Juvederm and Restylane are the most popular choices in dermal fillers on the market, but Juvederm is still fairly new – it received FDA approval in the summer of 2006, while Restylane has been the filler of choice since 2003. Both offer many benefits and drawbacks, and some people have reported extremely bad results. 

If you’re considering either Juvederm or Restylane for enhancing your lips, smoothing out wrinkles, or just want an instant ‘face lift’, learning about the benefits and drawbacks of each procedure may help you make the right decision.  

Youthful Skin with Dermal Fillers

Today’s dermal fillers offer just one convenient option for reclaiming your youthful looks. Since wrinkles and poor skin texture are usually a result of low levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body, dermal fillers act as a ‘filling’ agent to plump up and nourish the skin with the missing acid. Both Restylane and Juvederm are available at medical spas and cosmetic surgeon offices around the country, and promise a smoother, more youthful skin texture.   

How Juvederm and Restylane Work

Both Juvederm and Restylane are marketed as dermal fillers that can reduce fine lines, plump up the lips, and even smooth out rough patches of skin. Anyone who has acne scars or an uneven skin texture can also benefit from dermal filler treatments that plump up and hydrate the skin for a smooth and youthful appearance. Juvederm and Restylane are both very effective in improving skin tone, enhancing the lips and making the skin look richer and thicker in texture. Since there is very little recovery time involved with both treatments, it’s a practical choice for many patients looking for a fast and effective procedure after work, or even during lunch hour.  

Juvederm and Restylane – What People Are Saying

When asked if Juvederm was worth the cost and risks, 69% of RealSelf.com users and reviewers in 2008 reported positive results with this cosmetic procedure, while 31% reported bad results overall. Those who did feel the procedure was worth it claim that they only felt mild pain, and in some cases, results were even better than BOTOX.   

One of the biggest benefits of Juvederm treatment is instant results; instead of waiting up to a week to see a difference, Juvederm patients can walk out the door with a new look. Most people pay between $500-$600 per treatment, and ongoing treatments may be necessary depending on how well the body adapts to the formula.  

Restylane also received positive reviews by RealSelf.com users, with 62% reporting positive results and 38% reporting negative results. This procedure averages between $500-$800 depending on the number of treatments and location of the provider, and most people indicate that the pain from the procedure can be difficult to manage.  

Juvederm vs. Restylane – Making the Right Choice  

According to Sam Naficy M.D., FACS, a plastic surgeon in Seattle, states that,  “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.” If you’re looking for a lip-plumping treatment that makes a difference, Juvederm may be a better choice and offer instant results. (Source:  RealSelf.com)  

Both Juvederm and Restylane offer several benefits, but there are also some risks involved. Negative reviewers of Juvederm reported acid ‘leaking’ into other parts of their face which resulted in painful swelling and ongoing treatments to correct the problem. Finding a professional, experienced doctor to manage the procedure is an essential part of the decision-making process. The pain factor is perhaps the biggest drawback of Restylane, and some people reported minimal or no results even after a painful – and costly - procedure.   

A consultation with your cosmetic dermatologist or skin specialist can help you learn more about each treatment and take a close look at the benefits and drawbacks of each. Learn more about anti-aging and wrinkle treatments in our information guide, or find a doctor in your area who can guide you through the decision-making process with ease.