Both Belotero and Juvederm are popular brands of injectable dermal fillers, formulated with hyaluronic acid. They both address the major signs of aging, helping patients to achieve a more youthful-looking appearance. Despite their common use of hyaluronic acid, there are some fundamental differences between the fillers of these brands.

Belotero Fillers: An Overview

While the fillers in both brands are formulated using hyaluronic acid, Belotero fillers feature a lower density hyaluronic acid, making them better options for treating finer wrinkles and lines than most Juvederm fillers. Each offering in the Belotero family of fillers are comprised of different formulations of hyaluronic acid, each with varying consistencies. Some of them are suitable for the treatment of deep folds, while others are ideal for correcting fine lines. Each filler in the Belotero line-up has a specific target area it is ideal for.  For example, certain Belotero fillers are ideal for cheekbone enhancement, lip augmentation, and facial contouring.

Belotero fillers are designed to be administered via superficial injection, higher up in the dermis than Juvederm fillers are meant to be injected. It is recommended to inject Belotero fillers using only fine gauge needles.

Many Belotero fillers are infused with lidocaine. Having anesthetic properties, lidocaine helps to alleviate pain and discomfort at the injection site, making patients more comfortable during and after the injection. Prior to injection, practitioners should map the sites of injection on the lips or face with a pen. After injecting a Belotero filler, the injection area should be manually massaged to promote the spread of the product. The number of injections needed will vary depending on the particular treatment area(s) and desired outcome.

For instance, for lip augmentation, a series of small injections should be performed on the lips or along the vermilion border. The results of Belotero fillers are typically seen immediately after treatment and usually last six to 12 months depending on the particular Belotero formulation used.

Juvederm Fillers: An Overview

Like Belotero fillers, Juvederm fillers are formulated using hyaluronic acid. In addition, the Juvederm range also consists of different formulations with different densities. Juvederm fillers are each specially designed to treat their own specific target areas.

In comparison to Belotero fillers, Juvederm fillers typically work better on deeper, more severe folds and wrinkles. Furthermore, thanks to their highly effective volumizing effects, certain Juvederm fillers can be used to enhance the size of the cheeks to create more prominent cheekbones. Certain Juvederm fillers are also ideal for lip augmentation. The steps of performing an injection with a Juvederm product are similar to that of Belotero – with the only major difference being, the depth of injection. In general, Juvederm fillers are administered deeper into the skin than products in the Belotero family. Like Belotero fillers, Juvederm fillers deliver results instantly after treatment. Note that Juvederm fillers tend to be longer lasting than Belotero fillers. In fact, some Juvederm fillers have an effective duration of action of 12 to 24 months.

Belotero and Juvederm: Results

As noted above, both Juvederm and Belotero fillers are able to deliver instant results. As with other hyaluronic acid-based fillers, the results of Belotero and Juvederm fillers are not permanent. To maintain the desired outcomes of the fillers of either brand, touch-up treatments may be required after the initial treatment.

Based on the findings of various clinical trials, the duration of action of Belotero fillers range from six to twelve months, depending on the formulation used. For instance, Belotero Balance, which is used for the treatment of subtle to moderate lines and lip enhancement, has an average duration of action of six months. In contrast, Belotero Volume, which is indicated for volume enhancement of the temples and cheeks, can last up to a year and a half. Both Belotero Intense, which is indicated for the treatment of severe, deep lines, and Belotero Soft, designed for treating fine lines, can last approximately 12 months.

As previously mentioned, Juvederm fillers are more durable than Belotero, lasting between one to two years. For example, Juvederm XC, indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles and lines, and Juvederm Volbella XC and Juvederm Ultra XC, which are used for treating the lips, have a duration of action of 12 months. Having similar indications to Juvederm XC, Juvederm Vollure XC has been found to last up to 18 months. Juvederm Voluma, a filler used for cheek contouring and lifting, has an even longer length of action, of approximately 24 months. Keep in mind that the actual duration of action of both Belotero and Juvederm fillers can vary depending on the amount of product used and other patient-related factors. To ensure optimal results and patient safety, all dermal fillers, including Juvederm and Belotero, should only be administered by trained medical professionals.

Belotero and Juvederm: treatment cost

The actual treatment cost may vary depending on key factors such as the number of treatment sessions, amount of filler required to obtain the desired outcomes and the skills and experience of the practitioner. On average, Belotero can cost around $500, while Juvederm can cost an average of $500 to $750.