There are many brands of dermal fillers available on the market today. Two of these options, however, continue to rise in popularity above the rest: Restylane and Juvederm.
These two filler collections are both made of hyaluronic acid, and are very well-known in the aesthetics world as excellent treatment options for patients looking to address their nasolabial folds, their cheeks, or their lips. However, while these two fillers are very similar, they’re unique formulations that each come with their own range of differences.
In this article, we look at the information you need to know about these two dermal fillers and how they compare to each other.
Manufacturers
Restylane
Restylane is manufactured by Galderma, a leading Swiss pharmaceutical company that specializes in dermatological treatments and other skincare products. Galderma provides innovative and effective aesthetic solutions for many indications, with many years of aesthetic innovation and a unique level of experience in hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Restylane. Galderma is one of the world’s leading aesthetic companies and is widely trusted by healthcare professionals and their clients.
Juvederm
Allergan Aesthetics is the manufacturer that makes the popular Juvederm collection. This pharmaceutical company also develops, manufactures, and markets a wide variety of aesthetic products including Juvederm, which entered the U.S. market in 2006 and has quickly become one of the most widely-used dermal fillers in the U.S.
How They Work
Restylane
Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid, a biochemical that’s naturally found in the human body. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural sugar compound that creates firmer skin by helping the body attract and retain moisture in locations with higher concentrations of HA.
Restylane is most often used on the face, in the nasolabial folds or the cheeks to add volume to the skin and correct wrinkles and lines. It can also be used for lip enhancement in patients over 21 years old. There are several different types of Restylane fillers available, and each one is designed for a different purpose. Here are some popular Restylane formulations and their strongest applications:
- Restylane Lyft — cheek augmentation and midface contour deficiencies
- Restylane — facial wrinkles and folds, lip augmentation, and dark undereye circles
- Restylane Refyne — nasolabial folds
- Restylane Defyne — nasolabial folds
Potential side effects of Restylane include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Itching
- Headache
Most patients treated with Resytlane see positive results immediately. The complete effects of treatment will typically appear within 1-2 weeks. These results can last up to a year and a half, depending on the type of Restylane used and the patient’s own physiology. Some patients may need one or more follow-up treatments during that time to maintain maximum results.
Juvederm
The Juvederm family of fillers is also made of a hyaluronic acid formula. And like Restylane, Juvederm eliminates wrinkles and lines through the hyaluronic acid firming up the skin, by attracting and ‘locking in’ moisture beneath the skin.
Juvederm also offers a number of products, including these popular formulas:
Different Juvederm fillers are used to treat conditions such as:
- Hollow cheeks
- Thin lips
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Crows’ feet
Juvederm’s malleable gel makes it a consistent, reliable option for patients. The Juvederm Ultra line typically lasts between six and 12 months, while Juvederm Voluma lasts up to two years. Often, similar Juvederm formulas lasts longer than Restylane’s.
Side effects of Juvederm can include basic injection site reactions including:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Firmness
- Lumps or bumps
- Bruising
- Redness
- Pain
- Discoloration
- Itching
Who Can Benefit
Restylane
Note that Restylane is only approved for patients over the age of 21. People who are considered immunocompromised, taking blood thinners, pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use Restylane. Restylane is a good fit for patients who want to positively address their cheeks, lips, or dark circles under eyes. As mentioned above, Restylane results may not last as long as the results of Juvederm, depending on the specific type of filler used.
Juvederm
Like Restylane, Juvederm is approved for patients over the age of 21. However, most people don’t see a need for Juvederm until they are in their 40s or 50s. The ideal patient for Juvederm is a healthy patient in their 40s or 50s who wants to treat their facial wrinkles. People seeking Juvederm treatment need to have skin that is not excessively loose, brittle or damaged by the sun. Anyone who has a history of anaphylaxis and allergies should also avoid Juvederm. Like Restylane, patients who are immunosuppressed, pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take Juvederm or should use extreme care.
Cost of Juvederm and Restylane
If you are using Restylane and/or Juvederm in your practice, you might be wondering how exactly to price these fillers. As a starting point, base your pricing on your certification level, the number of years you’ve been practicing, and the wholesale price you pay for these dermal fillers. The more experience you have, the higher you will likely be able to price these dermal fillers.
If you want to increase your pricing, focusing on career advancement through training (and clinical experience) will help you become more knowledgeable and skilled, which in turn will allow you to increase the rates you charge. Attend virtual or in-person training sessions to discover new techniques, allowing you to offer additional services. You can also consider taking advanced courses to gain a higher certification. And remember, as how many years you’ve been practicing is also a factor in fair pricing, you will be able to charge more for Restylane or Juvederm over time.
Which Dermal Filler Is Better?
Restylane is usually a more affordable option when purchasing wholesale, but Juvederm often tends to last longer for patients because it has 35% more hyaluronic acid, part of their unique manufacturing formula. There are some differences – Restylane targets dark undereye circles while Juvederm can more effective treat crows’ feet. At the end of the day, however, Restylane and Juvederm are both excellent options that bring a range of benefits to the table for patients.
Conclusion
Which filler should you market to your patients? The answer depends on what each individual patient is looking for. Their budget, areas of concern, and personal goals will all play a role in helping you decide which dermal filler is best for them. Both brands of filler are great to offer in your practice and to safely and effectively meet your patients’ wants and needs.