Restylane vs Juvederm: Which Dermal Filler is Better? Insights from a Waterloo Medical Aesthetic Clinic
If you’re considering dermal fillers to enhance your appearance, you’ve likely come across Restylane and Juvederm, two of the most popular options available today. Is restylane better than juvederm? Is juvedurm better than restylane?
Both Restylane and Juvederm are made with hyaluronic acid, the same stuff your skin already makes to stay plump and hydrated. Over time, though, your body slows down on producing it. That’s when lines, wrinkles, and hollow spots start to show up. These fillers basically give your skin a little boost of what it’s missing, helping it look smoother and more refreshed. Restylane and Juvederm work by putting that back into your skin, so it looks fuller, smoother, and more alive.
They do pretty much the same thing, but there are small differences that can make one a better fit depending on what you want. Knowing those differences can help you pick the right one for your face. At YourSkinRN, a medical aesthetic clinic in Waterloo, we spend time going over all the options with our patients. That way, they can understand what’s happening and pick what feels right for them.
What is Restylane Filler?
Restylane is one of those versatile fillers you can use in a bunch of ways. People get it for shaping their face, plumping lips, or reducing wrinkles. It’s got a grainy texture, which actually helps the injector put it exactly where it’s needed and still make it look natural. One thing that makes Restylane different is the XpresHAn Technology™, which basically moves with your face. So when you smile, talk, or make other expressions, it still looks like you, not stiff or frozen.
Pros and Cons of Restylane
Pros:
Gives results that look really natural
Suitable for dynamic areas of the face
Offers a range of products tailored for specific concerns
Cons:
You might need touch-ups a bit more often than with some other fillers.
Because it’s a little thicker, there can be some swelling right after the treatment.
What is Juvederm Filler?
Juvederm is a bit different. It’s super smooth consistency makes it a go-to for fine lines or spots where you just want a little extra volume without it being obvious. The smooth texture means it spreads out evenly, so it works really well under the eyes, around smile lines, or anywhere you want a subtle lift. The formulas are made to blend right into your skin, so it ends up looking really natural with no stiff or “frozen” feeling.
Pros and Cons of Juvederm
Pros:
Lasts longer, so you won’t need touch-ups as often.
Smooth texture spreads out evenly, which is great for natural-looking results.
Perfect for subtle enhancements where you just want a little lift or volume.
Cons:
May not be suitable for all facial areas
A bit pricier compared to other fillers.
Restylane vs Juvederm Side Effects: What to Expect
Restylane Side Effects
After getting Restylane, your face might feel a little sore or look a bit red or puffy where you had it done. That’s normal and usually goes away after a day or two. Some people get tiny bumps or a bruise here and there, but it doesn’t happen often. Very rarely, someone could have an allergic reaction, but that’s not common. For the next day or two, it’s better not to do anything too sweaty or go into really hot or really cold places. It just gives your skin a chance to calm down and settle.
Juvederm Side Effects
After Juvederm, your face might be a bit puffy or red where they put it in. You could feel a little sore too. Most of the time, it just calms down on its own in a couple of days. In rare cases, a little bump or lump can pop up, but that doesn’t happen too often. For the first day or so, it’s probably smart to skip heavy exercise or being in really hot sun. Just give your skin a bit of time to settle and do its thing.
Restylane vs Juvederm Results: What You Can Expect
Restylane Results
Immediate Results: Noticeable improvement right after treatment.
Full Effect: Achieved within 1–2 weeks as swelling goes away
Ideal For: Adding volume to lips and cheeks, smoothing out wrinkles.
How Long Does Restylane Last?
Average Duration: 6–12 months, depending on the area treated and individual metabolism.
Longevity Tips: Regular touch-ups can maintain results.
Juvederm Results
Immediate Results: Visible enhancement immediately post-treatment.
Full Effect: Final results show within a few days.
Ideal For: Subtle volumization and wrinkle reduction, especially in delicate areas like under the eyes.
How Long Does Juvederm Last?
Average Duration: 9–18 months, with some formulations lasting up to 2 years.
Longevity Tips: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine can prolong effects.
Cost Comparison in Ontario
Around Waterloo, a syringe of Restylane usually costs somewhere between $400 and $800. Juvederm is a bit higher, often closer to $600 to $1,200 a syringe. It can change depending on the clinic and who’s doing the injections. If you want to learn more about filler treatments, check out YourSkinRN’s filler treatment page to see pricing and get all the details.
Clinical Insights
Lip Enhancement Results: A randomized, evaluator-blinded study found that both Restylane and Juvederm provided similar aesthetic improvements. At 12 months, 76% of Juvederm-treated subjects and 71% of Restylane-treated subjects reported noticeable improvement.
(Source: Dermatologic Surgery, 2010)Restylane Wrinkle Correction: Repeat treatments at 6–9 months can sustain results for up to 18–21 months.
(Source: Dermatologic Surgery, 2010)Juvéderm Wrinkle Correction: Repeat treatments at 6–9 months sustain results for up to 18–21 months, using 60% less filler than the initial treatment.
(Source: Dermatologic Surgery, 2010)Safety & Efficacy: Restylane and Juvederm are both safe and effective dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation (Source: Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2018)
When to Choose Restylane vs. Juvederm
Choose Restylane if you desire facial contouring or lip enhancement with a filler that moves naturally with your expressions.
Choose Juvederm if you're looking for subtle volume restoration in areas like the under-eye region or smile lines, and prefer a smoother texture.
Final Thoughts
Picking between Restylane and Juvederm really comes down to what you’re trying to achieve, which part of your face you want to treat, and what feels right to you. At YourSkinRN in Waterloo, Ontario, our team can walk you through your options and help you figure out what will give the results you’re hoping for. At the end of the day, the best filler is the one that fits your face, your goals, and just makes you feel good about how you look.
If you're in the Waterloo or Kitchener-Waterloo area and considering dermal fillers, book a consultation with YourSkinRN today. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and helping you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.