Juvéderm and Restylane are two types of dermal fillers available on the market for the treatment of wrinkles. They both contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that has plumping effects for the skin.

While the two fillers share similarities, they also have their differences. Learn more about these, as well as the costs and expected results, so you know which hyaluronic-based dermal filler is best for you.

Fast facts

About:

  • Juvéderm and Restylane are two types of dermal fillers used for the treatment of wrinkles.
  • Both injections use a gel made with hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin.
  • These are noninvasive procedures. No surgery is required.

Safety:

  • Both products can include lidocaine, which reduces pain during the injections.
  • Minor side effects are possible. These include bruising, redness, and swelling.
  • Serious but rare risks include skin discoloration and scarring. Rarely, Juvéderm can cause numbness.

Convenience:

  • Both Juvéderm and Restylane are convenient — it only takes a few minutes per injection.
  • It may take time to shop around and find a qualified provider.

Cost:

  • Juvéderm costs an average of $600, while Restylane costs can range between $300 and $650 per injection.
  • Costs aren’t covered by insurance. No downtime is necessary.

Efficacy:

  • Both Juvéderm and Restylane are said to work quickly.
  • Dermal fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane can last for months, but the effects aren’t permanent.
  • You may need another Juvéderm treatment after 12 months. Restylane wears off a bit between 6 and 18 months after the initial treatment, depending on the product and where it’s injected.

Comparing Juvéderm and Restylane

Juvéderm and Restylane are both considered noninvasive procedures. This means that no surgery is required for either. They also both use hyaluronic acid to treat wrinkles via volume. Below is more information about each procedure.

Juvéderm

Juvéderm is designed to treat wrinkles in adults. Each solution has a gel material made with hyaluronic acid.

There are different types of Juvéderm injections intended for different areas of the face. Some are designed for the mouth area only (including the lips), while others add volume to cheeks. Certain injections are also used for the fine lines that can develop around your nose and mouth.

Juvéderm injections have all evolved into XC formulas. These are made with lidocaine, which helps decrease pain during the injections without the need for a separate topical anesthetic.

Restylane

Restylane also has hyaluronic acid. Some versions of the product line, such as Restylane Lyft, include lidocaine as well. This type of dermal filler is sometimes used around the eyes, as well as on the back of the hands. It’s also used to smooth lines around the mouth, enhance the lips, and add lift and volume to the cheeks.

How long does each procedure take?

Both Juvéderm and Restylane take just minutes to inject. The plumping effects are also seen shortly after. To maintain the results, you’ll need follow-up injections.

Juvéderm duration

Each Juvéderm injection takes minutes. However, you’ll likely need multiple injections for each treatment area. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the total expected time can range between 15 and 60 minutes. Juvéderm’s official website promises immediate results.

Restylane duration

Restylane injections can take between 15 and 60 minutes for each session. This is standard for dermal fillers in general. While you might see some results right away, you may not see the full effects for up to a few days after the procedure.

Comparing results

Juvéderm and Restylane have similar long-term results. Juvéderm may work slightly more quickly and, in some cases, may last longer — this comes at a slightly higher cost. Your provider might recommend one filler over another based on your needs and the area being treated.

Juvéderm results

Juvéderm results can last between one to two years.

Different formulas of Juvéderm are used for the lip area (including marionette lines) and the eyes. Juvéderm tends to work particularly well for eye bagsTrusted Source, and it can also be used to plump up the lips and smooth surrounding wrinkles.

Restylane results

Restylane takes slightly longer to take full effect, but you’ll start seeing results almost immediately. These types of fillers can last from 6 to 18 months.

While Restylane is used to treat the same areas of the face as Juvéderm, it tends to work particularly well for the lips as well as the folds around the nose and cheeks.

Who is a good candidate?

It’s important to schedule a consultation with your provider before booking either Juvéderm and Restylane injections. They will go over any individual risk factors that could disqualify you from getting these dermal fillers.

Juvéderm candidates

Juvéderm is for adults. You may not be a good candidate if you:

  • are allergic to the key ingredients in these injections, including hyaluronic acid and lidocaine
  • have a history of multiple severe allergies or allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis
  • have a history of excessive scarring or skin pigmentation disorders
  • are taking medications that can prolong bleeding such as aspirin (Bufferin), ibuprofen (Advil), or blood thinners
  • have a history of bleeding disorders

Restylane candidates

Restylane is meant for adults. The reasons why you may not be a good candidate for Juvéderm, listed above, apply to Restylane as well.

Comparing cost

Since Juvéderm and Restylane are noninvasive, no downtime or time away from work is required. However, the injections are also considered cosmetic, so they aren’t covered by insurance. Your bottom line will depend on the provider’s costs, where you live in, and how many injections you need.

Juvéderm costs more, but in some cases the results last longer. This means you won’t need follow-up injections as quickly as you might with Restylane.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average cost for hyaluronic acid dermal fillers is $651. This is a national estimate. The cost also varies between types of hyaluronic acid fillers. You’ll want to speak with your own provider in advance to learn the total costs of your individual treatment.

Juvéderm costs

On average, each Juvéderm injection can cost $600 or more. The cost may be slightly lower for smaller areas of treatment, such as lip lines.

Restylane costs

Restylane costs slightly less than Juvéderm. One medical facility quotes the treatment as costing $300 to $650 for each injection.

Comparing the side effects

Juvéderm and Restylane are much safer than invasive procedures such as surgery. Still, this doesn’t mean the dermal fillers are completely risk-free. The side effects for both products are similar.

Juvéderm side effects

The most common side effects from Juvéderm include headaches, as well as lumps or bumps, bruising, discoloration, itching, pain, rash, and swelling at the injection site.

More serious side effects are rare, but can include:

  • a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis
  • changes to skin color
  • infection
  • necrosis (death to surrounding tissues)
  • numbness
  • scarring

Restylane side effects

Minor side effects from Restylane injections may include bruising, redness, and swelling. Tenderness and itchiness are also possible. Serious, but rare, side effects include infection, severe swelling, and hyperpigmentation.

Your risk for complications may be greater if you have a history of inflammatory skin diseases or bleeding disorders.

Before and after pictures

Pictures of Juvederm vs. Restylane

Comparison chart

Below is a breakdown of the key similarities and differences between Juvéderm and Restylane:

Juvéderm Restylane
Procedure type Noninvasive; no surgery required. Noninvasive; no surgery required.
Cost Each injection costs $600 on average. Each injection costs between $300 and $650.
Pain Lidocaine in the injections decreases pain during the procedure. Many Restylane products contain lidocaine, which decreases pain during the procedure.
Number of treatments needed While results can vary, you may expect about one treatment per year for maintenance. Number of treatments vary. Talk to your dermatologist about what they recommend in your case.
Expected results The results may be seen immediately and can last for at least a year. Results are seen within a few days of treatment and can last for 6 to 18 months, depending on the procedure.
Disqualification Not designed for anyone under 18. You also shouldn’t get this treatment if you have an allergy to lidocaine or hyaluronic acid or multiple severe allergies; have a history of scarring or skin pigmentation disorder; are taking medications that prolong bleeding; or have a bleeding disorder. Not designed for anyone under 18. You also shouldn’t get this treatment if you have an allergy to hyaluronic acid or multiple severe allergies; have a history of scarring or skin pigmentation disorder; are taking medications that prolong bleeding; or have a bleeding disorder. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to lidocaine so they can pick the right Restylane product for you.
Recovery time No recovery time needed. No recovery time needed.

How to find a provider

Your dermatologist is your first point of contact for fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane. If your dermatologist doesn’t offer these treatments, they can refer you to a dermatologic surgeon or certified aesthetician who does. You may also find a provider through the database of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

No matter which provider you choose, be sure they are experienced and board certified.