Juvederm and Restylane: Is One Dermal Filler Better?
Dermal fillers have become a very popular procedure in Los Angeles facial surgery practices., especially due to their minimally-invasive nature. As people age, their faces lose fullness, and the cheeks become less full and eventually start to sag, creating jowls. Dermal fillers can help eliminate this sagging and lift the cheeks again. They can also eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermal fillers in Los Angeles are made from several FDA-approved substances. Most take the form of a gel. They’re injected into the skin in a quick non-surgical procedure that requires no recovery time. They aren’t permanent, but they do provide long-lasting results for several months. Two of the most common dermal fillers used as cheek fillers for face lifts are made from hyaluronic acid: Juvederm and Restylane.
The Basics of Juvederm
Juvederm is an injectable gel made from modified hyaluronic acid. It’s not just one product: Juvederm makes specific formulas for different areas of the face. All of Juvederm’s products are designed for use in adults aged 21 and over.
Juvederm XC is designed for use in the cheeks to plump them. It’s also used in the chin area to re-contour that area. These injections go deeper than some other uses of Juvederm.
Juvederm Vollure XC and Juvederm XC are used for shallower injections that can help eliminate wrinkles. It’s used for nasolabial folds, also known as marionette lines, and for other moderate-to-deep wrinkles.
Juvederm Volbella XC and Juvederm Ultra XC are designed for even finer applications like injections in the lips and right around the mouth. In lips, Juvederm is used for plumping and creating a more youthful appearance. When it comes to perioral lines, a little hyaluronic acid filler can eliminate a crepey appearance in the skin.
Understanding Restylane
Like Juvederm, Restylane is actually an entire suite of products designed for various applications. Restylane’s flagship product is used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds.
Kysse and Restylane Silk are used to plump and reshape the lips. Silk is also used for perioral lines near the mouth. These products are known for providing a smooth and natural appearance.
Restylane Lyft is used for moderate wrinkles. It’s not just used in the face: Lyft can also be injected in the back of the hands to help provide a plumper and more youthful appearance.
Restylane Refyne was developed to help eliminate moderate wrinkles in the face by filling and plumping the skin. However, one focus of this version of Restylane is maintaining expression in the face. With Refyne, facial motions look natural. Restylane Defyne does much the same thing, but it’s designed for deeper lines and wrinkles.
Are Juvederm and Restylane Similar to Botox?
Juvederm, Restylane and Botox are all popular injectable cosmetic treatments. But botox injections work via a completely different mechanism. Botox is not a filler.
Instead, Botox uses botulinum toxin to paralyze part of the face. Essentially, it works by relaxing some muscles in the face. Botox is best used to treat what are called dynamic wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement. Botox injections for the face in Los Angeles can help eliminate signs of aging, but usually not in the same areas where fillers are used.
Juvederm and Restylane: Which is Better?
Juvederm and Restylane are very similar products designed to address the same issues. They’re even priced similarly. One of the biggest differences between these products is their texture or consistency. Juvederm is a smoother gel, while Restylane is more granular.
Another difference between these two Los Angeles wrinkle injection methods is how quickly they take effect. Juvederm injections provide instant, easily-seen results. Restylane injections take a few days to really show their effects.
Both Juvederm and Restylane have long-lasting results. The injectable hyaluronic acid does dissolve with time. For Juvederm, that takes about a year. For Restylane, injections can last anywhere from six to 18 months. To understand which injections will last for what length of time, it’s best to ask the dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon who will be performing the procedure.
Both Juvederm and Restylane work well in patients. They’re widely recognized for being safe, effective treatments with few side effects. Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons can provide specific advice about which product will work better for a given patient during a one-on-one consultation.
What to Expect at an Appointment
During a consultation with a cosmetic medicine professional, patients will talk about their general health. The doctor will take a history about allergies and other medical issues that might lead to complications. Dermal fillers in LA are safe for most healthy patients over age 21.
One of the most important parts of a consultation is discussing expectations. Doctors and patients both need to be on the same page about what result they’re looking for. For example, some patients might want the exaggerated, over-large lips made popular by Kylie Jenner. They need to communicate that clearly to their provider. The same is true if someone wants a more natural appearance.
The provider will explain which filler they think is right for you and what to expect from the procedure. Most versions of Restylane and Juvederm contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort. A typical appointment for hyaluronic acid fillers takes just a few minutes and provides about a year of results.
Where to Get Wrinkle Erasing Injections in LA
Los Angeles facial cosmetic surgery is always thriving. There are plenty of providers to choose from. Dr Aynehchi of Westside Face is one of the best-known plastic surgeons in the city. He’s worked with thousands of satisfied patients and he even trains new providers at UCLA. At Westside Face, people seeking cheek fillers for face lifts in LA are in the best and most capable hands.