Botox™ you’ve heard of. From Simon Cowell’s scowl to Joan Crawford’s fixed Joker-grin, Botox has filled, smoothed and erased more wrinkles and creases than a busy Chinatown laundry. As cosmetic treatments go, it’s quite the unqualified success; so Restylane and Juvederm, two newer artificial cosmetic treatments, have a lot to aspire to. Used for anti-aging and beautification, these ‘next-generation’ dermal fillers are free from incisions, and supposedly yield better results than Botox.
Restylane
Restylane is a trade name for Hyaluronic acid in specific composition. It is primarily used for lip augmentation, but may also be used to treat facial wrinkles. A non-surgical method, Restylane involves an injection through a syringe, causes minimal pain, and affords a fast recovery time of 2 to 3 days. However, it is not permanent; reapplication is recommended every six months or so. Costs can be anywhere between $300 and $500 per treatment.
Juvederm
Juvederm is non-animal-sourced Hyaluronic acid injectable filler, similar to Restylane but differing slightly in terms of effect and longevity. It is used for lip augmentation, reduction of folds and wrinkles as well as removal of scars. The effects of Juvederm treatments are also temporary, and costs are similar to that of Restylane.
Things You Should Know
Here’re some facts and risks you must be aware of before choosing either Restylane or Juvederm treatments:
1. Both are ‘new kids on the block’; research is still underway concerning long-term side effects of these chemicals on our bodies.
2. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring acid in the body; hence, the two fillers should be absorbed into the skin with minimum side effects. However, cases of allergies and reactions have been reported. Minor reactions include temporary redness and swelling, whereas serious ones are lumps known as ‘granulomas’ that are formed on the treated site due to immune system reactions. These, unfortunately, can be very difficult to trea
3. Both are temporary treatments and typically require reapplication, across periods ranging from six months to a year.
4. They are relatively expensive and there are no cheap, safer alternatives right now
5. Both target specific deeply wrinkled areas and do not have universal effects on entire facial skin.
6. As the latest in cosmetic science, Restylane and Juvederm treatments are worth checking out, especially if Botox was a disappointment.
7. Juvederm scores over ‘Zyplast’ (bovine-based collagen) and similar experimental fillers, and is a safer option being naturally bio-degradable in nature.
Restylane or Juvederm?
This question you’ll find plenty of debate on. While most physicians and experts agree that both are extremely similar in terms of the results offered, each has its own following.
Differences between the two include:
a) Juvederm has a smoother texture compared to the more granular Restylane. So it arguably has better flow characteristics and fewer chances of causing pain
b) Juvederm is 35% more ‘cross-linked’ than Restylane; hence, it is possibly longer lasting, since persistence of the effect is commensurate with the amount of cross-linking.
Both are natural acids only differing in chemical formulations, hence the similarity in results. If an allergic reaction occurs as a result of one treatment, patients may be asked to try the other – but under advisement.
It’s clearly a good idea to consult your physician and speak with friends or acquaintances who may have some experience with either Restylane or Juvederm treatment. There is an established correlation between how convinced we are about any treatment and its eventual effects – so go in with your eyes open, get all the facts and believe in positive results.
