherent stiffness of Restylane may prove helpful in achieving static strength. While I use more Juvederm than Restylane currently, I am not pragmatic in my choices and individualize each treatment to a specific patient.

Both Restylane and Juvederm are hyaluronic acid, a naturally occuring sugar that we all have naturally in our bodies. Hyaluronic acid has been proven to be a safe way to correct the changes that occur due to aging.

Both Restylane and Juvederm are great products!

Due to the differences in their structure and manufacturing process, Juvederm, in my experience tends to have a greater incidence of causing "Tindle Effect," which is a blue-appearing tint to the skin when used in the upper face under and around the eyes.

Otherwise, I have found them to be very similar and I cannot say that one is better than the other. Some people say that Restylane lasts longer while others say that Juvederm last longer. In the end, they are both great products, and most important, they are both safe!

In my experience and many of those that I've spoken with, both offer many benefits and are excellent products. Although Juvederm is marketed as being FDA approved for lasting up to one year - a lot depends on where the product is being used. If there is more muscle movement/activity in the area being treated, the product is more likely to degrade quicker than an area with not as much movement. Juvederm works well for the lips as it has a smoother placement and is more malleable. For lips that require only a very small amount of filler, Restylane may be the better option inasmuch as it comes in a 0.4cc syringe as well.

I wouldn’t necessarily say that Juvederm is better. Juvederm and Restylane, both being hyaluronic acid, are in fact much more similar than they are different. The main difference between the two is in smoothness with Juvederm being twice as smooth as Restylane. This makes Juvederm the ideal filler for lips. The relative firmness of Restylane can be an advantage in certain areas where a more robust filler can provide better correction.

Currently, my dermal filler of choice is Juvederm.

It has a more smooth appearance than Restylane and Perlane. There is less swelling and bruising than with Restylane, and there are fewer post-treatment lumps with Juvederm.

Juvederm is FDA approved to last up to one year and can be used in multiple areas of the face. As of now, Radiesse cannot be used in the lips.

For deep skin laxity/wrinkles, I often choose a combination of Sculptra & Juvederm.

Most dermal fillers cost around $500-$600 per syringe, however multiple syringes are often used in each treatment. I usually recommend dermal filler treatment every six months, or as often as the client desires.  Sculptra is $1,200 per vial. I usually recommend three treatments, spaced four weeks apart.