Juvéderm vs Restylane. When it comes to dermal fillers, two names really come to mind: Juvéderm and Restylane. Both are families of FDA-approved dermal fillers with several different products that span many textures. While these are not the only brands of dermal fillers on the market, especially internationally, they are certainly the two most well-known. Understanding the differences and similarities between them can help you make the best choice for your facial rejuvenation goals. Filler properties to consider: hydrophilia (how much water a filler attracts), firmness/stiffness (G’), viscosity/flow/spread (η*), and even cost. Further considerations beyond filler characteristics: areas of treatment, expectations from treatment, and initial skin condition.
Filler 101
What do Juvéderm and Restylane have in common?
Both Juvéderm and Restylane are families of FDA-approved, hyaluronic acid-based (HA) dermal fillers. Other injectable “fillers,” such as Sculptra (Poly-L-lactic Acid or PLLA) or Radiesse (calcium hydroxyapatite in a gel carrier base), are not hyaluronic-acid based and therefore have different functions and properties. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (sugar molecule) that naturally occurs in the skin and body. In gel form, it draws water and swells, allowing it to smooth and fill skin when injected. Linking HA molecules to form non-linear structures is referred to as cross-linking. Cross-linking HA filler enhances stability and longevity, allowing it to last longer. Formulation and different amounts of cross-linking is what creates different textures of HA fillers.
What is Sculptra? What is Radiesse?
Both Juvéderm and Restylane are “families” of fillers, meaning they each encompass several different dermal fillers of varying textures and purposes. Both Restylane and Juvéderm fillers have lidocaine incorporated into the mixture to ease discomfort during treatment.
Internationally, both families of fillers may feature different names than the names they go by in the USA. This could be due to trademark or other such issues.
Restylane
Restylane fillers are from Galderma Aesthetics, the makers of Dysport and Sculptra. Restylane is Galderma’s family of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. Once upon a time, Galderma’s dermal fillers were known as Perlane, and were the first hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to come to market. In the current day, Perlane fillers have been rebranded as Restylane L, Restylane Silk, and Restylane Lyft. This is in order to maintain consistent branding with later dermal filler offerings from Galderma: Restylane Defyne, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Contour, and Restylane Eyelight. All Restylane fillers have a HA concentration of 20mg per mL.
While Restylane fillers are all HA fillers, Restylane L, Silk, and Lyft have a different formulation than Restylane Refyne, Defyne, Kysse, Contour, and Eyelight. Restylane L, Lyft, and Silk are made with NASHA technology, which gives them a more granular/particulate texture that retains its structure and is great for giving lift and volume. Softest to stiffest is Silk, L, then Lyft (measured in G’). This makes each of them appropriate for injection in different areas of the face and for different purposes.
Restylane Refyne, Defyne, Kysse, Contour, and Eyelight came later and are made with XpresHAn technology, which gives them more flexibility and is great for areas of movement. Each of these has a different firmness/G’ and recommended best use, which is indicated by their names. For example, Kysse and Eyelight are for the lips and eye contour respectively and are relatively softer as expected. Refyne is a highly flexible finishing filler, while Defyne and Contour are firmer and can be used for deep laugh lines, the chin, cheeks, and more.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm fillers are from Allergan Aesthetics, the makers of Botox. Similar to Restylane, Juvéderm is Allergan’s family of HA dermal fillers. The two original offerings were Juvéderm Ultra XC and Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC. Later fillers to join the Juvéderm family are: Volbella XC, Vollure XC, Voluma XC, and Volux XC (listed in order of increasing G’). Like Restylane fillers, the later fillers feature a different formulation than the original two. All Juvéderm fillers feature some amount of cross-linking, increasing their average longevity.
Ultra Plus and Ultra are both made with Hylacross technology. This means that HA molecules of all the same molecular weight are cross-linked. Both have a HA concentration of 24mg per mL. Ultra Plus is firmer and less flexible, while Ultra is more flexible and less firm. This makes Ultra Plus more suitable for treating deeper lines and volume loss. Ultra is also indicated for treating the lips as well as perioral areas. Both are relatively hydrophilic, meaning they attract water and plump up.
Volbella, Vollure, Voluma, and Volux are made with Vycross technology, meaning that HA molecules of different molecular weights are cross-linked, offering a different texture from Ultra and Ultra Plus. These fillers tend to be less hydrophilic than Ultra & Ultra Plus and tend to have longer average longevity due to differences in formulation and cross-linking. Furthermore, they each have varying amounts of HA concentration – 15mg/mL, 17.5 mg/mL, 20mg/mL, and 25mg/mL respectively. Due to these differences, they are generally indicated for treatment of different areas. Volbella is indicated for lips, perioral areas, and infraorbital hollowing. Vollure is indicated for correction of moderate to severe lines and folds and mid to deep dermis injection. Voluma is indicated for cheek and chin, while Volux is indicated for treatment of the jawline.
Treatment indication does not mean that those are the only areas that a certain filler can be used – skilled injectors can obtain good results with nearly any product chosen. Furthermore, upon discussion of treatment expectations and after assessment of skin condition and anatomy, a skilled injector should have recommendations for a treatment plan going forward. Because an area may require more than one treatment to reach satisfaction, or a combination of different types of treatment beyond filler, choosing an injector is arguably more important that choosing a certain type of filler. So, when it comes down to Juvéderm vs Restylane and which is “better,” the real answer is: it depends!
For Restylane and Juvéderm filler treatments in Los Angeles, give DSC a call. Our providers are highly experienced with dermal fillers, Botox, and other injectables.
DSC Laser & Skin Care Center
www.dscbeauty.com
(626) 285-0800
info@dscbeauty.com
889 S. San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776
