Botox, otherwise known as Botulinum toxin Type A initially had been applied for correcting extraocular muscle-related diseases. It has found its way in pharmaceutical cosmetics when the aesthetic application was observed.
Botox is one of the most famous cosmetic procedures in the world, with over 4.4 million injections given out in 2020. Although the number of Botox injections were higher in 2019, with over 5 million injections performed, it has seen a 450% increase in 2000’s. That’s equivalent to a 100% increase every 5 years.
In this article, two cosmetic procedures to smooth out wrinkles will be compared – juvederm vs botox. They will be compared based on cost, duration of treatment, the process involved, as well as their pros and cons. Read more to find out.
What is Juvederm?
Juvederm is a patented injectable for cosmetic augmentation. The company behind the product is Allergan. Founders Allen Chao and David Hsia established these in 1948. Allergan started with products to reduce ocular inflammation and most of their products are made for allergies. The company focuses on pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Juvederm’s composition is hyaluronic acid. It’s a naturally occuring substance much like deoxycholic acid used for liposuction. Although hyaluronic isn’t a lipolytic, its main function is to stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is essential in providing a supple and healthy looking skin.
Hyaluronic acid is found in other parts of the body like the skin and joints that’s why it’s perfectly safe to use as a dermal filler. Juvederm however has synthetic components. This version of hyaluronic acid works exactly the same way as that of the natural substance produced by the body, increasing intracellular fluid, which in turn will remove wrinkles and folds.
Overview of Juvederm Procedures
There are currently four areas targeted for Juvederm injections
- Juvederm Voluma XC
- Juvederm Vollure XC and Juvederm XC
- Juvederm Volbella XC
- Juvederm Ultra XC
What is Juvederm Voluma XC?
Juvederm Voluma XC is a dermal filler specifically for the cheek. It’s a deep injection to improve volume. It can also be used to augment the chin. The target audience for the Volume is anyone over 21.
What is Juvederm Vollure XC and Juvederm XC?
This dermal filler is intended for the facial tissues. It removes facial wrinkles and nasolabial folds. It’s also indicated for patients over 21.
What is Juvederm Volbella XC?
For individuals who want to improve how their lips look, Juvederm Volbella is the choice. It’s also useful to correct or smoothen out lines from the mouth.
What is Juvederm Ultra XC?
Juvederm Ultra XC is similar to Volbella – it’s a dermal filler for the lips but it can also be used to smoothen out nasolabial folds (smile lines). This makes it a two-in-one treatment.
Before and After
Juvederm Voluma XC, Before and After, Cheeks
(source)
Juvederm Voluma XC, Before and After, Nasolabial Line Reduction
Juvederm Volbella XC, Before and After, Lip Augmentation
Juvederm Ultra XC, Before and After, Lip/ Nasolabial Augmentation
(source)
How Does Juvederm work?
- Medical Examination
A default part of the Juvederm treatment is assessing whether the patient has any allergies towards hyaluronic acid. They will also be asked if they’re taking any anticoagulants (Aspirin included), or if they have a medical condition that makes them more likely to bleed. They will also be asked if they’re predisposed to developing keloid scars as Juvederm will require a series of injections.
Individuals that wish to receive Juvederm are expected to stop consuming alcohol for at least two weeks as the alcoholic beverages are classified as a blood thinning substance. Juvederm is also not indicated for pregnant or lactating women due to the lack of confirmatory studies if it has a negative effect on both statuses.
- Explanation of the Procedure
At this part, the role of the Juvederm professional will be educating the client on the expectations, risks and results of the treatment. They will be made aware that possible risks and side effects of Juvederm treatment include the any or all of the following:
- Redness
- Pain
- swelling
- Firmness or tenderness around the site of injection
- Minor bruising
- Minor irritation
These side effects go away after a while, and individuals are required to follow up with their doctors for any complications that may develop. The doctors will discuss with the individuals recommended treatment options to maximize their Juvederm sessions.
At this point, it’s very useful for individuals to ask questions about pricing. They can also ask questions about how long the procedures last. Typically, Juvederm sessions don’t extend more than an hour and patients can go about their day after receiving the dermal fillers.
- Injecting the Juvederm fillers.
Depending on Juvederm classification, the fillers will be injected in any of the following areas: general lip area, general nose area, periocular area, chins, cheek and surrounding facial muscles, nasolabial lines, or forehead.
What is Botox?
The current holder for the Botox patent is Allergan Inc. Allergan is a company specializing in pharmaceutical, health and wellness products, with a focus on the nervous system. Historically, Allergan was focused on eye treatments. One of their first products was eye drops to reduce inflammation.
Botox has been in use since the late 1980’s. It has become a staple cosmetic procedure for most people in the movie industry.
Overview of Botox Procedure
Allergan currently has three varieties for botox:
- Botox Cosmetic Product
- Botox Product
- Botox Medical
The only one that will be shown in this article is Botox cosmetic. Botox is indicated for moderate to severe forehead lines, including lines between the brows, and around the eyes.
During the consultation phase, individuals with infection at the site of injection will not be able to receive Botox as it is listed as one of the contraindications. Other contraindications for Botox include allergy to botulinum toxin, so an allergen test will be performed prior to the sessions.
Botulinum toxin works by inhibiting nerve cells from relaying signals to muscles. The smoothing effect one gets from Botox injections is due to the permanent muscle contraction. The muscles stay in a contracted position and will not relax due to the absence of neurotransmitters (or signals) from nerve cells. In other words, Botox blocks nerves from communicating with muscle cells.
Only licensed medical professionals and cosmetologists are allowed to administer cosmetic Botox. The dosage for cosmetic botox is not interchangeable with Botox Product and Botox Medical or vice versa. Each product has its own indications and contraindications.
Before and After
Botox Cosmetic, Before and After, Glabellar Lines
Botox Cosmetic, Before and After, Canthal Lines
Botox Cosmetic, Before and After, Forehead Lines
How Does Botox Cosmetic Procedure Work?
The following are the general procedures for administering Botox cosmetics.
For glabellar lines, around 20 units are injected into 5 sites. Canthal lines, or lines near the eyes and located on the forehead, have a total of 24 units injected. For forehead lines, individuals receive over 40 units.
Although other articles may cite that the most common areas requested for Botox Cosmetic injections are on the forehead, it is because it is the only indication it is approved for. Botox treatments for other areas of the face require a different variety of Botox Product and can only be done by a professional licensed to carry out the procedure.
Where to Get Juvederm?
Address: Click the “Find A Provider” button on the upper right section of the website to look for the nearest Juvederm service provider or simply enter a zip code.
Phone Number: 1 (800) 678-1605 (Allergan Customer Service)
Email: no email available
How to Setup An Appointment
Before proceeding with Juvederm sessions, appointments have to be made by the individual requesting the treatment. They can use the locator on the website to find out the contact details of the nearest Juvederm provider. The providers usually do a free consultation.
During the consultation, the patient may ask anything about the costs of the treatment. Some providers have their own dedicated websites with forms the patients can fill out so they get registered on the system.
The providers may also ask for photos to make things efficient. This is optional though, and individuals can decline at the expense of a possible consultation fee and a longer process.
Where to Get Botox?
Address: Click this link to find the nearest Botox Cosmetic provider.
Phone Number: 1‑800‑377‑7790
Email: no email available
How to Setup An Appointment
Setting up an appointment for a Botox Cosmetic treatment is easy. Using the locator in Botox Cosmetic website, persons can call the number of the provider or send them an email. The provider will usually require an in-person visit from the individual to discuss options and address questions related to the treatment.
During the consultation phase, the standard medical examination will be done. This involves a physical assessment of the area needing injections. If the health care professional observes an infection is present at the problem areas, the patient may be required to wait until it subsides.
How much are the procedures for Juvederm?
The prices below are for Juvederm.
| Treatment Type | Price |
|---|---|
Juvederm Estimates |
|
| Forehead | $450.00 |
| Crow’s Feet | $500.00 |
| Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines) | $500.00 |
For a fair comparison, this table will show only Juvederm treatments and costs that match that of Botox. The treatments shown here are located on the forehead area.
These prices may differ from existing providers. Individuals are highly encouraged to contact the nearest Juvederm provider using the links provided in this article.
During the consultation phase, the patients will be educated on how the procedure will be done. It will be a good chance to ask the health care provider about the risks involved in using Juvederm or hyaluronic acid fillers.
How much are the procedures for Botox?
| Treatment Type | Price |
|---|---|
Botox Estimates |
|
| Glabellar (between eyebrows) | $325.00 |
| Canthal (crow’s feet) | $325.00 |
| Forehead Lines | $475.00 |
This pricing is taken from one of the Botox Cosmetic providers. It is recommended that individuals contact their nearest Botox Cosmetic provider for more accurate pricing.
The Botox cosmetic provider may require patients to sign a waiver indicating that the latter understands the risks involved in undergoing Botox Cosmetic treatments. Possible side effects of Botox Cosmetic injection include swelling, temporary paralysis, and eyelid ptosis.
Adverse effects of Botox Cosmetic, especially with unapproved use include dysphagia or difficulty swallowing, lockjaw, and in rare cases, difficulty breathing. Of course this only happens if individuals walk into clinics that are not FDA approved or individuals decide to self administer Botox, which should not be the case.
PROS and CONS
Juvederm Treatment |
|
PROS |
|
| Uses hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen growth | |
| Relies on collagen and elastin fibers to develop, less likely to fade over time | |
| Close to natural process of stimulating the body to produce the filler (collagen) | |
| Hyaluronic acid is used widely as a filler | |
CONS |
|
| May trigger hyaluronic acid allergy reaction | |
| Involves several needles but anesthetics will be used | |
| Results may take several sessions before they become permanent | |
Botox Cosmetic |
|
PROS |
|
| Instant results - wrinkles instantly disappear | |
| Lower average cost than juvederm | |
| Lesser downtime and recover, can be done in an outpatient setup | |
| Golden standard, has been in use, a lot of providers offer Botox Cosmetic treatment | |
CONS |
|
| May trigger Botulinum toxin A allergic reaction | |
| Has adverse reactions if improperly administered (difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing) | |
| Smoothness of skin is dependent on muscle volume and amount of collagen present, needs reapplication | |
Conclusion
Botox is hard to beat when it comes to smoothing out wrinkles. In addition to faster results, Botox Cosmetic injections are performed by several doctors all over the country. It has become a widespread medical and cosmetic practice.
Juvederm uses hyaluronic acid which stimulates collagen growth. The only advantage it has is it gives the illusion of younger looking skin, since young skin will have ample amounts of fat. Botox relies on available muscles to contract, and individuals who settle for Botox may find themselves using dermal fillers to augment the appearance of their skin.
For individuals who plan on using dermal fillers in the future, Botox provides a hassle-free, wrinkle-free skin solution. Juvederm is for patients who want to spend a little bit more to get the bonus of healthy looking skin.