An injectable filler is a non-surgical treatment designed to reduce lines and wrinkles. As fillers have risen in popularity, a number of manufacturers have produced these injectables. Two examples are Restylane and Juvederm, two fillers that utilize hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient.
Ingredients
Both Restylane's and Juvederm's chief ingredients are hyaluronic acid, according to Your Plastic Surgery Guide. This acid binds to the skin and the water contained within it to plump the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is known as a bio-compatible acid, meaning it mirrors substances that are naturally found in the body, which minimizes the chance of an adverse reaction.
Procedure
Both Restylane and Juvederm are administered at a doctor's office, according to Your Plastic Surgery Guide. The doctor will work with you to pinpoint areas for administration and then apply an antiseptic over these areas to disinfect them. Restalyne is then injected into several spots underneath the skin to smooth the areas. Juvederm is administered in much the same manner. Like Restylane injections, the needle penetrates the skin into the dermal layers of the skin that contain connective tissue, nerve endings and other structures.
Cost
While the cost depends upon the amount used, a Juvederm vial typically costs $800 to $1,300 per syringe, according to Your Plastic Surgery Guide. Restylane's cost is slightly lower at an estimated $350 to $800 per syringe. Juvederm is advertised as the longer-lasting filler, which could explain its slightly higher cost.
Side Effects
Side effects of Juvederm include redness and pain at the injection site. You may notice some swelling and discoloration after application. If side effects do occur, they typically cease after seven days, according to PlasticSurgery.com.
Restylane's side effects include headache, nausea and flu-like symptoms. You also may note redness or swelling at injection sites. Muscle weakness also is a common side effect, and typically goes away within a few days.
Benefits
The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Juvederm for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds, such as the "smile lines" that can form around the mouth, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Like Juvederm, the FDA also has approved Restylane for use on facial wrinkles, such as those around the mouth and nose. While individual physicians may express preferences as to the optimal location each filler is used for, Juvederm is considered to have a "smoother" look, according to Dr. Robert Swanson, a San Francisco-based general surgeon writing on Real Self. This may make Juvederm the better option for enhancing the lips and areas around the lips while Restylane's more firm appearance can fill in areas around the chin.
Time Frame
Juvederm takes an estimated 15 minutes to apply, slightly longer if your physician is treating numerous areas, according to PlasticSurgery.com. The effects of Juvederm last an estimated six to nine months, according to Your Plastic Surgery Guide.
The Restylane procedure takes an estimated 30 minutes and a full week for optimal results to develop. Restylane is estimated to last six months or longer.
Member Comments