Is Juvederm the Same as BOTOX?
By Neel Kanase | Published on October 13, 2010 | 0 Comments
Thanks to the instant, noticeable results they provide, injectables like Juvederm and BOTOX have become increasingly popular for reversing the signs of aging. But is Juvederm the same as BOTOX? No, says Neel Kanase, MD of Corpus Christi Laser Clinic, a Corpus Christi medical spa. At Dr. Kanase’s clinic, both Juvederm and BOTOX are offered, but are used in different ways. He explains.
What Is Juvederm?
Juvederm, Dr. Kanase says, is an injectable “filler” designed to give the skin a smooth, wrinkle-free look. Primarily used to treat deep folds or wrinkles on the face, Juvederm is best for patients who are dissatisfied with their appearance and aren’t nursing or pregnant.
Lip augmentation can also be performed using Juvederm, says Dr. Kanase, as can facial contouring. Because results are long-lasting but not permanent, Juvederm is ideal for individuals who are worried that they may not be happy with the results of cosmetic surgery.
How Does It Work?
Juvederm, says Dr. Kanase, is an artificial collagen that belongs to a category of substances called hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally within the body. Unlike fillers used in years past, Juvederm is highly biocompatible, does not pose a risk of allergic reaction and doesn’t require spot testing before it can be used.
Juvederm works by bridging the gaps between collagen fibers that become more pronounced as we get older. As we age, we produce less collagen, the skin’s natural connective tissue. This lack of collagen causes skin to sag and wrinkle in response to gravity. “When you fill in the holes between lost collagen fibers,” Dr. Kanase says, “you can give the skin a much nicer, younger look.”
Injectable fillers, Dr. Kanase says, were first introduced about 10 years ago. The first artificial collagens produced results that lasted about four weeks. In 2002, when Restylane was introduced, it offer much longer-lasting results – up to four months. “It was revolutionary at the time,” he says. Juvederm, however, offers the longest-lasting results to date. “Juvederm Ultra Plus, which we use,” Dr. Kanase says, “lasts between 12 and 15 months.” And the results are instantaneous – by the time the procedure is completed, patients can see that wrinkles are gone.
How Is It Different than BOTOX?
Juvederm works differently than BOTOX, Dr. Kanase says, in that it fortifies the skin itself, improving its firmness and elasticity while reducing the appearance of wrinkles by filling them in. Juvederm is best, he says, for deep wrinkles on the lower part of the face, like pronounced nasolabial folds or lines that occur in the upper lip area.
BOTOX, on the other hand, works well to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the upper half of the face, like “crow’s feet” (wrinkles at the corners of the eyes) or “worry lines” (lines on the forehead or between the eyebrows). Unlike Juvederm, BOTOX smooths wrinkles by relaxing the underlying facial muscles.
“Both products are considered very safe and very effective,” says Dr. Kanase. “And each can play a role in helping you to achieve a more youthful look.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.