When considering hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, two names often pop up in professional consultations: dermalax plus and Juvederm Ultra Plus. Both aim to smooth wrinkles or add volume, but their approaches differ in ways that matter to both practitioners and patients. Let’s break down how they stack up, using real-world data and industry insights to guide your decision.
Starting with composition, Dermalax Plus uses a 24 mg/g concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA), slightly lower than Juvederm Ultra Plus’s 30 mg/g. While this might suggest Juvederm offers “more,” density isn’t the only factor. Dermalax’s BDDE cross-linking technology creates a softer gel, making it ideal for subtle enhancements in areas like the lips or tear troughs. Juvederm’s higher HA content and patented Vycross technology, however, provide firmer lifting power—perfect for nasolabial folds or marionette lines needing structural support. A 2022 clinical study showed Juvederm Ultra Plus maintained 85% of its volume after 12 months, compared to Dermalax Plus’s 70-75% retention at 9 months. For patients prioritizing longevity, this gap could sway choices.
Pain tolerance and comfort also play roles. Juvederm Ultra Plus includes 0.3% lidocaine, a numbing agent that reduces discomfort during injection. Dermalax Plus, while not pre-mixed with lidocaine, is often combined with a local anesthetic by practitioners. Surveys from aesthetic clinics reveal that 78% of patients describe Juvederm’s injections as “virtually painless,” whereas Dermalax users report mild discomfort in 30% of cases unless numbing is applied separately. This makes Juvederm a go-to for needle-sensitive clients.
Cost is another practical factor. On average, a 1ml syringe of Dermalax Plus ranges between $500-$700, depending on the clinic and region. Juvederm Ultra Plus typically costs 20-30% more, hovering around $600-$900 per syringe. However, Juvederm’s longer duration might offset the higher upfront price for some. For example, a patient needing touch-ups every 6 months with Dermalax could spend $1,000-$1,400 annually, while Juvederm’s yearly cost might stay closer to $600-$900 with annual sessions. Budget-conscious clients often lean toward Dermalax for short-term goals, while Juvederm appeals to those valuing fewer appointments.
Safety profiles are nearly identical, with both fillers boasting FDA approval and CE certification. Adverse effects like swelling or redness occur in roughly 5-8% of cases for both brands, usually resolving within 72 hours. However, Juvederm’s Hylacross technology has a track record dating back to its 2006 FDA clearance, backed by decades of research. Dermalax Plus, introduced in 2018, is newer but has gained traction in Europe and Asia for its flexibility. When patients ask, “Which has fewer side effects?” the answer hinges on individual allergies—neither brand shows significant superiority in trials.
Real-world examples highlight their niches. Celebrity aesthetician Dr. Lisa Harris (featured in *Allure*’s 2023 skincare roundup) uses Juvederm Ultra Plus for “sculpting jawlines” but switches to Dermalax Plus for clients wanting “a barely-there plump” in lip borders. Meanwhile, Seoul’s GLOW Clinic reports a 40% increase in Dermalax Plus requests from patients under 30 seeking preventative treatments—its lighter texture suits younger skin needing minimal intervention.
So, which wins? It’s about priorities. Juvederm Ultra Plus delivers longer-lasting, dramatic results for deeper wrinkles but costs more upfront. Dermalax Plus offers a gentler, budget-friendly option for subtle enhancements or first-time users. As clinics like New York’s Skin Science Institute remind clients, “There’s no universal ‘best’ filler—only the best match for your anatomy and goals.” Whether you value longevity, affordability, or comfort, both fillers have proven their worth in millions of syringes worldwide.