Which filler option is better: Botox or Juvederm?

We have been asked this question too many times.

The answer to that question comes in two parts.

The first answer is that Botox is not a filler. Botox is a paralytic agent. It’s made by botulinum toxin and it’s used to paralyze the muscles that it is exposed to.

Botox does not actually fill in spaces which is what fillers like Restylane and Juvederm do. Botox will help paralyze muscle so that the skin around it doesn’t wrinkle up and give you creases.

Now when it comes to fillers people always ask me which filler is better. The truth is they are a lots of different types of fillers and they each are fiercely competitive with each other.

The main fillers on the market are:

• Restylane
• Juvederm
• … a whole host of other fillers

Now each brand of fillers will have their own specific sub types of fillers like. For instance, Restylane has plain old Restylane then it has Restylane silk then it has Restylane Lyft. Juvederm has Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Volbella, Vollure and Voluma. They all have varying fitnesses and have their own indications.

In general you want to use the thinner agents around the eyes and around the lips. Use regular size agents in the nasal labial folds and in the marionette lines around the mouth. Patients want to use the thicker agents like Restylane Lip or Juvederm Voluma on the cheek to give you more definition for your cheek bones.

So … remind me which one is better?

The second question that always comes up is which one is better. To me, both fillers are basically the same.

Patients use one versus the other based on personal preference or they have more experience with one filler. That is totally fine.

Patients should go with what the injector recommends. The injector will tell you which filler they are most comfortable with and that’s how they deliver consistent results.

Word to the wise: You don’t want to put your injector in unknown territory and then have them try and figure out on you what works the best. If they already know what works the best in their hands you should just go with that because then you, the patient, will have the best result.  Now, if you have had a bad experience with a particular type of filler or product, you should absolutely let your physician know so that they can modify their plan accordingly.

How long does each filler last?

Juvederm and Restylane have pretty similar lasting times.

Depending on the type of filler used and the location injected, the filler can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Is there a price difference between fillers?

There is a cost difference between the fillers. Most of the difference has to do with the length of time the fillers last, with the more expensive fillers lasting 18 – 24 months.

Does Juvederm or Restylane react to anything in my biology or diet?

Fillers are hyaluronic acid which is a natural component of your own connective tissue. Most people do not have any allergies to any of the fillers because it is already part of your body.

A parting note on Juvederm and Restylane

I hope this post helped demystify fillers in general. The different options are fiercely competitive but they are pretty much the same.

And remember: Botox is not a filler! Botox is a paralytic agent that stops the muscle from moving so that the creases and folds don’t occur to begin with.

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I hope that helps. If you have any other questions, you can shoot us an email at info@drundavia.com