When it comes to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, the terms Juvederm and Restylane always seem to be attached at the hip. Juvederm and Restylane are both cosmetic treatments used to reduce wrinkles, and can actually be considered competitors that deliver very similar results.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people offering these treatments who aren’t properly trained and educated, so it’s important to have a basic understanding before you explore your options. Here are the facts to consider before choosing a Juvederm or Restylane treatment.

What are Juvaderm and Restylane?

Juvaderm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the skin and is found between skin cells. The skin makes hyaluronic acid, breaks it down, and then builds it back up as part of an ongoing cycle.

Restylane was the first hyaluronic acid filler injected into the dermis – the thicker, deeper part of the skin – to pop the skin up and make it more rigid.

Think of your skin like concrete. If concrete doesn’t have the support of rebar, the steel bar reinforcement, it’s more likely to flex and crack, just like a line or wrinkle will appear in the skin that isn’t “reinforced.”

Juvaderm injections will give the skin added support so it doesn’t fold, making lines and wrinkles look smoother.

Where on the body are Juvederm and Restylane treatments commonly used?

These treatments are often used to smooth the lines from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, called the nasolabial folds. Those “laugh lines” around the lips (that you probably don’t find very amusing) can be treated with Juvederm injections.

Some patients have lines and wrinkles on the sides of the mouth that make them look like they’re always frowning. Juvederm can help to turn up the corners of the mouth. Juvederm can also restore lost volume in the lips, and reduce the appearance of dark circles and hollowness under the eyes.

How long do Juvaderm and Restylane treatments last?

Generally speaking, Juvaderm and Restylane results last for the same amount of time. But the effectiveness of the treatment depends on two primary factors.

First, where is the Juvaderm or Restylane being injected?

If the treatment is focused on the nasolabial folds, those lines will be improved from four to six months. A second round of treatment during that time frame will often create an even longer-lasting effect.

Research studies have shown that hyaluronic acid injected into that areas will improve collagen levels and provide more stiffness. When Juvaderm injections are repeated, the body generally responds by adding more reinforcement, which improves the outcome of the treatment.

However, a Juvaderm or Restylane treatment in the lips, which move significantly more than the lines between the nose and mouth, won’t last quite as long – typically four to five months.

Second, having a qualified person perform the procedure is an absolute must.

Our board certified dermatologists and physician assistants have been properly trained, understand the anatomy of the areas being treated, and perform these procedures frequently.

In addition to training, I personally worked as part of a large team for a company that manufactured Restylane and oversaw the product’s approval and launch. I was then responsible for speaking with doctors, answering their questions, and educating them about hyaluronic fillers.

Beware of doctors who offer Juvaderm treatments, Botox and other dermal fillers, but don’t fully understand the correct injection methods or the facial anatomy. Demand to see before-and-after photos from recent patients and find out about their experience specifically with Juvaderm and Restylane.

If you’re interested in learning more, please call us to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to provide you with more information to put your mind at ease.