Making Signs of Aging Disappear: Juvederm vs Restylane

The premise is very appealing: inject a substance into the skin of the face in order to reduce the look of wrinkles, furrows, and scars. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane can rapidly fill lines and wrinkles and make some of the signs of aging disappear. But which injectable dermal filler is right for you? There are several choices. The ideal dermal filler is one that is inexpensive, is quick and easy to inject, does not cause an allergic or inflammatory response, and provides long lasting results. A substance known as hyaluronic acid fulfills many of these criteria. Two of the more popular hyaluronic acid injectable dermal fillers are Juvederm and Restylane and this article compares and contrasts these two leading dermal fillers.

 

 

Hyaluronic acid is found naturally and abundantly in skin. When it is implanted artificially, it avidly binds to water which causes it to plump up larger than its original injected volume. This plumping action is ideal for softening lines and crevices in the face. More than this, hyaluronic acid promotes binding of collagen and elastin fibers, binding that is lost with aging and sun damage. Since hyaluronic acid is similar across many species, when it is injected into the face, the risk of allergic reaction is very low. It is also relatively long lasting. These factors make hyaluronic acid an excellent injectable dermal filler.

 

Restylane was the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler approved by the FDA (February 2003). Since that time, Restylane has been used quite extensively for cosmetic applications with excellent results. Juvederm was approved a few years later, in 2006, and even in that short time has been shown to be safe and very effective. There are two forms of Juvederm approved by the FDA, Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus.

 

When comparing Juvederm vs Restylane, there are more similarities than differences. Both products are synthesized by bacteria rather than purified from an animal source (not to worry, the bacteria themselves are removed prior to injection). In many ways this is a cleaner method of producing hyaluronic acid. Both Juvederm and Restylane injections are indicated or used for nasolabial folds (the furrow between the nose and the lips), laugh lines, marionette lines, tear troughs, and frown lines along the brow. Some plastic surgeons have used Juvederm and Restylane injections as a means to correct nasal deformities as well. Both products add natural volume to the dermal or deep layer of skin.

 

When contrasting Juvederm vs Restylane, the main difference between the hyaluronic acid dermal fillers is their duration of effect. Juvederm, especially Juvederm Ultra Plus can be expected to last a bit longer than Restylane in most cases. Restylane usually provides fullness to wrinkles and lines for about six months. Juvederm Ultra lasts between six to twelve months and Juvederm Ultra Plus lasts nine to twelve months on average. However, the duration of effect is different in every person and the body will break down the hyaluronic acid at its own rate. For instance, your friend may have had only six months of facial fullness from Juvederm while you enjoyed nine months of cosmetic benefit from Restylane.

 

As you are making your decision between Juvederm vs Restylane, consider the cost of the procedure with the expected duration of benefit. If Juvederm can be expected to last 150 percent as long as Restylane, does the difference in price justify the reward?