If you’re looking for a way to turn back the hands of time and restore your natural beauty, you might want to consider an injectable filler. Numerous options are available, but they aren’t all designed the same, such as RestylaneⓇ and JuvedermⓇ. Consider the differences and decide which injectable filler can provide the best results.
Contact us today to learn more about our Juvederm and dermal fillers offered at Dr. Leo Lapuerta’s office in Houston, TX, or schedule a free consultation today!
Understanding Dermal Fillers
Before looking at individual products, it is best to learn about dermal fillers in general. Their job is to fill in wrinkles and make your face look and feel smoother. The filler is a gel that gets injected under the skin. Since there is no surgery and no downtime, you can get back to your normal routines right away with these products.
Many of the fillers use hyaluronic acid and are soft with a gel substance. This acid is found naturally in your skin and is able to hold moisture many times its weight, which revitalizes the skin. Your body will absorb it over time and a new injection will be needed. However, the results last between six and 12 months in most cases.
What is Restylane?
Restylane is a product that can add fullness to the face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. This injectable filler can be used for moderate to severe wrinkles and to enhance lips.
The clear gel is made of hyaluronic acid, a synthetic version of what the body makes. Restylane works all around the face, especially in the folds that run from your nose down to the corners of the mouth, known as the nasolabial folds. It also provides results for the marionette lines or the lines that go from the corners of the mouth down to the chin. Restylane may be injected into the lips to provide more definition and fullness.
Best Use for Restylane Filler
Restylane can be used for many areas of the face to achieve the desired results. The product is often injected in the area around the mouth to treat smile lines. It also treats the area that extends from the corner of the mouth to the jawline and the corners of the mouth near the crease of the lips.
The Downside of Restylane
One of the big disadvantages to using this product is that it isn’t designed for use around the eyes. It has been approved for the areas around the nose and mouth but uses under the eyes aren’t recommended. Reactions are more likely when injected into areas it has not been approved for.
It has been noted that for people who have Restylane injected around the eyes, swelling takes longer to go down and lumps and discoloration can occur. Another issue is that this product doesn’t last as long around the eyes as in other areas or as long as Juvederm injected into the same area. When compared, Juvederm can last a year while Restylane is much more temporary, at just a couple of months. Injections must be scheduled more often to maintain results, which increases the risk for injury to the eye.
What is Juvederm?
Like the Restylane filler, Juvederm’s active ingredient is hyaluronic acid, also naturally found in the body. These injections stimulate the production of two proteins – collagen and elastin, which are more abundant in younger skin and give it the elasticity and firmness that everyone notices.
Juvederm features multiple products, which are of various levels of thickness and have a different feel for use in specific areas of the face. The original product, Juvederm XC, can be used almost anywhere on the face, including under the eyes, along the lips and nose, or in the cheeks.
The procedure takes between 10 and 30 minutes, and no sedation is necessary. A numbing cream can be applied to reduce any discomfort. After the injection, the doctor will shape the filler with their hands to ensure the best positioning. Results usually last between nine and 12 months, but they are immediately noticeable. There is no downtime, but you should avoid any strenuous exercise for about 24 hours.
The Advantages of Juvederm as a Dermal Filler
The most noticeable difference between the two injectable fillers is in the texture. Juvederm has a smoother texture than Restylane, which makes it a better option for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, especially in the eye area.
The makers of Juvederm studied the product for a full year before putting it on the market, while Restylane makers stopped the study at six months. While results will vary, Juvederm studies have proven a timeline of a year for the product results.
Why choose Dr. Leo Lapuerta for Juvederm in Houston?
If you’ve decided on Juvederm to restore the youthfulness of your face, look to Dr. Leo Lapuerta for the procedure. With more than two decades of providing similar services to patients, this triple-board-certified plastic surgeon can help you look your best. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.