Restylane vs. Juvéderm: Choosing the Right Dermal Filler

When it comes to reversing signs of aging and restoring volume loss, two dermal fillers consistently stand out: Restylane® and Juvéderm®. Both are FDA-approved hyaluronic acid-based fillers that have earned the trust of board-certified dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners worldwide. Yet despite their similarities, these popular dermal fillers work differently in the skin, excel in different treatment areas, and carry distinct advantages for different patient goals.

Understanding how Restylane® and Juvéderm® compare is essential if you're considering dermal filler treatments. This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences, helps you identify which filler aligns with your aesthetic goals, and explains what to expect throughout your treatment journey.

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular aesthetic treatments. Whether you're a practitioner looking to expand your dermal filler offerings or a patient evaluating your options, this guide will help you make an informed decision. 

How Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers Work

Both Restylane® and Juvéderm® are injectable gels composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body. This powerful humectant can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it ideal for plumping and hydrating the skin.

When injected beneath the skin, hyaluronic acid:

• Attracts and retains moisture in the treatment area
• Restores lost volume caused by natural aging
• Smooths fine lines and deeper wrinkles
• Stimulates natural collagen production over time
• Creates facial contours and definition

The key difference between Restylane® and Juvéderm® lies not in their active ingredient, but in how the hyaluronic acid is structured and processed—a distinction that affects how each filler performs in your skin.

The Fundamental Difference: Texture and Cross-Linking Technology

Restylane® — Granular and Cohesive

Galderma, a Swiss pharmaceutical company with decades of experience in aesthetic innovation with hyaluronic acid fillers, manufactures Restylane®. Restylane® was FDA-approved in 2003 and was actually the first HA-based filler approved by the FDA.

Key characteristic: Restylane® has a firmer, more granular texture created through its proprietary NASHA™ (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid) cross-linking technology. This granular structure means:

• The filler stays in place where it's injected—providing precision and control
• It's less hydrophilic (attracts less water), so what you see is what you get
• Results are more controlled and predictable
• It's ideal for precise contouring and structural definition

Juvéderm® — Smooth and Malleable

Juvéderm® is manufactured by Allergan Aesthetics and entered the U.S. market in 2006. The brand quickly became one of the most popular dermal fillers in America due to its innovative formulation.

Key characteristic: Juvéderm® has a smooth, cohesive gel consistency created through its proprietary Vycross® cross-linking technology. This unique formulation means:

• The filler spreads smoothly across the treatment area for seamless blending
• It's highly hydrophilic (attracts water), providing enhanced hydration and plumping
• Contains 35% more cross-linked hyaluronic acid than Restylane®
• Results look softer and more natural for volume enhancement
• Often produces longer-lasting results

This texture difference is the most crucial distinction between these two fillers.

Restylane Product Line and Uses

Restylane fillers offers several specialized formulations, each designed for specific treatment areas and concerns:

Restylane Silk

• Best for: Lip augmentation and smoothing fine lines around the mouth
• Ideal for: Patients seeking subtle, natural-looking lip enhancement
• Results: Appear within 1-2 days, last up to 12 months

Restylane Lyft (formerly Perlane)

• Best for: Cheek augmentation, midface contours, and volume restoration
• Ideal for: Adding structure and lift to sagging cheeks
• Results: Visible within 1-2 days, lasting up to 12-18 months

Restylane Classic

• Best for: Facial wrinkles, folds, lip augmentation, and dark under-eye circles
• Ideal for: Patients wanting versatility across multiple treatment areas
• Results: Visible within days, lasting up to 12 months

Restylane Refyne

• Best for: Nasolabial folds (smile lines) while maintaining natural facial expressions
• Ideal for: Treating moderate wrinkles with a softer, more flexible consistency
• Results: Visible within days, last up to 12 months

Restylane Defyne

• Best for: Deeper nasolabial folds and more severe wrinkles
• Ideal for: Patients needing a stronger lift and definition
• Results: Visible within days, last up to 12-18 months

Restylane Kysse

• Best for: Lip fillers with a focus on maintaining natural lip movement
• Ideal for: Patients wanting plumper lips without a "stiff" appearance
• Results: Visible within days, last up to 12 months

Common side effects with Restylane: Temporary swelling, bruising, redness, pain, itching at the injection site, and occasional headache. These typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.

Juvéderm Product Line and Uses

The Juvéderm® family offers five core products, each available in an XC formulation containing lidocaine (a numbing agent) for enhanced comfort during injection.

Juvéderm Volbella XC

• Best for: Fine lines around the mouth and subtle lip enhancement
• Ideal for: Delicate areas requiring precision and a soft touch
• Results: Visible immediately, last up to 12 months

Juvéderm Ultra XC

• Best for: Fine to moderate lines, lip plumping, and volume restoration
• Ideal for: Patients seeking natural-looking volume enhancement
• Results: Visible immediately, lasting 6-12 months depending on the area treated

Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC

• Best for: Deeper wrinkles and moderate volume loss
• Ideal for: More significant facial enhancement
• Results: Visible immediately, last 6-12 months

Juvéderm Vollure XC

• Best for: Nasolabial folds (smile lines) with long-lasting results
• Ideal for: Creating natural-looking improvement while maintaining facial expressions
• Results: Visible immediately, lasting up to 18 months

Juvéderm Voluma XC

• Best for: Cheek augmentation and significant volume restoration
• Ideal for: Creating dramatic lift and youthful contours
• Results: Visible immediately, lasts up to 24 months (longest-lasting option)

Common side effects with Juvéderm®: Tenderness, swelling, firmness, lumps or bumps, bruising, redness, discoloration, and itching at the injection site. These typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.

Area-Specific Treatment Guide: Which Filler Works Best Where? 

This is where your personal aesthetic goals and facial anatomy become crucial. Top dermatologists often recommend different fillers for different areas of the face.

If you're a practitioner looking to offer a comprehensive range of facial treatments beyond just dermal fillers, our complete med spa service menu guide with pricing shows you how to strategically build your treatment offerings.

Lips and Lip Lines

Juvéderm advantage:

• Smooth consistency creates softer, fuller lips with natural plumping
• Immediate results with no waiting period
• Great for marionette lines and fine lines around the mouth
• Better for patients seeking more noticeable lip enhancement

Restylane advantage:

• Restylane® Silk and Kysse provide precise definition
• Better control for subtle enhancement
• Ideal if you want lip definition without "overdone" appearance
• Stays in place better for structured lip shaping

Recommendation: For lip augmentation seeking volume and plumpness, Juvéderm®. For natural-looking definition and lip lines, Restylane® Silk or Kysse.

Under-Eye Area (Tear Troughs)

Restylane advantage:

• Firmer, granular texture won't cause excessive swelling
• Precise control in delicate areas
• Stays in place, won't migrate to surrounding tissue
• Better for reducing dark circles without puffiness
• Ideal for hollow, sunken appearance

Juvéderm caution:

• It can cause more pronounced initial swelling due to high water retention
• Smooth consistency may spread beyond the intended area
• Better reserved for other facial areas

Recommendation: Restylane® is the preferred choice for tear troughs and under-eye treatment.

Cheeks and Midface

Juvéderm Voluma XC advantage:

• Explicitly designed for dramatic cheek volume
• Lasts up to 24 months (most extended duration)
• Creates youthful lift and contours
• Smooth consistency blends seamlessly

Restylane Lyft advantage:

• Great for adding structure and definition
• Provides lift with a natural appearance
• Ideal for contouring cheekbones
• More moldable for precise shaping

Recommendation: For dramatic volume, Juvéderm® Voluma XC. For structured contouring, Restylane® Lyft.

Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines)

Juvéderm advantage:

• Juvéderm® Vollure is explicitly designed for this area
• Smooth filling of deep folds
• Lasts up to 18 months
• Natural-looking softening of lines

Restylane advantage:

• Restylane® Refyne and Defyne maintain natural expressions
• Better for deeper folds requiring structure
• Moldable for precise fill
• Excellent longevity (12-18 months)

Recommendation: Both excel here—choose based on depth of lines (deeper → Restylane® Defyne; moderate → either Juvéderm® Vollure or Restylane® Refyne).

Jawline and Chin

Restylane advantage:

• A firmer texture provides better structural support
• Ideal for precise contouring
• Better for creating a definition

Juvéderm option:

• Can work but requires more skill to prevent over-softening

Recommendation: Restylane® is preferred for jawline definition.

Hands and Other Body Areas

Restylane advantage:

• Specifically approved for hand rejuvenation
• Better for areas that move less frequently
• Longer-lasting results in less mobile areas

Recommendation: Restylane® for hands and body areas.

Side Effects: Restylane vs Juvéderm

Both Restylane and Juvéderm have excellent safety profiles when administered by board-certified, experienced practitioners. Common side effects are similar and typically minimal.

Temporary Side Effects (Both Fillers)

Expected temporary side effects resolve within 1-2 weeks:

• Swelling at the injection site
• Redness
• Bruising
• Tenderness or pain
• Itching
• Occasional headache

Key difference in swelling:

• Juvéderm causes more pronounced initial swelling due to its high hydrophilic nature (attracts more water)
• Restylane causes more controlled, moderate swelling
• Both subsides within a few days to a week

Serious Side Effects (Rare)

Serious complications are uncommon when qualified providers inject fillers:

• Infection
• Severe allergic reaction
• Vascular occlusion (injection into a blood vessel)
• Persistent lumps or granulomas
• Skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation
• Scarring (extremely rare)
• Numbness (very rare with Juvéderm)

Important: Neither filler is inherently "safer"—safety depends far more on injector skill and experience than on the product itself. Always prioritize working with a board-certified practitioner with extensive experience.

Who Should Avoid These Fillers?

Neither Restylane nor Juvéderm recommends using their product if you are:

• Under age 21
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Patients with active skin infections or severe acne
• Have a history of anaphylaxis or severe allergies
• Patients on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders
• Immunocompromised individuals

Consult with a board-certified dermatologist if you have any underlying conditions before receiving filler injections.

Longevity and Duration: How Long Do Results Last?

Duration of results varies based on the specific formulation, treatment area, and individual metabolism. This is an important consideration for long-term planning and cost.

Restylane® Duration

• Restylane Silk, Classic, Refyne: 6-12 months (some up to 12-18 months with optimal injection technique)
• Restylane Lyft, Defyne: 12-18 months
• Average across formulations: 9-15 months

Why variation exists: Individual metabolism, injection depth, facial movement in the area, and hydration levels all affect how quickly the body breaks down hyaluronic acid.

Juvéderm Duration

• Juvéderm® Volbella XC, Ultra XC: 9-12 months
• Juvéderm® Ultra Plus XC: 12 months
• Juvéderm® Vollure XC: 12-18 months
• Juvéderm® Voluma XC: 18-24 months (longest-lasting)
• Average across formulations: 12-18 months

Why Juvéderm® Often Lasts Longer

Juvéderm generally lasts longer thanks to its advanced Vycross technology, which combines high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid for enhanced longevity. The 35% greater cross-linked hyaluronic acid concentration means:

• More robust gel structure
• Slower degradation by the body
• Enhanced water retention (hydration)
• More stable results over time

The Metabolism Factor

Necessary to understand: Individual metabolism significantly impacts longevity more than the product itself. Patients with faster metabolic rates may see results wear off sooner with either filler. This is why maintenance schedules vary from person to person.

Cost and Value: Price vs. Longevity

Juvéderm pricing:

• Range: $600–$1,200+ per syringe
• Average: $600–$900 per syringe
• Higher cost driven by Vycross® technology and longer-lasting results

Restylane pricing:

• Range: $300–$900 per syringe
• Average: $500–$700 per syringe
• More affordable upfront cost

According to RealSelf users, average prices are actually comparable: $878 for Juvéderm and $1,093 for Restylane, with variation depending on location, provider experience, and patient needs.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Total Cost

Rather than comparing per-syringe cost, consider your total cost of ownership over 12-24 months:

Scenario 1 – Cheek Augmentation (assuming maintenance treatments)

Juvéderm Voluma XC:

• Initial: $800 per syringe
• Lasts 18-24 months
• Potential follow-up needed at 18 months: $800
• Total 24-month cost: $800–$1,600

Restylane Lyft:

• Initial: $600 per syringe
• Lasts 12-15 months
• Follow-up at 12 months: $600
• Possible touch-up at 18 months: $600
• Total 24-month cost: $1,200–$1,800

Value takeaway: Although Juvéderm® costs more initially, fewer touch-ups mean comparable or better long-term value.

Factors Affecting Your Total Cost

• Number of syringes needed — Cheek augmentation may need 2 syringes; lip lines might need 0.5 syringes.
• Geographic location — Urban areas cost more than rural regions
• Practitioner experience — Board-certified specialists charge more than less experienced injectors
• Your metabolism — Faster metabolism = more frequent touch-ups needed
• Treatment area — Some areas absorb filler faster than others

Timeline: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Before Your Treatment

• Consultation: Meet with your board-certified dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner to discuss aesthetic goals and ideal filler choice. Learn the essentials by reading our guide on how to conduct an expert consultation.
• Medical history review: Disclose any medications, allergies, bleeding disorders, or pregnancy
• Avoid blood thinners: Stop ibuprofen, aspirin, and other blood thinners 1 week prior (unless medically necessary)
• Plan: Schedule treatment at least 1-2 weeks before essential events to allow swelling to subside

During Your Treatment

• Procedure time: 15–45 minutes, depending on treatment areas
• Numbing: Many Juvéderm® products contain lidocaine; Restylane® topical anesthetic may be applied
• Injection technique: Skilled injectors use ultra-fine needles or cannulas for precise, comfortable placement
• Discomfort level: Minimal pain with modern formulations and expert technique

Immediate Results (Day 1)

Juvéderm advantage:

• Results visible immediately post-injection
• Full effects apparent right away
• No waiting for results to appear

Restylane timeline:

• Initial results are visible immediately
• Full effects appear within 1-2 days as swelling settles
• More gradual appearance of final results

Week 1-2: Settling and Refinement

• Swelling continues to subside
• Results look more natural as inflammation decreases
• Bruising fades (if present)
• Final appearance emerges as filler integrates into tissue
• Some patients choose touch-ups at the 2-week mark to refine results

Month 1-3: Final Results

• Complete swelling resolution
• Natural integration into facial tissues
• Results look most natural at this point
• This is your baseline for evaluating treatment success

Months 3-12: Gradual Softening

• Hyaluronic acid slowly breaks down through natural body processes
• Filler remains effective throughout this period
• Subtle softening occurs gradually, not suddenly
• No "cliff drop-off" in appearance

Months 12-24: Maintenance Phase

• Results begin fading noticeably
• Touch-up treatments are recommended to maintain the appearance
• Timing depends on which filler is used and the individual's metabolism

No downtime required: Both Restylane® and Juvéderm® allow immediate return to normal activities.

Which Filler is Right for You?

Choosing between Restylane® and Juvéderm® isn't about finding the objectively "better" filler—it's about finding the best match for your specific needs. Here's how to decide:

Choose Juvéderm If You:

• Want immediate results (no waiting for full effects)
• Prioritize longer-lasting outcomes (fewer touch-ups)
• Seek soft, natural-looking plumping, especially in lips and cheeks
• Need seamless blending across larger treatment areas
• Want to minimize swelling visibility and prefer predictable results over time
• Are willing to invest more upfront for longer duration
• Desire dramatic volume enhancement

Best for: Lips, cheeks, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, general volume restoration

Choose Restylane If You:

• Want precise control and sculpting ability
• Prefer defined, structured results over soft plumping
• Need treatment for delicate areas like the under-eyes
• Are budget-conscious for initial treatment
• Seek "what you see is what you get" predictability
• Want results that stay exactly where injected
• Need hand or body area rejuvenation

Best for: Tear troughs, jawline, hands, fine lines, precise contouring

The "Gold Standard" Approach

Many experienced practitioners use a combination of both fillers, depending on the area being treated—for example, Juvéderm® in the cheeks and Restylane® under the eyes. This hybrid strategy optimizes results by matching each filler's strengths to each facial area's needs.

Key Differences at a Glance

Factor

Restylane®

Juvéderm®

Manufacturer

Galderma (Swiss)

Allergan Aesthetics

FDA Approval

2003

2006

Texture

Firmer, granular

Smooth, cohesive

Cross-linking

NASHA™

Vycross®

HA Concentration

20 mg/mL

24 mg/mL

Results Appearance

1-2 days

Immediate

Typical Duration

9-15 months

12-24 months

Water Retention

Moderate (less hydrophilic)

High (more hydrophilic)

Swelling

Moderate

More pronounced initially

Best For

Precision, under-eyes, hands

Volume, plumping, lips

Price Range

$500-$900/syringe

$600-$1,200/syringe

Ideal Patients

Precise contouring needs

Volume loss, dramatic results

What to Ask Your Dermatologist or Aesthetic Practitioner 

When consulting about dermal fillers, ask these critical questions:

1. Are you board-certified in dermatology or a related field? Practitioner credentials matter more than product choice
2. How many filler treatments have you performed? Experience correlates directly with natural-looking results
3. Which filler would you recommend for my specific concerns and why? A good practitioner has a clear rationale, not a one-size-fits-all approach
4. Can I see before-and-after photos of similar treatments you've done? Verify their aesthetic aligns with your goals
5. What is your revision or touch-up policy if I'm unhappy with results? Understand your options for adjustment
6. How should I prepare before my appointment, and what should I expect after? Proper preparation minimizes complications
7. Can these fillers be reversed if I'm unhappy? Both can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed
8. Will you use a needle or cannula, and why? Cannula technique often means less bruising and better safety

Treatment Results: What to Expect

While most patients boast natural-looking results, dermal fillers are known to enhance rather than dramatically change appearance. Nonetheless, this helps to improve self-confidence and satisfaction with facial appearance. Other benefits include minimal discomfort during procedure, quick recovery with no significant downtime, and easy maintenance through simple touch-up treatments.

Realistic Expectations:

What fillers can do:

• Smooth fine lines and moderate wrinkles
• Restore volume in cheeks, lips, and under-eyes
• Enhance facial contours and definition
• Create natural-looking fullness
• Support long-term collagen production

What fillers cannot do:

• Eliminate profound wrinkles (may need laser or other modalities)
• Prevent future aging (but can slow visible signs)
• Create results that last indefinitely (maintenance required)
• Work on all skin types equally
• Replace the need for quality skincare

Can Dermal Fillers Be Reversed?

Yes—both Restylane and Juvéderm can be dissolved if you're unhappy with the results.

An enzyme called hyaluronidase can break down hyaluronic acid fillers relatively quickly. This is especially useful if:

• Results aren't what you expected
• Asymmetry or lumpiness developed
• You want to try a different approach

Important considerations:

• Hyaluronidase is not without risk (allergic reactions, over-correction possible)
• Should only be administered by experienced practitioners
• Reversal works best within the first 1-2 weeks of injection
• Cost of reversal is typically separate from the original treatment

For Practitioners: How to Price and Position These Fillers

Pricing Strategy

Base your pricing on:

• Your certification level — Board-certified specialists command higher rates
• Years of experience — More experienced = higher pricing power
• Reputation and results — Strong portfolio justifies premium pricing
• Geographic location — Major metropolitan areas support higher prices
• Product costs — Factor in the wholesale cost of the product
• Time and expertise — Complex treatments take longer and require more skill

Advancing Your Skills for Premium Pricing

To justify higher pricing and attract discerning patients:

• Attend advanced training in technique innovation and area-specific expertise
• Pursue higher certifications (NP, MD, PA if not already held)
• Take specialized courses in aesthetic anatomy
• Build a strong portfolio of natural-looking results
• Join professional organizations (American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, etc.)
• Stay current on new filler formulations and technologies

Overall, building a skilled injector team and having the right aesthetic medical training will set you up for success. You can charge a premium price for dermal fillers.

Which is Better? Restylane vs. Juvéderm

Neither Restylane® nor Juvéderm® is universally "better"—each excels in different scenarios:

Restylane® wins for:

• Precision and structural control
• Delicate treatment areas (under-eyes)
• Patients seeking defined results
• Budget-conscious initial treatment
• Hand and body area rejuvenation

Juvéderm® wins for:

• Immediate results and dramatic plumping
• Longer duration (fewer touch-ups needed)
• Soft, natural-looking volume enhancement
• Patients seeking maximum hydration and fullness
• Larger area treatments need seamless blending

Experienced aesthetic practitioners often use both fillers strategically, leveraging each product's strengths across different facial areas to achieve optimal, natural-looking aesthetic outcomes.

At the end of the day, it depends on your desired outcomes. Your board-certified dermatologist can assess your unique facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and skin characteristics to recommend the best filler (or combination) for your treatment plan to get the best results.

Making Your Decision

Choosing between Restylane® and Juvéderm® comes down to understanding your personal aesthetic goals and working with a board-certified, experienced practitioner who can assess your facial anatomy and recommend the optimal filler.

Remember: The expertise and skill of your injector matters far more than which brand you choose. A masterfully injected Restylane® beats a mediocrely injected Juvéderm®—and vice versa.

Both dermal fillers are excellent, FDA-approved options that can help you achieve natural-looking, youthful facial contours without surgery. The "best" choice is the one that aligns with your specific goals, budget, and aesthetic vision.

For practitioners ready to market these services, our ultimate med spa marketing guide covers everything from patient education to conversion strategies.

Running an Aesthetic Practice? Let Portrait Care Handle the Operations

If you're building or expanding an aesthetic practice and want to integrate dermal fillers into your comprehensive treatment menu, you'll need systems that make managing patient consultations, treatment planning, and follow-up care seamless.

Get started by reading our comprehensive guide to opening a medical spa, which covers everything from licensing to treatment planning to patient management.

Portrait Care is purpose-built for aesthetic medicine practitioners. The platform streamlines operations, maintains detailed patient records, coordinates complex treatment planning across your team, and helps you optimize business growth—all from one centralized system. Whether you're managing a solo practice or coordinating multiple practitioners, having the right infrastructure lets you focus on delivering exceptional results rather than juggling spreadsheets and email chains.

Ready to see how Portrait Care helps practices like yours scale efficiently? Schedule a demo to explore the platform and discover how practices are streamlining operations and improving patient outcomes.

FAQ

How much do dermal fillers cost? 

Restylane® ranges $500–$900 per syringe; Juvéderm® ranges $600–$1,200 per syringe. Total cost depends on number of syringes needed and geographic location.

Do dermal fillers hurt?

Discomfort is minimal, especially with modern formulations containing lidocaine. Most patients describe it as mild pressure rather than pain.

How long do fillers last? 

Restylane® typically lasts 9–15 months; Juvéderm® lasts 12–24 months depending on formulation and individual metabolism.

Can you combine different fillers? 

Yes—many practitioners strategically combine Restylane® and Juvéderm® in the same treatment session for optimal results in different facial areas. 

Are fillers permanent? 

No—both are biodegradable and gradually break down as the body metabolizes them. Maintenance treatments are needed to sustain results.

What happens if I stop getting fillers? 

Results gradually fade over several months as the hyaluronic acid breaks down. Your face returns to its pre-treatment appearance—no permanent changes occur.

Can fillers cause lumps or bumps? 

Rarely—lumps typically occur due to improper injection technique. An experienced practitioner minimizes this risk significantly.

Is there downtime after filler injections?

No significant downtime is required. Most patients return to normal activities immediately, 

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