Restylane vs. Juvederm vs. Radiesse: How Do They Compare?

With the rapidly growing popularity of cosmetic injectables in the beauty industry, Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse continue to be rising stars of cosmetic anti-aging treatments. An increase in the demand for these filler products places them among the more popular treatment options in the U.S. But how do these ingredients compare? Let’s take a look at each ingredient: Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse.

How Are They Similar?

When considering Restylane vs. Juvederm vs. Radiesse, note that these fillers share several defining qualities, like their gel-like consistency and ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, they all share proven success in plumping areas of the face that are most affected by volume loss and signs of aging. Each brand of dermal filler is recommended for adults ages 21 and over, and all three are FDA approved.

Interestingly, none of the dermal fillers have been approved for the under eye area, also referred to as the “tear troughs”. This is not to say that they are not frequently used there. As we dive into the nuances of each brand, it will become clear that some are better suited for this target area than others. Nonetheless, many experts and cosmetic physicians will continue to use these products for the under eye area as off-label solutions.

Each brand, while similar in standard, process, and effects, is nuanced and possesses certain traits that distinguish it from its competition. Learning more about each specific brand will help you select which is best suited for your personal aesthetic goals.

Restylane

When comparing Restylane vs. Juvederm, each brand offers product lines targeted at specific areas. The products under the Restylane brand include Restylane L, Restylane Contour, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Silk, Restylane Kysse, and Restylane Lyft. 

Each member of the product family is crafted using the brand’s trademarked XpresHAn Technology and the brand’s ingredient base is hyaluronic acid. Effects can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the injection site and the specific Restylane product used.

Target Areas

If treatment is specifically focused on the more common areas in need of dermal fillers plumping—the under-eyes and lips—Restylane Silk, Kysse, and L are best suited. 

Specifically, Silk and Kysse are specifically created to target the lip areas. Consistent with Restylane’s messaging and mission, the goal of Silk is to achieve a natural-looking lip that is silky and smooth, with reduced wrinkles surrounding the mouth.

Restylane Kysse also targets lips but goes one step further. While the key goal is to add volume and definition, Kysse also enhances color and skin texture.

When it comes to the under-eye area, Restylane-L is considered one of the best products on the market. This dermal filler allows the physician to create just the right volume to reduce the look of tired, hollow eyes, without creating a swollen look. When comparing Restylane vs. Radiesse in this treatment area, Restylane is a more appropriate choice because its hyaluronic acid base is considered safe when treatment is provided by healthcare professionals.

Cost

Restylane procedures, dependent on the target area and amount of product used, can cost anywhere from $600 to $800 per syringe.

Juvederm

One similarity between Restylane vs. Juvederm, as mentioned, is their highly specialized branded product families. The Juvederm product line includes Juvederm Voluma XC, Juvederm Vollure XC, Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, Juvederm Ultra XC, and Juvederm Volbella XC. Like Restylane, and unlike Radiesse, Juvederm dermal fillers are based in hyaluronic acid and can last up to one to two years after treatment.

Target Areas

When considering the under eye and lips as the areas of desired volumizing treatment, the best products from Juvederm to consider are Juvederm Ultra XC and Volbella XC.

While Juvederm Ultra XC can also be used on wrinkles and fine lines, it is one of the best on the market and most well-suited for lip enhancements. Juvederm Volbella XC is similarly ideal for the lip area; however, it does not consistently add the same volume level as its counterpart.

This slight discrepancy is what makes Volbella XC best in this product line for the under eye area. Its less dense consistency makes it much easier to add just the right amount of volume to the already sensitive and delicate area.

Cost

Juvederm procedures will cost about $600 to $800 per syringe.

Radiesse

In terms of Restylane vs. Radiesse, and Radiesse vs. Juvederm, Radiesse is truly different from the others. Rather than a long list of branded products, Radiesse has two: Radiesse and Radiesse (+). Different from Restylane and Juvederm, its key ingredient is calcium hydroxyapatite. 

Target Areas

When it comes to treating the lips and under eye area, there is a clear distinction between Restylane vs. Radiesse, and Radiesse vs. Juvederm. Although for areas like smile lines and simpler wrinkles, Radiesse garners very positive customer reviews, for more focused areas like lips and tear troughs, Radiesse is definitely a lesser option.

Radiesse is not recommended for use within the lips, although it can be used in wrinkles surrounding them. For the tear trough area, Restylane and Juvederm are a better choice for their safer hyaluronic acid base.

Cost

Although Radiesse falls short in treating lips and under eye areas, it is often the most expensive filler option at about $600 to $900 per syringe.

What to Expect

Convenience and instant gratification are part of why Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse dermal fillers have become so popular. As minimally-invasive, fast-acting procedures that take only 15 minutes to an hour and require little recovery time, they are easy, virtually painless solutions to signs of facial aging.

After any of these treatment options, a patient may experience slight discomfort, redness, swelling, bruising, itching, and some additional, minor side effects at the injection sites. During treatment recovery, it’s important to avoid vigorous exercise, sun exposure or heat to the skin, and drinking alcohol for the first day following the procedure. It is also useful to stay hydrated and well rested prior to treatment, arnica tablets can also be taken before and after injection to minimize bruising and swelling.  Soft ice packs may be used post-treatment as well. 

Ultimately, Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse are excellent filler options that combat the signs of aging—although they do work best for targeting different areas. These unique families of dermal fillers are versatile, effective, and safe. 

If you are interested in learning if Restylane or Radiesse are the right choice for you, contact a cosmetic physician today to discuss your options.