Juvederm Vs. Botox: Which Should You Choose?

Botox and Juvederm are two popular cosmetic treatments that can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Both are approved by the FDA, but they work in very different ways, and they have different uses and results. It’s important to understand what each injectable is able to do before you choose one. You can learn about the differences between Juvederm and Botox by searching online.

How Juvederm Works (and How Much It Costs)

Juvederm is a dermal filler made with hyaluronic acid, a biocompatible acid that absorbs into the body within several months after treatment. It is injected near the wrinkle to add volume to the underlying skin. Juvederm XC, the most current line of Juvederm preparations, also includes lidocaine, an analgesic that minimizes pain at the site of the injection.

Contrary to a popular misconception, Juvederm is not a fat injection. Fat injections use body fat taken from the patient to fill out the areas around wrinkles. By using biocompatible substances, Juvederm accomplishes a similar effect, but with a simpler set of treatments. Hyaluronic acid is thought to stimulate collagen production, reducing wrinkles without simply filling them in and promoting skin elasticity. Some cosmetic surgeons believe that Juvederm provides more consistent results than fat injections, since fat injections can continue to grow and distort appearance.

Is Juvederm Safe?

Like all cosmetic medical treatments, Juvederm can have side effects. The most common side effects include redness, itching, swelling, pain, and tenderness at the site of the injection. Because most Juvederm variations contain lidocaine, people with lidocaine allergies should not use Juvederm.

Most Juvederm side effects resolve soon after the treatment. Patients can limit some side effects by avoiding direct sunlight and strenuous exercise for 24 hours after each treatment.

As with all injections, Juvederm treatments carry a risk of unintentional injection into blood vessels. This is extremely rare but can result in vision abnormalities, permanent scarring, and other long-term side effects.

Results to Expect from Juvederm

Juvederm is commonly used to reduce several common signs of aging, and the various Juvederm products are intended to serve specific functions:

• Juvederm Volbella XC - Intended for injection in the lips.
• Juvederm Ultra XC - Intended for injection in the lips and perioral (near the mouth) area.
• Juvederm Voluma XC - Intended for deep injection in the cheek and chin area.
• Juvederm Vollure XC and Juvederm XC - Intended for injection in “severe facial wrinkles and folds,” including the nasolabial folds (near the nose).

A physician may recommend one or more of these treatments to their patients, depending on the patient’s skin condition, wrinkle severity, and various other factors.

Typically, Juvederm has immediate results, though some patients will need to wait for swelling to reduce to see the effects. Juvederm results are expected to last up to two years. In one study, 92.8 percent of patients treated with hyaluronic acid injections rated their cheek volume as improved after six months; 79 percent of patients gave the same feedback after two years.

How Botox Works (and How Much It Costs)

Botox Cosmetic is not a filler. It works by temporarily reducing the muscle activity that causes wrinkles, smoothing the appearance of the skin. The name “Botox" refers to a specific neurotoxic protein derived from a bacteria, but that shouldn’t frighten patients: Botox injections are generally considered safe, per the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and Botox Cosmetic is approved by the FDA.

Is Botox Safe?

Neurotoxic treatments are the single-most popular type of cosmetic treatment in the United States, and most patients encounter only minor side effects. However, all cosmetic procedures carry some risk.

Side effects from Botox Cosmetic can include:

• Flu-like symptoms and headache
• Localized muscle weakness
• Eye dryness or excessive tearing
• Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site

Rare side effects include breathing problems, vision problems, and trouble speaking or swallowing. These severe symptoms may indicate that the toxin in the injection has spread past the site of injection, and patients who experience these side effects should contact their physicians right away.

Again, most Botox side effects are minor and resolve within days of treatment. When scheduling a Botox treatment, patients should tell their physicians about medications they’re taking (including over-the-counter pain relievers and health supplements) and underlying health conditions. This reduces the risk of major complications.

Results to Expect from Botox

Botox can treat wrinkles near the eyes, forehead, corners of the mouth, and chin, along with difficult-to-manage glabellar lines (frown lines), Results typically last about 3-6 months, and many patients receive regular treatments to maintain the effects. At these follow-up visits, cosmetic surgeons may adjust the dosage of the injection or use different techniques to ensure the best possible results.

Generally, Botox-type treatments are less expensive per dose than Juvederm, but more treatments are often required. A report in Town & Country notes that pricing can vary by location, but Botox costs around $20 per dose, with around 50 doses required per session (a total of around $1,000). Juvederm can cost around $1,000-2,000 per treatment.

Ultimately, both options are affordable, though patients should work closely with their physicians to determine an appropriate course of treatment and to ensure long-lasting results.

Choosing Between Botox and Juvederm

Patients often wonder whether Juvederm works better than Botox or vice-versa, but the truth is that either treatment may be appropriate for an individual depending on the location of their wrinkles, their health history, and various other factors. The treatments work in different ways, and some surgeons may even recommend both options for minimizing wrinkles and restoring a youthful appearance.

Ideally, patients will explore each treatment option prior to scheduling a visit with a physician. Understanding the treatments — along with side effects, costs, and other important information — gives people the tools they need to make knowledgeable decisions. The best tactic is to use the resources here to get informed, then schedule a visit with an experienced cosmetic surgeon.