In the world of aesthetic medicine, it is the rivalry of the decade: Juvederm vs Restylane fillers. Like Pepsi vs. Coke or iPhone vs. Android, everyone seems to have a favorite. If you are planning a facial rejuvenation treatment during your stay in Koh Samui, you might be wondering which of these industry giants is right for you.
At LIV Clinic, we don’t believe one is strictly “better” than the other. Instead, we believe they are different tools for different jobs. Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut compares them to paintbrushes; you wouldn’t use a roller to paint a fine portrait. Similarly, we choose the filler brand based on the specific texture, lift, and finish your face needs.
Why You Can Trust LIV Clinic’s Recommendation
Navigating the nuances of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers requires more than just a certificate; it requires years of hands-on artistry. Our medical team at LIV Clinic has extensive experience injecting both product lines. We understand how they behave under the skin—how much they lift, how much water they attract, and how long they truly last in the tropical climate of Thailand.
We are fully transparent about our products. We stock only authentic, FDA-approved fillers imported directly from the manufacturers (Allergan and Galderma). When you consult with us, we explain why we are choosing a specific syringe for you, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
The Core Difference: Texture and Technology
While both brands are made of Hyaluronic Acid (a sugar molecule naturally found in your skin), the way they are cross-linked creates different behaviors.
Juvederm (The Smooth Operator)
Made by Allergan (USA), Juvederm uses Vycross and Hylacross technology.
-
The Feel: It is a smooth, cohesive gel. Imagine the consistency of smooth honey or jelly.
-
The Behavior: It tends to diffuse (spread) slightly into the tissue, making it excellent for filling broad areas of volume loss and creating a soft, plush look.
-
Best For: plump lips, smoothing deep folds, and adding soft volume to cheeks.
Restylane (The Structural Architect)
Made by Galderma (Sweden), Restylane uses NASHA and OBT technology.
-
The Feel: It is a granular, firmer gel. Imagine the consistency of wet sand or firm pudding.
-
The Behavior: It is cohesive and stays exactly where it is placed without spreading. This makes it ideal for structure and definition.
-
Best For: sharp cheekbones, defining the jawline, under-eye hollows, and precise lip borders.
Area by Area: Which Brand Wins?
To give you a better idea of which product might be in your future treatment plan, let’s break it down by facial zone.
For Lips: Plush vs. Defined
-
Juvederm (Ultra / Volbella): If you want that “kissy,” pillowy volume and hydration, Juvederm is often the winner. It attracts water, giving a glossy, plump effect.
-
Restylane (Kysse): If you want structure, a defined Cupid’s bow, or the “Russian Lip” look, Restylane is superior. It provides volume without the “ducky” projection.
For Cheeks and Chin: Lift vs. Contour
-
Restylane (Lyft): With a high lifting capacity (G-Prime), this is fantastic for mimicking bone. It creates sharp, high cheekbones and a defined chin.
-
Juvederm (Voluma / Volux): Voluma is excellent for adding volume to the apple of the cheek for a youthful curve, while Volux is the heavyweight champion for jawline sculpting.
For Under Eyes: The Safety Choice
-
Restylane (Eyelight / Classic): This is generally preferred for the tear troughs. It doesn’t expand as much as Juvederm, significantly reducing the risk of long-term puffy eyes (malar edema).
Comparison Table: The Product Lineup
Both brands have expansive families of products. Here is how the most popular ones compare at LIV Clinic.
Longevity: Which Lasts Longer?
In the battle of Juvederm vs Restylane fillers, Juvederm often claims the title for longevity, particularly with its Vycross line (Voluma, Volux), which can last up to 24 months. Restylane products typically last between 9 to 18 months.
However, longevity isn’t everything. Sometimes a shorter-duration filler is better for dynamic areas (like around the mouth) to ensure the result looks natural as your face ages and changes.
The Price Factor in 2026
Generally, Juvederm products command a slightly higher price point per syringe compared to Restylane, primarily due to their longevity and brand positioning. At LIV Clinic, we offer competitive pricing for both, and we often create packages that mix and match brands to give you the best possible result for your budget.
Aftercare and Recovery
Regardless of the brand, the aftercare remains the same.
-
Swelling: Juvederm tends to swell slightly more in the first 48 hours because it pulls in more water. Restylane swelling is usually mild.
-
Bruising: This depends on the needle/cannula technique, not the brand.
-
Settling Time: Both fillers take about 2 weeks to fully “marry” with your tissue and soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix Juvederm and Restylane in the same face?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it! We might use Restylane Lyft to define your cheekbones (structure) and Juvederm Volbella to hydrate your lips (softness). We just avoid mixing them in the exact same injection site during the same session.
Which one looks more natural?
Both look 100% natural in the hands of an expert. The “fake” look comes from overfilling or placing the wrong product in the wrong layer of skin, not from the brand itself.
Is one safer than the other?
Both possess impeccable safety records. They are FDA-approved and have been used in millions of treatments worldwide. Allergies to HA fillers are extremely rare.
Does Juvederm hurt less?
Both brands now include Lidocaine (a numbing agent) inside the gel itself. This means that as we inject, the area becomes numb, making the procedure very tolerable for both.
Can they be dissolved?
Yes. Both Juvederm and Restylane are Hyaluronic Acid fillers. If you are unhappy with the result, we can dissolve them safely using an enzyme called Hyaluronidase.
Contact Us
Still undecided? Let us assess your skin and bone structure to recommend the perfect match.
-
Phone: +66 65-996-4242
-
Whatsapp: (+66) 65 996 4242
-
Line Official: @Livclinic
-
Email: Livclinic.samui@gmail.com
-
Address: 1/63 Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand, 84320
-
Website: https://liv.clinic/
References
-
Harper’s Bazaar. (2024). The Difference Between Juvederm, Restylane, and Other Fillers. Retrieved from https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a28468307/juvederm-vs-restylane/
-
Healthline. (2023). Juvederm vs. Restylane: What’s the Difference? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/juvederm-vs-restylane
-
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2021). Rheological Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8363640/
-
RealSelf. (2026). Restylane vs. Juvederm: Reviews and Cost. Retrieved from https://www.realself.com/non-surgical/dermal-fillers
