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There are tons of different facial fillers containing different ingredients that people turn to for a myriad of reasons. Most provide the aesthetic benefit of plumper, more youthful looking skin – either instantly or over time. One of the most common types of fillers are those containing the hydrating substance known as hyaluronic acid. When it comes to hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers to create volume, even skin texture, and sculpt the face, the two most popular options are Restylane and Juvederm.
At Skinly Aesthetics, we know that people turn to HA-based fillers to achieve their dream look while avoiding the risks and complications of surgery. That’s why Dr. Schwarzburg is a board-certified cosmetic physician who takes great care into helping each of his patients fulfill their beauty goals using treatments like Juvederm and Restylane. He also specializes in other non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, like skin-smoothing micro-needling or revolutionary Fraxel technology, that are offered here at Skinly. If you’re looking for any such treatment in Manhattan, our clinic on the Upper East Side is a sure bet for delivering you the gorgeous results you crave, thanks to Dr. Schwarzburg’s various facial rejuvenation methods, beautifying techniques, and personal consultations.
When it comes to hyaluronic acid fillers, however, some patients may be debating over whether to go for one versus the other. Both can add subtle fulness and curve to the cheeks, lips, and other regions, as well as disguise emerging wrinkles and fine lines. We all love to play around with filters on Instagram or TikTok, seeing how very subtle changes and glossy effects can give us an extra glow of confidence. Hyaluronic acid fillers help bring that look to life, while still allowing you to look like yourself – and circumventing the risks posed by surgical intervention.
Before we get into the differences between these fillers, let’s address the first question you might have: what exactly is hyaluronic acid, and how does it work as a dermal filler? If you’re not big into the skincare scene, “hyaluronic acid” might sound a bit scary – but it’s actually an extremely common skincare ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polymer (mainly in the skin, eyes, and joints) that can also be found in many creams and moisturizers thanks to its hydrating properties. In the body, hyaluronic acid oils your joints, retains water in the skin and eyes, and lends the skin flexibility that aids in wound healing and wrinkle prevention. The chainlike structure of an HA polymer allows water to easily latch onto it and supports the growth of tissue. When used in filler, hyaluronic acid boosts volume in certain areas and can leave the face looking younger and more refreshed.
Juvederm and Restylane are two hyaluronic acid-based fillers that share many similarities, yet also notable differences that may impact what is used where and for which purpose. Both may be injected by a licensed physician to regions like the hands, jawline, and lips to enhance their look and turn back the clock in terms of skin appearance. Let’s go over some of the key things that set these two beauty boosters apart, while also briefly touching on the long list of formula variations between them (including, Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft, Juvederm Ultra XC, Restylane Silk, and many more that each serve a specific purpose).
What Is the Difference Between Juvederm and Restylane?
Both are known for leaving patients looking younger and feeling happier. These injectable fillers are made up of cross-linked hyaluronic acid that is injected via an ultra-fine needle into the mid or deep dermis of the skin. They are beloved facial fillers that can make up for the natural, age-related loss of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and fat in our faces, a loss that leaves many with tired or gaunt looking visages. Both of these treatments have been FDA approved for many years and have earned their reputation as safe, speedy, and convenient dermal fillers. But what sets them apart from each other?
For one thing, they come from different manufacturers. Juvederm is a product of Allergan, while Restylane belongs to a pharmaceutical company known as Galderma. While they are both often used interchangeably, Restylane has a slightly denser, thicker, and granular consistency. Meanwhile, Juvederm is more like a slick gel, and is known for a smoother feel with greater hydrophilic properties (meaning it attracts more water). The hydrophilic leaning nature of Juvederm means it can result in more volume, whereas Restylane is often preferred by younger patients because it can be built in smaller increments over time.
If you’re wondering which one of these is better for your purposes, the best way to come to the right conclusion is by consulting a doctor like Dr. Schwarzburg, who has witnessed and assessed the results of their application hundreds of times in many different patients and can further advise you. But don’t worry – if you’re eager for answers right now, we can give you a slightly better idea as to which direction you or Dr. Schwarzburg might lean in.
Which Is Best: Juvederm or Restylane?
There really is no simple, one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dermal fillers. When choosing between either of the fillers, the decision mainly comes down to which will be more effective for attaining your specific desires. Neither one is wholly “better” – rather, one or the other might be better suited for fulfilling your needs.
For example, think about your areas of concern and how you would like to change them. Some of us have deep circles under the eyes that create an exhausted, hollow appearance. Such a sensitive and delicate area is often best addressed using Restylane; this is because it can be better molded and added to over time for the perfect, natural-looking dimensions. Juvederm, on the other hand, can potentially leave the periorbital area looking puffy. It is best reserved for filling in thin fine lines in other parts of the face, such as the nasolabial folds that sit beside the nostrils and travel down to the lips. Both fillers can be used in a variety of situations; for example, a lot of older folks take issue with the creases that run lateral from the corners of the mouth downwards, also known as marionette lines. Both are wonderful options for airbrushing these commonly resented wrinkles.
While fillers can be used to smooth out and disguise skin texture, you may also be searching for a way to enhance certain areas of the face. A lot of us are longing for the classic “angel face” look, which involves rounded cheekbones and a defined chin. The regions, as well as the nose and jawline, can all be brought out using any of the hyaluronic acid fillers. You may be perfectly happy with your face as-is, but are curious to try and see what fillers can do for you – after all, they can provide a subtle transformation for anything from bony, fragile-looking hands to nose bumps that you would rather straighten out. The great thing about hyaluronic acid based fillers is that they are a quick procedure with minimal risks that are ultimately temporary and even dissolvable. So, if you’re driving yourself crazy debating back and forth what kind of filler to get and were, rest assured, and remember – a consultation from a doctor like Dr. Schwarzburg can go a long way when it comes to clarifying what kind of filler you need.
Comparing Juvederm and Restylane for Marionette Lines
We’ve already mentioned that marionette lines –– the etchings that travel laterally from the sides of the mouth to the chin, usually caused by aging and years of dynamic facial movements like smiling and frowning – are easily addressed by fillers. You may also hear marionette lines being called laugh lines or smile lines, though some people take these to mean any lines in the mouth region. In any case, wrinkles and lines surrounding the mouth that are of minor or moderate severity are frequently smoothed out using Restylane Refyne. Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Voluma are two more beloved options for this area, as they can combat the saggy appearance of jowls in favor of a fuller, more lifted look.
Comparing Restylane and Juvederm for Nasolabial Folds
Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus are some of the first choices to consider when trying to erase or mitigate the look of nasolabial folds. Nasolabial folds are a cause of insecure for many; for some of us, they don’t become apparent until later in life. For others, deep nasolabial folds are a feature that appear early and only grow more noticeable with time. They can make it seem like you are always frowning, and overall make the face look more worn out and aged. Some nasolabial folds are only light lines or indents between the nostrils and the lips, while, while stronger ones create unflattering shadows on the face.
Restylane for Lip Plumping
There’s no other way to put it – full, luscious lips are very in right now (and have been for quite some time). A lot of patients are eager to try out lip fillers to get the perfect pout, or to make the lips look overall fuller for the radiant smile of their dreams. Both fillers can add a gentle boost to the volume of your lips. However, if you want Kylie Jenner lips, your best bet is Restylane Silk. This dense gel allows for highly controlled minimally invasive sculpting of the lips, boosting their volume for a soft, pillowy pout. Restylane Silk can also be used for filling in fine line around the mouth that can otherwise obscure a beautiful smile.
Restylane Kysse Lip Filler
Another Restylane filler that can be used for lip rejuvenation as well as in the surrounding area is the Restylane Kysse lip filler. It can improve the appearance fine creases and wrinkles around the mouth, and even add extra hydration to the lips that doesn’t involve applying layers of chapstick.
Can I Combine Restylane and Juvederm?
We’ve gone over all the ways that both fillers are similar and different, and how they can be used separately for different purposes –– but you may not realize that these two fillers can actually be used in conjunction with each other. In one session, Dr. Schwarzburg may use Juvederm injections in one area of the face, and Restylane in another to attain perfect results. Their differing compositions make them each ideal for addressing different concerns. Using the two together can end up targeting multiple areas in a single session.
Can I Get Multiple Dermal Fillers and Other Cosmetic Treatments?
A lot of patients have multiple areas of concern that they hope to address not just with dermal fillers, but other cosmetic procedures as well. While getting Juvederm or Restylane by no means bars you from other cosmetic treatments, it’s best to wait a few weeks for them to settle before you move on to the next procedure. This will not only minimize side effects and discomfort, but it will also allow you to get a better idea of how your face looks post-treatment – you may always change your mind about what kind of procedure you want next after seeing the results.
Some examples of what you can get done in addition to dermal fillers include Botox to alleviate wrinkles in the face, Fraxel lasering to even out skin texture, or PDO thread lifts to further lift and contour the face in a natural way.
Which Lasts Longer: Juvederm or Restylane?
One of the differences that many note between the two fillers is that Juvederm is slightly longer lasting. The effects of Juvederm can be seen for about a year, while Restylane wears off around the 10 month mark. On average, you can expect either one to last for about 6 to 8 months. Certain variations of Juvederm have been known to last even longer – almost 2 years for some. A lot of patients love the outcome of their hyaluronic acid filler treatments and don’t want to see them vanish over time; in that case, the look you achieve can be maintained by yearly touch-ups here at Skinly Aesthetics.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Juvederm and Restylane?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are generally considered safe and well-tolerated by patients. However, it is important to be aware of the side effects and risks, however minimal. This can help you weigh whether or not the procedure is right for you. After your procedure, you can expect some bruising to occur around the treated area – this is due to the physical injection point and is a common side effect of any cosmetic procedure involving needles. To minimize bruising, it’s best to stay away from blood thinners like ibuprofen for a week or so before you get your treatment done. If you have a bleeding disorder or an allergy to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine (which is contained within the formula to soothe discomfort), you should not be getting Juvederm or Restylane dermal fillers. More rare complications include severe inflammation, hyperpigmentation, or infection.
The best way to avoid risks when getting this procedure is to go to an experienced physician like Dr. Schwarzburg at Skinly Aesthetics in New York. Dr. Schwarzburg will not only talk you through the procedure and get a solid evaluation of your medical background, he also knows the intricacies of facial anatomy to help you get the best results while avoiding risks.
