Lip fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures with our patients. Not only do lip fillers help to plump up thin lips, but it also corrects age-related thinning of the lips.

So, with several different options to choose from…which lip filler product is better? Check out my answers below.

What is JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC?

This lip filler is an injectable gel made from hyaluronic acid (HA). You should know that HA is a naturally occurring sugar/carbohydrate molecule found in the skin. Its main purpose is to draw in water toward cells, keeping them hydrated.

Once injected, JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC adds volume to the lips as the HA molecules draw water to them like thirsty little magnets. The cells in your lips will appear plumper and fuller, which results in a beautiful lip augmentation.

One of the benefits of this product is that it contains lidocaine, a numbing medication that helps make injections more comfortable.

Another bonus is that JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC is also ideal for correcting volume loss in nasolabial folds around the mouth as well…a two-in-one solution for anti-aging.

JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC lasts up to one year!

What is Restylane^® Kysse?

This lip filler is unique because it has been created with a technology called “XpresHAn^TM” cross-linked gel. Just like Juvederm, this product is hyaluronic acid based.

The difference with Restylane^® Kysse is that it allows for enhanced flexibility during lip movements, natural looking soft volume, and enhanced texture (fewer wrinkles) and color in the lips.

Due to the flexibility of this product, lips sustain their full range of natural movements such as speaking, laughing, eating, or drinking. This product cannot be used in other areas of the face than the lips. However, a bonus of this product is that the manufacturer boasts that less gel needs to be injected to get the same results as with other lip fillers.

Restylane^® Kysse also lasts up to one year!

Side-by-Side Comparison of Both Products

Which lip filler hurts less?

• If you’re afraid of needles and the discomfort that comes with lip fillers, then JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC is the better choice. This product contains a numbing solution in the injectable whereas Restylane^® Kysse does not.

*Note that if you prefer Restylane^® Kysse, you can ask us for some topical numbing cream before your injections.

Which lip filler lasts longer?

• Both of these products last for up to one year, so either one would be a great choice for long lasting results.

Which one offers the most natural looking results?

• According to the manufacturer’s online product information, Restylane^® Kysse is the better choice. This product boasts cross-linked HA gel, which offers enhanced flexibility and a full range of movement in the lips.

Which one is more versatile?

• Because Restylane^® Kysse is only FDA approved for injection into the lip area, you will not be able to use any remaining portion of the syringe for other facial areas. For instance, if you only need 2/3 of the syringe for the amount of lip volume you want…the rest of the syringe cannot be repurposed for filling in facial lines.
• JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC is the better choice if you want to address thinning lips as well as nasolabial creases. You are more likely to fully use each syringe if you treat multiple areas at once. This product is FDA approved for use in both the lips and nasolabial folds.

Which lip filler looks better?

• JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC offers flexible volume that looks natural (if injected moderately). Any type of over-filling of the lips (I do not offer this!) will result in less movement of the lips. Although this product is made from HA and offers added hydration and volume, it does not enhance the color of the lips.
• Restylane^® Kysse is formulated with special technology that is designed to move more naturally due to its enhanced flexibility. Additionally, this lip filler boasts the ability to smooth out lip texture (fewer wrinkles) and enhance lip color.

How much needs to be injected for the results I want?

• JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC is designed for a specific amount to be injected depending upon how much volume you’d like to add to your lips. The amount to be injected also depends upon how much volume you start off with.
• Each person is different, so if you want natural looking results, expect to use between 1 and 2 syringes in the lips.
• Restylane^® Kysse has been formulated to use less of the syringe (1.82 mL versus 2.24 mL) to attain similar results as competing lip fillers. This means that less filler needs to be injected. Remember, however, that whatever is left of the syringe cannot be repurposed for other facial areas.
• If you want to treat multiple facial areas, JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC is your best choice.
• If you want fewer injections along with enhanced flexibility, texture, and lip color, then Restylane^® Kysse is your best choice.

The Bottom Line: It Depends

Weigh the above pros and cons of each lip filler product before making your choice. Hopefully, I’ve laid out some of the most important features, benefits, and drawbacks of each of these two products so that you can make a better-informed decision.

If you have questions about which one to choose based on your individual aesthetic goals, come see me today for a consultation. I’ll help you understand what type of filler would work best for you so that you can love your lips!

My name is Dr. Aeria Chang, and since 2008 I’ve provided advanced injectables, laser skin treatments, RF microneedling, skin tightening, and more. Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine is located in San Diego in the Mission Valley area.

Call my office today at (619) 280-1609. I look forward to seeing you soon!

 

 

* Restylane^® Kysse is a registered trademark of Galderma Laboratories L.P.

* JUVÉDERM^® Ultra XC is a registered trademark of Allergan Holdings France SAS, an AbbVie company.