Both Restylane and JUVÉDERM are good products that deliver outstanding results in the field of anti-aging. These are also both some of the biggest names in dermal fillers, and their popularity has risen over the years as they have been proven as safe alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures. Here at The Refinery Medspa & Wellness, we offer both types of fillers and would like to explain to you some differences between these two brands and which one might be the best fit for taking years off of your appearance.
Understanding JUVÉDERM and Restylane
Both of these products are fillers made with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is something that occurs naturally in your own cells. It’s technically a protein, and what it does is attract water. One molecule of hyaluronic acid is capable of holding as much as 30 times its own weight in water (though the exact amount that a molecule can hold depends on its precise composition). A lot of research is being done in the scientific community to understand how to get more out of this important molecule, but the beauty and skin care industry has long known that this product is very important because of its ability to lock in moisture for the skin.
The problem is that, as we age, our body stops producing hyaluronic acid at the same rates it did when we were young. This is one of the reasons that older people tend to suffer more from dried skin than young people. Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to fix this problem. By injecting hyaluronic acid strategically, we can plump fine lines and wrinkles, decrease sagging in certain areas of the face by adding volume, and even enhance and sculpt cheeks, lips, chin, and more. Furthermore, both of these products have formulations that include lidocaine, which is a numbing agent that makes it comfortable to inject the product. Both lines of products also produce specific formulas for various areas of the face, such as the lips or the cheeks.
What Makes Them Different?
Consistency
The first difference between these two products is their consistency. JUVÉDERM is a very smooth gel compared to other formulas, which can be more granular. It’s important to understand that smoothness versus granularity is not an indicator that one product is better than the other, however. All that means is that one product might be a better choice for achieving a particular result in a particular area of the face.
It’s often the case that younger patients tend to prefer Restylane because it can be gradually built up in small increments, while older patients like the smoother product because it offers a higher amount of initial volume for deeper wrinkles. Again, it all depends on your specific needs, and we can discuss these with you in consultation.
Durability
The second difference between these products is how long they last. Eventually, your body absorbs all the hyaluronic acid that is injected into it, but this happens to different people at different speeds. Many of the JUVÉDERM products have a special cross-linked hyaluronic acid, and this cross-linking tends to give it a longer life in the body. Despite this, absorption rates always very widely from person to person. Sometimes it’s important to have an initial treatment to see how long a product lasts for you and then go from there in building a long-term strategy.
Which Filler Is Better?
This really is not the right question. There is no “best” filler overall but rather a best filler for the individual. Both of these lines of products have incredible results over a wide range of applications for cosmetic use, and both offer a number of different formulas that you can tailor very specifically to the results an individual patient is looking for.
When you come to talk to us, we will listen to your goals and needs, take a close look at your skin, hear about your history of cosmetic treatments, and help you choose the right product for you. JUVÉDERM often works well on areas of the face where the skin is thick, while Restylane is often a good choice for sensitive areas. But again, it’s not easy to tell you the right thing without seeing you in person.
Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
In general, dermal fillers are extremely safe. They have been in use for years, and millions of treatments have been given using them worldwide. Both of these brands have been approved by the FDA and have a great safety track record. In addition, hyaluronic acid is a molecule that occurs naturally in your body, and especially in your skin, so this is not like injecting a foreign chemical into you. Your body recognizes the hyaluronic acid and knows what to do with it.
It is, however, always recommended that you have dermal filler treatments only from qualified injectors, and, ideally, overseen by a board-certified doctor. This is not because there’s a problem with the fillers themselves, but because of the skill it requires to properly inject them. Applying these fillers to the face is both science and art. The key is to help a person look younger and healthier, not artificial. Ideally, what you want is for everyone to look at you and say “wow, you’re looking so young and rested!” The last thing you want is people gossiping behind your back about you having had “work done.” That’s the benefit of working with skilled and experienced injectors. They have the experience and also the eye for detail and facial artistry to provide you with the kind of results you’re looking for.
What To Expect During Your Consultation
When you come to talk to us in consultation, the first step is for us to listen. We want to know exactly what you’re looking for in a beauty treatment so we can provide the right solution. Then we’ll talk through your options with you, and while these two dermal fillers are possibilities, we also offer other types of injectables that may work better, depending on your unique needs. This consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask us all your questions, both about treatment and about our med spa.
What to Expect With Treatment
There is very little you need to worry about in preparation for these treatments. You should avoid taking aspirin or drinking alcohol prior to the injections because both promote blood thinning, which can result in bruising. We’ll give you a full list of things to avoid before you come.
When you arrive, we will clean your skin, skillfully inject the treatments using needles that are so small that many patients don’t need any numbing cream at all (though that’s available), and then you’re free to go about your day. There are a few minor restrictions to make sure that you don’t move the product or cause it to be absorbed too quickly, but for the most part you can go straight back to your normal life as soon as your treatments are over.
To find out more about which dermal filler is best for you, if you’re in the Indian Harbour Beach or West Melbourne area contact The Refinery Medspa & Wellness and Skin & Body by The Refinery by using our simple online form. Alternatively, you can also call us at 321-341-3321 to reach us in West Melbourne, FL, or call us at 321-428-3004 to reach us in Indian Harbour Beach, FL. Together, we can map out a path that leads to your best self, both now and in the years to come. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for our latest deals, specials and events!
