Comparing Juvéderm and Restylane: Is One Dermal Filler Better?

About:

• Juvéderm and Restylane are two brands of dermal fillers commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Both formulations employ a gel based on hyaluronic acid to restore volume to the skin.
• These are noninvasive treatments and do not require surgery.

Safety:

• Many formulations of both products contain lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during injections.
• Minor adverse effects can occur, such as bruising, redness, and swelling.
• Serious but uncommon complications include changes in skin pigmentation and scarring. In rare instances, Juvéderm has been associated with numbness.

Convenience:

• Both Juvéderm and Restylane are convenient procedures — individual injections take only a few minutes.
• It can take time to research and select a qualified provider.

Cost:

• Juvéderm averages about $600 per injection, while Restylane prices typically range from $300 to $650 per syringe.
• These cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance. No recovery period is usually necessary.

Efficacy:

• Both Juvéderm and Restylane tend to produce noticeable results quickly.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers can last several months, but their effects are not permanent.
• Juvéderm may require touch-ups around 12 months. Restylane’s duration varies by product and location, often lasting between 6 and 18 months.

Overview

Juvéderm and Restylane are two popular hyaluronic acid–based dermal fillers used to address wrinkles and volume loss. Each relies on hyaluronic acid, a moisture-binding molecule that helps plump the skin.

Although they share many features, the fillers also differ in certain ways. Read on to compare their characteristics, costs, and expected outcomes so you can determine which hyaluronic acid filler might suit your needs.

Comparing Juvéderm and Restylane

Both Juvéderm and Restylane are considered noninvasive treatments, meaning no surgical procedure is needed. Each uses hyaluronic acid to restore volume and smooth lines. Below is a closer look at each product line.

Juvéderm

Juvéderm is formulated to treat facial wrinkles in adults. The products are gels made from hyaluronic acid.

There are several Juvéderm formulations tailored to different facial areas. Some are focused on the mouth and lips, while others are intended to add cheek volume. Certain variants target fine lines around the nose and mouth.

Many Juvéderm products are available in XC versions, meaning they include lidocaine to reduce injection pain without requiring an extra topical anesthetic.

Restylane

Restylane also uses hyaluronic acid; several versions, such as Restylane Lyft, contain lidocaine. This filler line can be used around the eyes, on the backs of the hands, to smooth lines around the mouth, enhance lips, and add lift to the cheeks.

How long does each procedure take?

Both Juvéderm and Restylane injections take only minutes to administer, and you often see results soon after treatment. Periodic maintenance injections are usually necessary to preserve the effect.

Juvéderm duration

Individual Juvéderm injections take only minutes, though multiple injections may be needed per treatment area. Depending on how many areas are treated, a session can last between 15 and 60 minutes. According to the manufacturer, you can expect immediate results.

Restylane duration

Restylane sessions typically take 15 to 60 minutes, which is common for injectable fillers generally. While some improvement may be visible right away, full effects can take a few days to become apparent.

Comparing results

Long-term outcomes for Juvéderm and Restylane are broadly similar. Juvéderm may produce slightly faster visible improvement and, in some cases, a longer duration of effect, but it is often pricier. Your clinician will usually recommend the most suitable filler based on your goals and the treatment area.

Juvéderm results

Juvéderm results can persist for one to two years.

Different Juvéderm formulas are used for lips, marionette lines, and areas around the eyes. Juvéderm is effective for restoring volume and can also enhance lips and smooth surrounding wrinkles.

Restylane results

Restylane may take a little longer to reach its full effect, though initial improvement is often immediate. These fillers generally last from 6 to 18 months.

Restylane treats many of the same facial regions as Juvéderm, and it is particularly effective for lip augmentation and improving the folds around the nose and cheeks.

Who is a good candidate?

Before undergoing either Juvéderm or Restylane treatments, schedule a consultation with a provider to review any personal risk factors that might make you unsuitable for these fillers.

Juvéderm candidates

Juvéderm is intended for adult patients. You might not be a suitable candidate if you:

• are allergic to key ingredients like hyaluronic acid or lidocaine
• have a history of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis
• have a tendency for excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders
• are taking medications that increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or anticoagulants
• have a bleeding disorder

Restylane candidates

Restylane is also intended for adults. The exclusion criteria listed for Juvéderm generally apply to Restylane as well.

Comparing cost

Because Juvéderm and Restylane are noninvasive, no downtime is usually needed. These cosmetic treatments are generally not covered by insurance. The final cost depends on the provider’s fees, your location, and how many syringes are required.

Juvéderm tends to be more expensive but may offer longer-lasting results, meaning fewer touch-up visits may be necessary compared with Restylane.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports an average national price of $651 for hyaluronic acid fillers. Prices vary by filler type; discuss costs with your provider to get an accurate estimate for your treatment.

Juvéderm costs

On average, a single Juvéderm injection can cost about $600 or more. Smaller treatment areas, like lip lines, may cost less.

Restylane costs

Restylane is generally a bit less expensive than Juvéderm. One clinic lists prices between $300 and $650 per injection for Restylane products (source).

Comparing the side effects

Juvéderm and Restylane are safer alternatives to surgical procedures, yet they are not without risks. The side effect profiles of both products are similar.

Juvéderm side effects

Common side effects with Juvéderm include headache, lumps or irregularities, bruising, discoloration, itching, pain, rash, and swelling at the injection site.

Uncommon but serious adverse events can include:

• severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• changes in skin coloration
• infection
• necrosis (tissue death)
• numbness
• scarring

Restylane side effects

Minor side effects from Restylane may include bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness, and itching. Rare but more severe complications can include infection, pronounced swelling, and hyperpigmentation.

Your risk of problems may be higher if you have a history of inflammatory skin conditions or bleeding disorders.

Before and after pictures

Comparison chart

Below is an outline of the main similarities and differences between Juvéderm and Restylane:

Noninvasive; no surgery required. Noninvasive; no surgery required.

Each injection costs about $600 on average. Each injection costs between $300 and $650.

Lidocaine in many Juvéderm formulations reduces pain during treatment. Many Restylane products also contain lidocaine to lessen discomfort.

Maintenance is often about one treatment per year, though results vary. Number of treatments differs; consult your dermatologist for a personalized plan.

Results can be immediate and may last at least a year. Results appear within days and can last 6 to 18 months depending on the product and site.

Not for anyone under 18. Avoid if allergic to lidocaine or hyaluronic acid, have multiple severe allergies, a history of scarring or pigmentation disorders, are on blood-thinning medications, or have a bleeding disorder. Not for anyone under 18. Avoid if allergic to hyaluronic acid or have multiple severe allergies, scarring or pigmentation issues, are taking medications that increase bleeding risk, or have a bleeding disorder. Inform your provider if you are allergic to lidocaine so the right Restylane product can be chosen.

No recovery time needed. No recovery time needed.

How to find a provider

Your dermatologist is the best starting point for fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane. If they do not offer these services, they can refer you to a dermatologic surgeon or a certified aesthetic practitioner. You can also search the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ database to locate providers.

Whatever route you take, ensure the practitioner is experienced and board-certified.