Restylane vs Juvederm - What should I ask my doctor before getting a Restylane or Juvederm injection?

This is a common question asked by many patients everyday. Which filler is the best for me?  Most of the fillers on the market are made of hyaluronic acid, a carbohydrate polymer that is found extensively in joints, neural tissue and especially the skin. When hyaluronic acid is injected it can be used to correct facial hollows, minimize wrinkles, and augment desirable features such as the cheeks and the lips.

The choice of a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Restylane of Juvederm, depends on the area to be injected and the specific needs of the patient. Differences in the manufacturing process affect the properties of each filler - how much water they bind, their cohesiveness, their relative 'hardness'', the forced needed to inject them, their durability and how they reflect light from the skin.  I prefer Restylane for the under eye hollow because the product is less likely to imbibe too much water and cause puffiness. Around the mouth area I like the "water loving" nature of Juvederm and its relative smoothness. 

Ultimately the choice of a filler comes down to the preference and experience of your provider.

I have used both products on many patients and have determined that there is far less swelling under the eyes with injection of Restylane. For the rest of the face, it does not appear to make much of a difference. Make sure to have this sensitive area treated by an eyelid specialist (Oculoplatic Surgeon). Good luck!

Thank you for your question. Many patients prefer Juvederm over Restylane. Product does last longer and has a more volumizing result. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified expert injector for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are. 

Restylane products have lower degree of hydrophillicity than Juvederm products which translates to:  Restylane products (which are biphasic) have less swelling after injection than Juvederm hyalcross products (juvederm ultra plus and ultra).  For the under eye area, most patients will do better with Restylane products than Juvederm products.  For the nasal labial folds, either product may work depending on the goal. Best Dr. Anil Shah

For your injections in your lower eyelid tear troughs - I would only recommend Resytlane not Juvederm.  Both are hyaluronic acid fillers, but Juvederm is very hydrophilic (meaning it attracts water).  This is a great quality for a lip filler, but is bad for under the eyes because it can make they eyes look more swollen and puffy.  Restylane is less hydrophilic and will work better in the tear troughs beneath the eyes.  Remember that the under eye area is an off label use for any filler.   For the nasolabial folds both are good products.  Juvederm may be slightly longer lasting.  Perhaps even longer lasting than Juvederm are is cousins Volbella and Volure.  Volbella is good for fine vertical lines aroudn the lips, Volure is great for the nasolabial folds. 

Restylane and Juvederm are great products, but have various applications in which one product might work better than others. In most areas (like cheeks, nasolabial folds, and others) the two products work similarly and will last close to the same amount of time in the majority of patients. 
Around the eyes, I would prefer to use Restylane as it should hopefully produce less swelling and the area can be augmented very precisely.  Tyndall effect (bluish discoloration) in the area of the fillers can occur with either product but can usually be minimized or avoided with proper technique.
All the best,