At Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, we’ve been using dermal filler injections for over three decades, and we still get excited when someone walks through our doors asking about facial rejuvenation. The science behind the hyaluronic acid in these products and what they can achieve still amazes us.
Let us paint you a picture: Someone might come in saying they look tired all the time, or they catch their reflection and wonder when those lines appeared. Our injectors have seen patients who avoid photos, cover their faces when they laugh, or simply feel like their outside doesn’t match how young they feel inside. That’s where Juvéderm and Restylane come into play – two powerhouse brands that have revolutionized non-surgical facial enhancement. If you’re ready to explore how these treatments can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, schedule your consultation with our experienced team.
Here’s the thing that surprises many people: these aren’t just “wrinkle fillers.” They’re sophisticated gel formulations that can restore volume, enhance contours, and even improve skin quality. We always tell patients that understanding these products is like understanding the difference between a paintbrush and a sculpting tool – both create art, but in very different ways.
Our team at PSCHR has collectively performed thousands of filler treatments over the last 30 years. Between our surgeons and med spa providers, they’ve accumulated over 90 years of experience. That translates to seeing trends come and go, techniques evolve, and most importantly, understanding what really works for our patients in Newport News and the surrounding Hampton Roads area.
Understanding Juvéderm and Restylane
We’ll be honest – in the past, filler options were limited and, frankly, not great. Today’s hyaluronic acid fillers are a completely different story. Let us break down the science.
How Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Work
Hyaluronic acid is already in your body – it’s what helps your skin retain moisture and maintain that plump, youthful appearance. As we age, we lose about 1% of our hyaluronic acid each year after age 30. That’s why someone might notice their face looking more hollow or lined as time passes.
Both Juvéderm and Restylane use synthetic versions of this molecule, but here’s where it gets interesting: they cross-link the molecules differently. Cross-linking (basically connecting the molecules together) determines how the filler behaves once injected. According to an authoritative study, Juvéderm uses a technology called Vycross, which creates a smooth, cohesive gel. Restylane uses NASHA technology, resulting in a more granular consistency.
When to Choose Each Filler
Why does this matter? Well, our injectors find that Juvéderm tends to spread more evenly, making it excellent for areas where you want smooth, natural movement – like the lips or nasolabial folds (those lines from your nose to mouth). Restylane, with its firmer consistency, excels at providing structure and lift, making it my go-to for cheek augmentation or defining the jawline.
A lot of people get confused about longevity. Both brands last anywhere from 6 to 24 months, depending on the specific product and where it’s placed. We always explain that areas with more movement (like the lips) break down filler faster than static areas (like the cheeks). It’s physics, really – constant motion equals faster metabolism of the product.
What to Expect
Here’s where we might get a bit too detailed for some, but understanding the product lines helps you make informed decisions. Both companies have expanded far beyond their original formulations, and each product has specific characteristics that make it ideal for certain applications.
The Juvéderm Collection
Juvéderm’s lineup includes Ultra and Ultra Plus for general filling, Voluma for cheek augmentation, Vollure for moderate to severe wrinkles, and Volbella for subtle lip enhancement. Our team particularly loves Voluma for creating or restoring cheek structure – its thick consistency and ability to lift make it perfect for addressing age-related volume loss in the midface.
The Restylane Collection
Restylane’s family is equally impressive: Classic Restylane, Lyft for deeper injection and cheek augmentation, Silk for lips and fine lines, Refyne and Defyne for dynamic wrinkles, and Kysse, specifically designed for lips. Research from a peer-reviewed study shows that our team finds themselves reaching for Refyne and Defyne frequently because they use XpresHAn technology, which allows the filler to move naturally with facial expressions.
One thing we’re refreshingly honest about: no single brand or product is universally superior. We’ve had patients swear by Juvéderm for their lips, while others prefer Restylane. It often comes down to individual anatomy, metabolism, and aesthetic goals. That’s why having experience with both brands is crucial – it allows our team to customize the treatment based on what will work best for each person.
Investment and Value
Let us share how we approach product selection for different facial areas. After decades of injecting, we’ve developed some preferences, though our injectors always emphasize that every face is unique.
Lip Enhancement Options
For the lips, we consider several factors: existing lip size, desired outcome, and patient age. Younger patients wanting subtle enhancement often do beautifully with Volbella or Restylane Silk. Someone seeking more dramatic volume might be better served with Juvéderm Ultra or Restylane Kysse. We’ve seen cases where combining products – using a firmer filler for structure and a softer one for volume – creates the most natural results.
Cheek Augmentation and Facial Structure
Cheek augmentation is where we really geek out. The cheeks provide the scaffolding for the entire face, and proper enhancement here can create a lifting effect that improves multiple areas. Voluma and Restylane Lyft are my workhorses here, placed deep on the bone for maximum lift and longevity. We often explain to patients that treating the cheeks first can reduce the amount of filler needed in other areas.
Treating Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines
For nasolabial folds and marionette lines (those lines from the corners of your mouth downward), product selection depends on severity and skin thickness. Deeper folds in thicker skin respond well to Juvéderm Ultra Plus or classic Restylane. For finer lines or thinner skin, Vollure or Refyne provide beautiful, natural correction without looking overdone.
Under-Eye Rejuvenation
The under-eye area (tear troughs) requires special consideration. This delicate area demands precise technique and the right product choice. We typically use Restylane or Volbella here, as their properties minimize the risk of the Tyndall effect (a bluish discoloration that can occur with certain fillers in thin-skinned areas).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Juvéderm and Restylane treatments cost?
Pricing varies significantly based on the specific product and amount needed. Generally, expect to invest $600-800 per syringe, with most treatments requiring 1-3 syringes. Our team will always provide exact quotes during consultations because everyone’s needs differ. Some areas, like lips, might need just one syringe, while full facial rejuvenation could require 4-6 syringes strategically placed.
Which lasts longer, Juvéderm or Restylane?
Neither brand universally lasts longer – it depends on the specific product and treatment area. Voluma and Restylane Lyft in the cheeks can last 18-24 months, while lip fillers typically last 6-12 months regardless of brand. Our team notices that patients who maintain good skincare and healthy lifestyles often enjoy longer-lasting results.
Can I switch between brands?
Absolutely! We frequently use different brands on the same patient. Someone might have Voluma in their cheeks and Restylane in their lips. The key is understanding how different products layer and interact. Our team keeps detailed records of what products go where, making future treatments more predictable.
What's the recovery time?
Most patients return to normal activities immediately, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours. Bruising, if it occurs, typically resolves within a week. Our team provides specific aftercare instructions and sometimes will schedule a two-week follow-up to assess results and perform any necessary touch-ups.
How do I choose between Juvéderm and Restylane?
This decision should be made with your injector based on your specific anatomy and goals. During consultations at our Newport News and Williamsburg facilities, they will assess facial structure, skin quality, and desired outcomes to recommend the most appropriate products. Sometimes they’ll suggest starting with one brand and potentially trying another for comparison.
After all these years of practicing at Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, we’ve learned that successful filler treatment is as much art as science. It requires understanding facial anatomy, product characteristics, and most importantly, truly listening to what patients want to achieve. Whether you’re considering your first filler treatment or you’re a seasoned patient, the key is finding an experienced injector who takes time to understand your goals and has the expertise to achieve them safely. If you’re in the Newport News or Williamsburg area and considering dermal fillers, give us a call at (757) 873-3500. We’d love to help you explore your options and create a treatment plan that helps you look and feel your best.
Getting Started
We need to be direct here: while dermal fillers are incredibly safe when properly administered, they’re still medical procedures with potential risks. In our AAAASF-accredited facility, we maintain the highest safety standards, but believe in complete transparency about what can go wrong.
Common and Rare Side Effects
Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and tenderness – our injectors tell patients to expect to look a bit puffy for a few days. Less common but more serious complications can include vascular occlusion (blocking a blood vessel), which is why understanding facial anatomy is crucial. Our team’s collective experience means we know exactly where blood vessels run and how to avoid them.
Setting Realistic Expectations
We’ve turned away patients who weren’t good candidates for fillers. Someone with active skin infections, certain autoimmune conditions, or unrealistic expectations might need to explore other options. We’d rather have an honest conversation than perform a treatment that won’t deliver the desired results.
Speaking of expectations, our injectors spend considerable time during consultations showing before-and-after photos and explaining what’s achievable. Someone might come in with a photo of a celebrity, and our injectors gently explain that fillers can enhance their natural features but won’t transform them into someone else. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not a different person entirely.
Maintaining Your Results
One aspect people often overlook is maintenance. Fillers aren’t permanent, and maintaining results requires ongoing treatments. As noted in a scientific analysis, I create treatment plans that consider both immediate goals and long-term facial aging. Sometimes that means starting conservatively and building over time, other times it involves combining fillers with other treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward natural-looking facial enhancement, get started today with a personalized consultation at our Newport News or Williamsburg facility.
Written by: Dr. Michael Cohen
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads
About Dr. Cohen
