Juvederm Ultra vs. Ultra Plus: Exploring the Advantages of Each

David Fuller

Last Updated On: March 27, 2024

What Is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a renowned hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler widely used in aesthetic medicine. It’s commonly used to treat nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other facial wrinkles and creases and for facial contouring. Allergan Laboratories, now a part of AbbVie Group, started production in 2000, and the product got FDA approval in June 2006. 

While not the first dermal filler to be FDA-approved, it’s still one of the most popular dermal filler products and is sold in over 100 countries worldwide. Juvederm was originally a single product but has evolved into a full brand line catering to various aesthetic needs. Now, with that out of the way, let’s look at Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus.

What Is Juvederm Ultra XC?

Juvederm Ultra XC is one of the products from the Juvederm brand line that contains a combination of HA and lidocaine. HA provides the required lift and is the main component, while lidocaine ensures patients a more comfortable injection process by minimizing pain. However, for individuals with lidocaine allergies, the original Juvederm product (the very first one in the line) will be a better option, as all other variants contain lidocaine (and have XC at the end of their names to identify them easier).

Juvederm Ultra XC is designed specifically for lip enhancement and dealing with Perioral Rhytids, better known as lip or smoker lines. It’s fully FDA-approved for both uses for adults over 21. Juvederm Ultra can add volume to thin lips when used for lip augmentation, providing a plump and natural-looking enhancement. For patients with concerns about fine lines and wrinkles around their lips, Juvederm Ultra can help smooth out these imperfections, restoring a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Both Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC can last up to 12 months. 

What Is Juvederm Ultra Plus XC?

Juvederm Ultra Plus XC is another HA filler from the Juvederm product line. While it contains the same ingredients as Juvederm Ultra, it utilizes a slightly different formula, resulting in a more viscous filler gel than Juvederm Ultra. This higher viscosity allows for safer placement in the mid and deep dermis layers, making it ideal for treating deep wrinkles and lines, such as deep smile lines and nasolabial folds. Just like Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus is FDA-approved for dealing with wrinkles and fine lines. However, unlike Juvederm Ultra, it is not approved for lip enhancement.

Additionally, its thicker consistency allows for more significant volume deposition over a larger area, providing enhanced volume results. As previously mentioned, Juvederm Ultra Plus XC can last up to 12 months. In that regard, both dermal fillers are the same. 

Key Difference Between Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus

The key differences may not be as noticeable when presented like this, so let us summarize them. 

Juvederm Ultra is preferred for:

• Lip augmentation;
• Fine to moderate nasolabial folds;
• Fine to moderate marionette lines;
• Fine to moderate corner lines;
• Fine to moderate wrinkles.

It is FDA-approved as a lip and wrinkle filler.

Juvederm Ultra Plus is preferred for:

• Moderate to severe nasolabial folds;
• Moderate to severe marionette lines;
• Moderate to severe corner lines;
• Moderate to severe wrinkles;
• Restoring volume loss.

It also has better viscosity but is FDA-approved only for dealing with wrinkles.

Side Effects

While Juvederm Ultra Plus and Ultra are similar and derive from the same primary component (HA), they utilize slightly different formulas, resulting in slightly different side effects.

The most common side effects of Juvederm Ultra are: 

• Tenderness;
• Pain;
• Swelling;
• Firmness;
• Injection site limps and bumps;
• Bruising.

All the side effects were mild or moderate during the clinical trials and withdrew after two weeks.

The most common side effects of Juvederm Ultra Plus are: 

• Redness;
• Swelling;
• Tenderness;
• Pain;
• Firmness;
• Injection site lumps and bumps;
• Bruising;
• Itching;
• Discoloration.

They are all temporary and should stop on their own after seven days. 

Conclusion

When comparing Juvederm Ultra vs. Juvederm Ultra Plus, medical professionals should consider the specific treatment area, the severity of wrinkles or lines, and the desired outcome for their patients before deciding on one or maybe both products. 

Both have FDA approval and are safe and effective for their respective uses. Juvederm Ultra is ideal for lip enhancement and addressing fine to moderate facial lines, while Juvederm Ultra Plus excels in treating moderate to severe wrinkles and volume loss. 

However, it’s crucial for medical professionals to be aware of the slightly different side effects associated with each product and to educate their patients accordingly. By carefully assessing each patient’s unique needs and preferences, you can provide tailored and successful treatments using the Juvederm brand line, ensuring excellent results and patient satisfaction.

FAQ

What is the difference between Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus?

The main difference between Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus is in their viscosity. Juvederm Ultra is thinner and more suitable for addressing light to moderate wrinkles and lines, while Juvederm Ultra Plus is thicker and more stable, making it better for treating moderate to severe wrinkles and lines.

Is Juvederm Ultra or Ultra Plus thicker?

Juvederm Ultra Plus is thicker and better at holding shape and dealing with deeper wrinkles and folds. 

Which type of Juvederm is the best?

The most appropriate option will depend on the treated area, the patient’s desired results, and the current condition of wrinkles, folds, and other fine lines. It’s essential to consider the unique benefits of each Juvederm product and tailor the treatment plan to meet individual needs. Medical professionals often use a combination of Juvederm variants to achieve optimal patient results.

Reference: 

1. Treatment of perioral rhytids; Stephen W Perkins and  Richard Balikian; Nov 2007
2. Non-surgical facelift-by PDO threads and dermal filler: A case report; Anupriya Goel and Kritika Rai; Oct 2022
3. A minimalistic approach for effective lip augmentation-A case report; Anupriya Goel and  Kritika Rai; Jun 2022
4. The Use of Hyaluronic Acid in Non-surgical Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review of Complications, Clinical, and Patient-Reported Outcomes; Hatan Mortada, Alexa Korb, Edward Mawdsley, Jonathan Suresh, Joshua Xu, Piyush Koorapaty, and Ankur Khajuria; May 2023
5. Head-to-head comparison of 4 hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for lip augmentation: A multicenter randomized, quadruple-blind, controlled clinical trial; Serge A. Steenen (MD, DMD), Constantijn G. Bauland (MD, Ph.D.), Berend van der Lei (MD, Ph.D.), Naichuan Su (Ph.D.), Muriëlle D.G. van Engelen (MD), Rachella D.R.R.A.L. Anandbahadoer-Sitaldin (MD), Whitney Koeiman (MD), Tina Jawidan (MD), Yama Hamraz (MD), and Jan de Lange (MD, DMD, Ph.D.); Nov 2022
6. Midface Rejuvenation Using Juvederm Fillers in Male Patients; Anupriya Goel and Kritika Rai; Jul 2022