Belotero and Juvederm are two famous brands of hyaluronic acid cosmetic fillers that show impressive results in restoring facial vitality and volume. The fillers of these brands can also be used to reshape the facial structure for a more ideal youthful look. These two brands are developed for intradermal injection in adults who are already experiencing signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, sagging cheeks, and rough skin texture.
Are Belotero and Juvederm made of the same ingredients?
The main substance in these brands, hyaluronic acid, is a type of sugar molecule that originally occurs in the body. The aging skin is a result of the deterioration of the concentration of HA, which loses its capacity to retain water molecules and mobilize fibroblasts and collagen, which are other important skin-firming cells. The replenishment of HA can provide an immediate lift to the skin while improving its cellular function.
For both brands cosmetic fillers, their hyaluronic acid is of from non-animal origin, which is the biofermentation of Streptococcus bacteria. This reduces any traces of animal allergy.
These two brands have also introduced products that have the local anesthetic lidocaine mixed into their formulations. The lidocaine improves the comfort and satisfaction of the patient during the injection procedure by numbing their injection site(s).
Differences Between Belotero and Juvederm
The crosslinking processes
A purified, non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid has a short lifespan in the dermis and is prone to degradation by hyaluronidase or other environmental factors. The crosslinking process aims to increase the longevity of hyaluronic acid via the creation of strong covalent bonds through the use of a reticulating agent. Belotero and Juvederm fillers feature cross-linked hyaluronic acid of different configurations.
Juvederm’s Hylacross Technology combines uniform hyaluronic acid chains together to form a strong, cohesive, and firm gel that can withstand external pressure. Vycross Technology, which is used in Juvederm Voluma, Volbella, and Vollure, introduce high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to form more malleable and dynamic yet firm gels that can resist degeneration for a substantial amount of time.
Belotero, on the other hand, uses Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM) technology and Patented Dynamic Cross-Linking Technology (DCLT). These technologies expand the cross-linked gel that is layered onto additional non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid. This creates a softer, elastic gel that integrates with the neighboring soft tissues seamlessly.
The consistency of the gel and their indications
Belotero fillers are thinner and less viscous compared to Juvederm fillers, so Belotero fillers are suitable for removing fine lines and wrinkles. For example, Juvederm Ultra’s thick consistency can enhance the plumpness and volume of the lips, whereas Juvederm Ultra Plus’s larger particles can extend that effect for another three months. Belotero Balance, on the other hand, can be used to remove smoker’s lines that are visible on the lips or on the vermilion border, but it may not be able to provide a fuller pout for as long.
The required injection depth
Due to not being as stiff, Belotero fillers are safe for injections in the superficial or higher dermis layers. For example, doctors recommend to their patients to use certain Belotero fillers for treating lower lid hollows or in areas with thinner skin tissue because of their lower G prime or elastic modulus.
Juvederm filler’s more viscous gel, however, can penetrate into the deep dermis, making it able to produce impressive results in respect to removing deep nasolabial folds or facial contouring. The strong cross-linking bonds of Juvederm fillers are able to withstand pressure from the facial contours and external application.
The longevity of the implant
The cross-linking technique also contributes to the durability of the cosmetic implant used. Juvederm filler’s strong, rigid covalent bonds provide longer-lasting outcomes compared to Belotero. Generally, Juvederm products such as Ultra XC, Volbella XC, and Juvederm XC can correct moderate to severe lines for up to a year. Thicker products, such as Voluma, can lift and contour the mid-face area for up to two years.
Clinical evidence has shown that the maximum duration of action of a Belotero filler is 18 months with the use of Belotero Volume to augment the cheeks. Belotero Balance and Basic typically correct moderate lines and lip texture for up to six months. Meanwhile, Belotero Soft and Intense can last for about a year when used to treat their respective indications.
Generally, the fillers of these two brands immediately fill in the skin.
Conclusion
When using a dermal filler, the injector has to be very well-versed with its consistency, viscosity, and elasticity. Different fillers can help improve different indications and solve unique combinations of dermatological concerns. With careful application of a Belotero filler or a Juvederm filler, a client can return to their life looking refreshed and blessed with a youthful radiance.
