Comparing Restylane vs Juvederm: Texture, Duration, and Results

In aesthetic medicine, hyaluronic acid fillers have revolutionised facial rejuvenation and contouring. At the moment, the two most prominent brands are Restylane and Juvederm. Both are FDA-approved injectable filler families widely trusted for their safety, efficacy, and versatility. With such a wide selection of quality products, medical aestheticians are often faced with the challenge of choosing the appropriate filler for each patient, balancing the desired aesthetic outcome with product characteristics. 

Key Takeaways

This article compares Restylane vs Juvederm fillers in terms of: 

• Texture
• Duration of results 
• Patient experience
• The desired treatment area

Overview of Restylane and Juvederm

Both Restylane and Juvederm are formulated with hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the body and retains moisture while also adding volume. These fillers are designed for facial volume restoration, wrinkle reduction, and lip augmentation, among other cosmetic indications. The same goes for the common comparison of Belotero vs Restylane.

What sets them apart is their proprietary manufacturing technologies:

• Restylane uses NASHA® (Non-Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid) and XpresHAn technologies. NASHA® results in a firmer, more cohesive gel, while XpresHAn allows for flexible, natural movement.
• Juvederm employs Vycross® and Hylacross™ technologies. Vycross® blends high- and low-molecular-weight HA for smoother consistency and extended longevity, while Hylacross™ provides a robust, gel-like structure.

Of course, each brand offers a series of products tailored for specific treatment areas.

Texture and Consistency

Texture significantly influences how a filler integrates with tissue and responds to facial movement. Therefore, let’s compare Restylane and Juvederm in this regard:

• Restylane has a firmer, more granular consistency, especially in NASHA®-based formulations. This firmness allows for more precise placement and is ideal for sculpting and defining facial contours. 
• Juvederm is known for its smoother, more elastic texture, particularly in Vycross®-based products like Volbella and Voluma. This makes Juvederm ideal for blending into areas like the lips or nasolabial folds, where a softer look is desired.

In high-movement areas such as the mouth or cheeks, XpresHAn (Restylane) and Vycross (Juvederm) technologies both offer flexibility, but Juvederm often provides a slightly more fluid integration. However, Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne were specifically created to mimic natural facial expressions while maintaining structure.

Duration of Results

Longevity of the results is an important factor when choosing between Restylane and Juvederm. While results vary by product and patient factors, in general, the two brands show the following longevity:

• Juvederm products can last between 9 and 24 months, with Voluma (for cheeks) offering the longest duration.
• Restylane products last about 6 to 18 months, depending on the formulation and area treated.

Of course, filler longevity is affected by various factors, including:

• Metabolism: Faster metabolic rates can break down hyaluronic acid more quickly.
• Injection depth: Deeper injections typically last longer.
• Crosslinking technology: More robust crosslinking tends to resist breakdown.
• Treatment area: Areas with frequent movement (e.g., lips) may see faster filler degradation.

Aesthetic Results and Patient Experience

Despite all the similarities in the structure and formulation, each filler range has its own signature look and feel.

• Restylane is often selected for patients looking for more structure and crisp definition. For instance, Restylane Kysse and Refyne deliver subtle volume with excellent control, making them ideal for enhancing lip borders or softening fine lines. Restylane products generally cause less post-injection swelling, which is especially beneficial for lip enhancement. In fact, the lip filler swelling stages Restylane features are pretty mild
• Juvederm products tend to produce fuller and smoother results, which makes them suitable for patients interested in noticeable volume or softness. However, Juvederm’s hydrophilic properties may lead to more initial swelling, particularly in the lips.

Regarding patient comfort, both fillers contain lidocaine, which is there to minimise injection pain. Downtime is minimal, with most patients experiencing mild swelling or bruising for a few days.

Choosing Based on Area and Goal

The best results are accomplished when a patient chooses the right filler based on the treatment area and the current aesthetic goal. For that purpose, let’s go over the most suitable products for different treatment areas:

Lips

• Restylane Kysse offers softness with natural motion and long-lasting shape.
• Juvederm Volbella adds hydration and a gentle fullness, which makes it ideal for subtle enhancement.

Cheeks

• Juvederm Voluma provides lift and volume for sunken or flat cheeks.
• Restylane Lyft enhances contour and adds structure for defined cheekbones.

Under-Eyes

• Restylane Eyelight or the original Restylane formulation is preferred for tear troughs due to low water attraction, reducing the risk of puffiness.
• Juvederm is typically avoided under the eyes because of its tendency to absorb water and potentially cause swelling or a “blue hue” effect (Tyndall effect).

Final Takeaway: Which One to Choose?

When it comes to the Restylane vs Juvederm debate, there is no universal answer. Both brands are:

• FDA-approved
• Clinically tested and safe
• Reversible using hyaluronidase
• Trusted by practitioners worldwide

Medical aestheticians should base product selection on:

• Treatment area and desired aesthetic
• Filler texture and integration characteristics
• Patient goals (e.g., subtle vs. dramatic enhancement)

Oftentimes, aestheticians use a combination approach, where they pick Restylane for definition and Juvederm for volume. By understanding the nuances of each product line, practitioners can tailor treatment plans that deliver optimal outcomes.

Conclusion

Both Restylane and Juvederm fillers serve as exceptional tools for non-surgical facial enhancement. But even though they share a common HA base, their unique textures, technologies, and performance profiles make them suitable for different purposes. Medical aestheticians must consider patient anatomy, desired results, and product characteristics to make informed choices. Licensed medical professionals can buy Juvederm and order Restylane online at the Best Buy Fillers e-commerce store. With their proven track records and expanding portfolios, both filler families remain essential in any aesthetic professional’s toolkit.

References: 

Wongprasert P, Dreiss CA, Murray G. Evaluating hyaluronic acid dermal fillers: A critique of current characterization methods. Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(6). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9285697/

Uwe Wollina and Alberto Goldman. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers: Safety and Efficacy for the Treatment of Wrinkles, Aging Skin, Body Sculpturing and Medical Conditions. Clinical Medicine Reviews in Therapeutics. 2011;3:107-121. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263275744_Hyaluronic_Acid_Dermal_Fillers_Safety_and_Efficacy_for_the_Treatment_of_Wrinkles_Aging_Skin_Body_Sculpturing_and_Medical_Conditions

Tezel A, Fredrickson GH. The science of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2008;10(1):35-42. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18330796/