either Juvederm nor Restylane is better across the board. Both are families of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, and each family includes several products made for different areas of the face. The better choice depends on the area being treated, the amount of support or softness that area needs, your anatomy, and your provider’s assessment.
Patients in Los Angeles and West Hollywood often ask for one brand by name because a friend had it or because they saw it online. In practice, the more useful question is which specific product within each family fits the result you want.
This guide compares Juvederm and Restylane by treatment area, feel, longevity, recovery, and safety, so you can arrive at a consultation with informed questions.
What Is Juvederm?
Juvederm is a collection of hyaluronic acid fillers made by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company. The manufacturer lists several products, each intended for a particular area.
- Juvederm Voluma XC for the cheeks, chin, and temples
- Juvederm Volux XC for jawline definition
- Juvederm Vollure XC for facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds
- Juvederm Ultra Plus XC for facial wrinkles and folds
- Juvederm Ultra XC for facial wrinkles and folds, the lips, and the area around the mouth
- Juvederm Volbella XC for the lips, lines around the mouth, and undereye hollows
The XC in each name indicates that the product contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic intended to make injection more comfortable.
What Is Restylane?
Restylane is a collection of hyaluronic acid fillers made by Galderma. The manufacturer also lists a range of products by treatment area.
- Restylane and Restylane-L for mid-to-deep facial folds and the lips
- Restylane Lyft for deep folds, the cheeks and midface, the chin, and the backs of the hands
- Restylane Contour for the cheeks, midface, and temples
- Restylane Defyne for deep folds and the chin
- Restylane Refyne for mid-to-deep folds
- Restylane Kysse for the lips and upper lip lines
- Restylane Silk for the lips and lines around the mouth
- Restylane Eyelight for undereye hollows
Not every practice carries every product in either family. Your provider can tell you which options are available and appropriate for you.
What Do Juvederm and Restylane Have in Common?
The two brands are more alike than different.
- Both are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin
- Both are temporary and are gradually absorbed by the body
- Both are injected in a short office visit
- Both include products formulated with lidocaine
- Both are regulated by the FDA as medical devices
- Both carry the same categories of side effects and risks
Because of these similarities, the product selected and the skill of the injector usually matter more than the brand name on the box.
What Is the Main Difference Between Juvederm and Restylane?
The main difference is how each gel is manufactured, which affects how firm or flexible it feels and how it behaves once it is in the tissue.
Juvederm Technologies
Juvederm products are made with two crosslinking processes. Hylacross is the earlier process and is used in the Ultra products, which have a smooth gel texture. Vycross is used in Voluma, Vollure, Volbella, and Volux. Vycross gels are generally described as spreading smoothly and absorbing relatively little water.
Restylane Technologies
Galderma describes two technologies in the Restylane family. NASHA is used in Restylane-L, Lyft, Silk, and Eyelight and produces a firmer gel intended for lift, structure, and precision. XpresHAn Technology is used in Contour, Kysse, Defyne, and Refyne and produces a softer, more flexible gel intended for areas of the face that move with expression.
Both families therefore contain firmer options and softer options. That is why a provider usually thinks in terms of a specific product, not a brand.
Juvederm vs. Restylane at a Glance
| Factor | Juvederm | Restylane |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie) | Galderma |
| Main ingredient | Hyaluronic acid | Hyaluronic acid |
| Gel technologies | Hylacross and Vycross | NASHA and XpresHAn |
| Lip products | Ultra XC, Volbella XC | Kysse, Silk, Restylane-L |
| Cheek products | Voluma XC | Lyft, Contour |
| Smile line products | Vollure XC, Ultra XC, Ultra Plus XC | Refyne, Defyne, Restylane-L, Lyft |
| Undereye product | Volbella XC | Eyelight |
| Jawline or chin products | Volux XC, Voluma XC | Defyne, Lyft |
| Temporary | Yes | Yes |
Which Is Better for Lips?
Both brands make products specifically for the lips, so the answer depends on the look you want.
Juvederm Ultra XC is indicated for lip augmentation, and Volbella XC is indicated for the lips and the fine lines around the mouth. Restylane Kysse is indicated for the lips and upper lip lines, and Restylane Silk for the lips and lines around the mouth.
A patient who wants subtle definition, smoother lip lines, or a hydrated look may be matched with a different product than a patient who wants noticeably more volume. Lip anatomy, existing asymmetry, and how much your lips move when you speak and smile all influence the choice.
Our article on the best lip filler for a natural look explains why technique and amount often shape the outcome more than the product name. You can also read about lip injections in Los Angeles and West Hollywood.
Which Is Better for Cheeks?
Cheeks usually call for a firmer gel that can lift and hold its shape.
In the Juvederm family, Voluma XC is the product indicated for age-related volume loss in the cheeks. In the Restylane family, Lyft and Contour are both indicated for the cheeks and midface. Lyft uses the firmer NASHA gel, while Contour uses the more flexible XpresHAn gel.
A provider may consider how much projection you need, how thick your skin is, and whether the goal is lift, contour, or a softer restoration of fullness. Learn more about cheek filler treatments.
Which Is Better for Smile Lines?
Smile lines, also called nasolabial folds, run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. This area moves constantly, so flexibility matters.
Juvederm Vollure XC, Ultra XC, and Ultra Plus XC are indicated for facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane Refyne and Defyne are indicated for folds of varying depth and are made with the flexible XpresHAn gel. Restylane-L and Lyft are also indicated for facial folds.
The depth of the fold often guides the selection. Deep folds may also be related to volume loss in the cheeks, in which case a provider may discuss treating the cheek area as part of the plan.
Which Is Better for the Undereye Area?
The skin beneath the eyes is thin, and this is one of the more technically demanding areas to treat.
Each brand has one product indicated for undereye hollows, Juvederm Volbella XC and Restylane Eyelight. Not everyone with dark circles or bags is a candidate for filler, because hollowing is only one possible cause.
A careful in-person evaluation is especially important here. Read more about under eye filler.
How Long Do Juvederm and Restylane Last?
Results from both brands are temporary, and duration varies by product, treatment area, amount used, and individual metabolism.
Manufacturer information gives a general sense of the range. Juvederm Ultra XC and Volbella XC are described as lasting up to one year in the lips with optimal treatment, while Voluma XC is described as lasting up to two years in the cheeks. Restylane Eyelight is described as lasting up to 18 months with optimal treatment.
As a broad guide, Juvederm results typically last up to a year, and Restylane results generally last between 6 and 18 months, with touch-ups sometimes recommended to maintain the result. Areas with more movement, such as the lips, tend to need maintenance sooner than areas such as the cheeks.
For a wider comparison, see how long the results of different fillers typically last.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
The appointment is similar for both brands.
Your provider reviews your medical history and allergies, discusses your goals, and examines the area. A topical numbing cream may be applied before injection. The treatment itself generally takes about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the area and the number of injection points.
If it is your first visit, our guide on how to prepare for your first dermal filler appointment covers what to do beforehand.
What Is Recovery Like?
Most patients return to their normal routine right after the appointment.
Temporary swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising at the injection sites are common with any hyaluronic acid filler. After treatment, patients are generally advised to avoid the following for a period of time.
- Strenuous exercise
- Excessive heat or sun exposure
- Alcohol
- Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications, unless prescribed by your doctor
Follow the specific aftercare instructions your provider gives you. Our article on how long swelling lasts after dermal fillers explains what is typical.
What Are the Risks?
Juvederm and Restylane share the same safety considerations as other dermal fillers.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, common side effects include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, and rash.
The most serious risk is accidental injection into a blood vessel. This is rare, but it can block blood flow and lead to tissue damage, vision problems including blindness, or stroke. Seek immediate medical care if you notice unusual pain, changes in vision, or skin near the injection site that turns white, gray, or blue.
Fillers are approved for use in adults. The FDA also advises patients to ask which product is being used and to review its patient labeling.
Can Juvederm and Restylane Be Dissolved?
Because both are hyaluronic acid fillers, a provider may be able to break them down with an enzyme called hyaluronidase when that is considered appropriate. This use of hyaluronidase is off-label in the United States.
That option is one reason many first-time patients start with a hyaluronic acid filler. Our article on filler migration and how it can be corrected discusses when dissolving may be considered.
Can You Combine or Switch Between Brands?
A treatment plan may include products from both families, each placed in the area it suits. A patient might receive one product in the cheeks and a different one in the lips.
Switching brands between appointments is also common. Tell your provider what you have had before, when you had it, and how you felt about the result, so the plan can take your history into account.
How Do You Choose Between Juvederm and Restylane?
A consultation is the most reliable way to decide. These questions can help guide the conversation.
- Which specific product do you recommend for this area, and why?
- Is that product indicated for the area being treated?
- How much product will I likely need?
- How long do you expect the result to last for me?
- What side effects should I expect, and what would be a warning sign?
- What are my options if I am not happy with the result?
The FDA’s dermal filler do’s and don’ts recommend working with a licensed health care provider who is trained to inject fillers and who uses sealed, properly labeled, FDA-approved products.
The Bottom Line
Juvederm and Restylane are both established hyaluronic acid filler families, and neither is automatically the better choice.
Each brand offers firmer products for lift and structure and softer products for areas that move. The right match depends on whether you are treating the lips, cheeks, smile lines, or undereye area, along with your anatomy and goals.
Choose the provider first, then let the product follow from a thorough evaluation.
Schedule a Dermal Filler Consultation in Los Angeles
Dr. Charlotte Sarshad, D.O., offers Juvederm, Restylane, and other injectable treatments at Happy Hands Aesthetics in West Hollywood.
To find out which filler fits your goals, book an appointment online, contact our office, or call (877) 899-8270. Ask about our payment plans during your visit.
Happy Hands Aesthetics
8500 Melrose Ave, Suite 210
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (310) 461-4110
Toll-Free: (877) 899-8270
Email: info@bestfillersla.com
Office Hours
Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 AM to 7 PM
Friday, 9 AM to 12 PM
Closed Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
The Final Verdict
When seeking the best, why settle for anything less?
Contact Happy Hands Aesthetics, the best cosmetic injection clinic in LA, for dermal fillers, and schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Juvederm better than Restylane?
Not in general. Both are hyaluronic acid filler families with products for different areas. The better option depends on the treatment area, your anatomy, and the specific product your provider recommends.
2. What is the difference between Juvederm and Restylane?
They are made by different companies using different gel technologies. Juvederm uses Hylacross and Vycross, and Restylane uses NASHA and XpresHAn. These processes affect how firm or flexible each product feels in the tissue.
3. Which is better for lips, Juvederm or Restylane?
Both have lip products. Juvederm offers Ultra XC and Volbella XC, and Restylane offers Kysse and Silk. The choice depends on whether you want more volume, more definition, or smoother lip lines.
4. Which is better for cheeks, Juvederm or Restylane?
Juvederm Voluma XC and Restylane Lyft and Contour are all indicated for the cheeks. A provider selects among them based on how much lift and projection you need.
5. Which lasts longer, Juvederm or Restylane?
It depends on the product and the area. Some products in each family are described by their manufacturers as lasting about a year, and others longer. Individual results vary.
6. Do Juvederm and Restylane feel different after treatment?
Firmer gels are designed to hold shape, and softer gels are designed to move with expression. Once swelling settles, filler that suits the area should feel natural.
7. Can Juvederm and Restylane be dissolved?
Both are hyaluronic acid fillers, so a provider may be able to break them down with hyaluronidase when appropriate. This is an off-label use in the United States.
8. Can I switch from Juvederm to Restylane?
Yes, patients often switch brands or use products from both. Share your treatment history with your provider so the plan accounts for any filler still present.
9. Is there downtime after Juvederm or Restylane?
Most patients resume normal activities right away. Temporary swelling, redness, or bruising is common, and your provider will give you aftercare instructions.
10. Where can I get Juvederm or Restylane in Los Angeles?
Happy Hands Aesthetics offers both in West Hollywood. Call (877) 899-8270 or use the online appointment page to schedule a consultation.
Happy Hands Aesthetics
8500 Melrose Ave, Suite 210
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Dermal filler treatments carry risks, and results vary from person to person. Product availability, indications, and expected duration can change. An in-person consultation with a qualified provider is needed to determine which treatment, if any, is appropriate for you.
