Restylane vs Juvéderm: Finding Your Perfect Filler

Juvéderm and Restylane are the leading dermal filler brands in the USA. If you’re considering going under the needle for plumper lips, wrinkle reduction, or facial contouring, you’ll come across one or both of these brands.

So, which is better, Juvéderm or Restylane? Both filler brands are well-regarded for a reason. In this post, we’ll explore the small differences between the dermal fillers from each brand.

We’ll focus on two main formulas: The original Restylane vs Juvéderm Ultra XC. We’ll also touch on some of the other popular options from each brand’s portfolio. The dermal filler world is big, and each formula has its unique quirks.

Most importantly, we’ll let you know what to look for in a great aesthetic injector because, ultimately, your provider matters a lot more than the brand of filler they use.

What Are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

Before we dive into this comparison, let’s get the important stuff out of the way: Both Juvéderm and Restylane are brands of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. They’re regulated as medical devices by the FDA and must undergo clinical testing and approval before they can be marketed.

Dermal fillers are injectable gels that add targeted volume. Soft textures are perfect for subtle volume and wrinkle reduction, while firmer textures can sculpt and lift.

The most popular fillers today are made of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that the human body also produces naturally — and makes less and less as you get older. Your body metabolizes hyaluronic acid on its own, so most fillers will start to wear away 6-18 months after they’ve been injected.

What Is Juvéderm?

Juvéderm is the most recognizable dermal filler brand in the US. It is manufactured by Allergan, the pharmaceutical company that also makes Botox.

The Juvéderm portfolio includes 6 FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. That said, if you ever hear someone say they got Juvéderm, chances are they’re talking about Juvéderm Ultra XC. Ultra XC is one of the world’s most popular lip fillers, and can also be used to correct facial wrinkles and folds.

Juvéderm’s other fillers include:

• Volbella XC, used for subtle lip augmentation and correcting perioral wrinkles
• Voluma XC, used for volume loss in the cheeks or chin
• Volux XC, to enhance jawline definition
• Vollure XC, used for mild wrinkles and folds
• Ultra Plus XC, used for moderate to severe wrinkles and folds

What Is Restylane?

Restylane is a dermal filler brand owned by Galderma, also the manufacturer of Dysport. Restylane is also the name of the brand’s original product, a filler designed to correct facial folds and wrinkles (especially nasolabial folds) and enhance the lips.

Compared to Juvéderm, the Restylane line has more fillers and a lot of overlap in possible uses, such as:

• Restylane-L, which is similar to Restylane but with lidocaine
• Kysse, used to enhance the lips
• Silk, used to correct fine lines and add subtle lip definition
• Lyft, used for cheek definition
• Contour, used to add soft volume in the cheeks
• Eyelight, used under the eyes
• Refyne, used to correct moderate to severe wrinkles and folds
• Defyne, used for wrinkles and to enhance the chin

Most Restylane fillers have multiple possible functions depending on how they’re injected, beyond these main uses.

Restylane vs. Juvéderm Fillers Compared

Let’s explore the difference between the two brands’ top fillers: Restylane vs Juvéderm Ultra XC.

Texture

Both Juvéderm and Restylane fillers have a medium level of firmness, ideal for plumping the lips and reducing nasolabial folds. Though the difference between the two fillers is quite subtle, Juvéderm Ultra XC tends to be smoother and more spreadable, while Restylane is a touch more cohesive.

Formula

Juvéderm Ultra XC contains a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid (24 mg/mL) compared to Restylane (20 mg/ml). This higher concentration, along with its specific crosslinking technology, can lead to more water retention post-injection, sometimes contributing to a slightly fuller appearance over time.

Application Technique

Both injectables are designed to be injected into the skin (mid-to-deep dermis), as opposed to firmer fillers, which are often injected below the skin. Both have FDA approval for correcting deep wrinkles and enhancing the lips. Off-label, Restylane is often also used under the eyes.

For your injector, injecting Juvéderm vs Restylane can be a little different. Studies show that different formulas (even within the same brand) require a slightly different level of injection force. As a rule, the more experience an injector has with a specific formula, the better the outcome.

Pain Management

All Juvéderm formulas contain 0.3% lidocaine, a local anesthetic that prevents pain during treatment and for a brief period afterward.

The original Restylane filler doesn’t contain any numbing agents. Most providers prefer Restylane-L, which has the exact same texture and applications as Restylane but with 0.3% lidocaine.

If you’re coming to SEV for your Restylane or Juvéderm injections, we can also apply a topical numbing cream to prevent pain from the injection itself (as long as you arrive 30 minutes before your appointment).

With either option, there may be some discomfort in the days following your treatment. You can use a cold compress to soothe the area.

Longevity

Restylane is reported to last up to 18 months with optimal injection technique, while Juvéderm Ultra XC is typically advertised to last up to 12 months.

When it comes to dissolving fillers, a 2023 study showed that Restylane-L dissolved a little more quickly than Ultra XC after being treated with hyaluronidase.

However, in practice, your filler’s lasting time has a lot more to do with your body’s metabolism than the specific product.

Costs

Dermal filler prices are all over the place, depending on the location and provider. Juvéderm has a reputation for being costlier, but it’s not necessarily true.

According to RealSelf users, the average reported price is $878 for Juvéderm and $1,093 for Restylane. Meanwhile, the price per vial can be anywhere from $500 to $975 for Juvéderm or $500 to $900 for Restylane, showing that the variation also comes down to how much filler each patient needs.

At SEV, our focus is on using the filler that’ll give you the results you want, so our pricing is consistent no matter the product.

Safety & Side Effects

Restylane and Juvéderm have a similar safety profile and the same common side effects. With both, you can expect some redness, swelling, tenderness, and bruising for several days after injection. Swelling may be greater with Juvéderm due to the higher quantity of hyaluronic acid.

Both treatments carry similar risks and complications, ranging from minor ones like lumps or migration, to more major ones like the risk of vascular occlusion. To limit risks, make sure to choose an experienced and credentialed injector.

Restylane and Juvéderm for Key Treatment Areas

Both Juvéderm and Restylane have complete portfolios of injectable formulas for different treatment areas. Within each portfolio, you’ll find fillers for the following purposes:

Restylane vs Juvéderm for Lips

Juvéderm’s lip filler options are Ultra XC and Volbella XC. Within Restylane’s portfolio, Restylane (with or without lidocaine), Kysse, and Silk can all be used for lip filler injections.

If you’re seeking plumper-looking lips, you can’t go wrong with Juvéderm Ultra XC (potential for increased plumpness with time thanks to high HA quantity), Restylane-L (slightly firmer and gives the injector a lot of control), or Restylane Kysse (known for its lifelike, pliant texture).

If you’re looking to correct vertical wrinkles around the lip line while achieving subtle enhancement, Juvéderm Volbella and Restylane Silk deliver similarly natural-looking results.

Restylane vs Juvéderm Under Eyes

Juvéderm Volbella XC and Restylane Eyelight are each brand’s main option for treating loss of volume or hollowing under the eyes, although there are several other Restylane fillers that can also work in the undereye area.

Juvéderm Volbella XC contains a lower concentration of hyaluronic acid, making it ideal for delicate areas where minimal swelling is preferred. Its thin, spreadable texture makes it a soft and natural option. Restylane Eyelight is a slightly firmer choice that can be distributed very thinly and evenly for targeted results.

While the results can be very similar, the injection techniques are a little different. It’s always best to go with the undereye filler that your injector prefers.

Juvéderm vs Restylane for Cheeks

The cheeks require firmer fillers that’ll add stable volume and heft. Juvéderm Voluma XC, Restylane Lyft, and Restylane Contour are all designed for cheek injections. Voluma XC and Restylane Contour are quite similar, with a more pliant texture that helps correct volume loss and adds fullness, while Restylane Lyft is designed to offer structure.

Choosing the Right Injector

Your final filler results mostly depend on the skills of your aesthetic injector. The fillers themselves are just the tools. A great injector perfects and adapts their technique based on the fillers they use, to ensure their clients achieve their ideal results.

• Medically accredited: Your injector should be a medical professional, such as a registered nurse or a doctor.
• Specializing in aesthetics: Look for someone who performs aesthetic injections regularly, with a deep understanding of aesthetics, facial structure, and what’s flattering.
• You like their aesthetic: Most injectors share examples of their work on social media, so look for someone whose client results align with your personal preferences.
• Offers a free consultation: A consultation gives you the opportunity to talk with your injector and hear their recommendations before you commit.
• Bottom Line: Should You Choose Restylane or Juvéderm?

Bottom Line: Should You Choose Restylane or Juvéderm?

Neither. Both Restylane and Juvéderm are excellent brands that produce quality fillers, with robust portfolios of products with varying textures.

You’ll always get the best results when you choose your injector first, take their opinion into account, and have them use the filler they’re most experienced with.

At SEV, we offer cosmetic injections with either Juvéderm or Restylane. Our injectors are registered nurses specialized in aesthetic injections. They combine their medical expertise with artistry to create flattering results based on every client’s beauty goals.

During your appointment or free consultation, your nurse injector will work with you to choose the ideal filler, based on your facial structure and desired look.

Whether you get treated with Restylane or Juvéderm, you can look forward to flawless results. Dive straight into filler or schedule a free consultation by booking online.