The Juvederm family of products is designed to lift and tighten the soft tissues of the face and augment areas where collagen has been lost. Prior to now, dermal filler options were limited mostly to short-lived collagen replacement treatments, but today’s hyaluronic acid (HA) products use a patented technology that gives it longer-lasting results for up to two years. Our talented medical team at Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL takes pride in offering top-of-the-line hyaluronic acid products.
When Will I See Results From Juvederm?
Two of the most important considerations people have when choosing between dermal filler options are how quickly they will see results, and how long their results will last. These answers will vary, as everyone tolerates injectables differently. However, there are several variables that can influence how you experience your results, including skin condition, lifestyle habits, age, and general health.
For most people, results are instantly noticeable. Because injectable dermal fillers are delivered just under the skin, the plumping and lifting effects are immediate. Some hyaluronic acid gels are thick enough that they can be molded and massaged by hand to instantly improve the contours of the face. Some patients report that their results continue to improve after the first two to three weeks after the HA settles into the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid: An Overview
Each product in this family of products is made from a modified form of hyaluronic acid (HA).
This molecule consists of a chain of sugars that act as a humectant, attracting and drawing water into the skin. It can actually hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, making an important agent of hydration.
Though it is a naturally occurring substance in our skin, our body’s production of HA slows over time. This can cause many of the signs of aging, such as hollow, sunken areas near the eyes and cheeks, sagging skin, lost elasticity, and dryness. Therefore, reintroducing hyaluronic acid into the skin can restore suppleness and elasticity, while also stimulating the body’s own collagen production with long-term use.
Vycross Technology
The HA molecules in Voluma, Volbella, and Vollure are formulated using a patented technology called Vycross. This process links higher- and lower-weight HA molecules together, creating a stronger, more durable hyaluronic acid formula. This, in turn, enhances the longevity of treatment results. The higher the percentage of cross-linked HA molecules in the formula, the thicker the gel.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Each of the products in this family of treatments is specially formulated to address different areas of the face. They treat areas of the midface and lower face such as cheeks, chin, nose, lips, and mouth. Areas such as the nasolabial folds (NSFs) and marionette lines are also given special attention. Our doctors are experts at developing individualized treatment plans using a combination of hyaluronic acid companion products.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most people who seek treatment with injectable dermal fillers are over age 30, but people of all ages can experience sagging skin and lost collagen for a variety of reasons. Younger patients can suffer thinning, dull skin from conditions caused by hormone imbalances, weight loss, and heredity. Therefore, nearly anyone over the age of 21 who is dissatisfied with their skin or are not good candidates for cosmetic surgery can benefit from hyaluronic acid treatments.
What Can I Do to Maximize My Results?
In the weeks leading up to your session, there are several things you can do to see faster and better results from your treatment. Most importantly, you should make sure your skin is in its best condition possible. Wear sunscreen, try not to expose your skin to harsh environmental conditions, and avoid any activities that could cause skin sensitivity, such as waxing, tanning, or bleaching.
In addition, it is best to avoid alcohol and any over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines like Advil or Motrin, as these can increase your chances of redness, swelling, and irritation after your session. Drinking lots of water complements the hydrating effects of HA and ensures that the skin receives the nutrients it needs.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Each product is uniquely formulated to target specific areas of the face. Thicker gels tend to be applied to lower-mobility areas such as the nose and cheeks since they resist spreading and migrating more than thinner gels. Conversely, the thinner gels are more often applied to higher-mobility areas like the lips and mouth since these areas sustain a lot of muscle movement.
Because of their unique formulations, Juvederm’s hyaluronic acid products last almost twice as long as their rivals – some up to two years. Of course, regular maintenance and touch-ups will further extend your results, but there are other factors that may affect the longevity of your treatment.
For instance, lifestyle habits, skin condition, injection volume, location of treatment, and the experience levels of the medical professional administering treatment can all play a role in the duration of your results.
Severity of Collagen Loss
If your skin has suffered severe collagen loss and has resulted in deep, sagging hollows in your face, it may take more sessions (and more product) to achieve your desired results. However, that being said, you are also likely to see the most dramatic results.
It may take more maintenance and a more specialized treatment plan, but our doctors can recommend Juvederm’s companion products that will restore health and vitality to your skin.
Lifestyle Factors
As with many things, your lifestyle choices can also play a large part in the longevity of your results. Habits such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure (from the sun or tanning beds) and smoking can accelerate the aging process and present challenges to your treatment.
High levels of stress can also shorten your treatment longevity since this means your body is less likely to have the energy reserves needed to respond to therapeutics. Stress also affects the chemicals and hormones produced by the body, which then affects the condition of your skin.
Unfortunately, other factors such as genetics and skin type can also affect your results, but observing your lifestyle choices and making positive changes can make your skin much more accepting of hyaluronic acid treatments. Introducing a holistic approach to your skincare will give your body its best chance to achieve optimal results.
Injection Volume and Location of Treatment
The continuous stretching and folding of skin in high-mobility areas of the face, such as the mouth and lips, will cause HA products to break down more quickly. More static areas with less muscle activity, such as the nose, will hold the gel longer. Likewise, areas that receive more product will last longer than areas that receive less.
The Vycross technology used in these products makes cross-linked hyaluronic acids the best choice for treatment. They have a stronger molecular structure, a more stable formulation, and can withstand more stress than traditional HA products. Our medical team will work with you to determine which combination of products is right for your individual concerns.
Skin Damage
The more damaged your skin, the more treatments you will need to achieve optimal results. Damaged skin also rebounds less quickly, so it is important to take good care of your skin before, during, and following treatment. One of the many reasons Juvederm remains a top-recommendation for dermatologists everywhere is because of its proven safety, efficacy, and convenience.
Professional Experience
When undergoing cosmetic treatment, it is important to choose the most qualified and experienced professionals. The quality of treatment administration is just as influential as the treatment itself. Inexperience can lead to skin that appears restricted or asymmetrical. Our doctors at Solar Cosmetic Plastic Surgery have substantial training and experience in administering injectable dermal fillers.
The Juvederm Family
Voluma XC
Voluma is designed for use in the mid-face area, including the nose, cheeks, and nasolabial folds. It is the first FDA-approved product to be formulated with lidocaine, an anesthetic that maximizes patient comfort. This formula contains the highest percentage of cross-linked HA, making it a thicker gel than other products in this family. Because of this, it stays put longer and resists spreading to surrounding areas. It has been shown to last for up to two years.
Volbella XC
Conversely, Volbella is the thinnest of the gels, making its spreadability perfect for use in the lips. Its softness makes it an excellent treatment for “lipstick lines” and fragile skin near the mouth. Because of its low water affinity, it’s not intended to plump like the other products, but it still decreases lines and wrinkles of the lips and mouth for up to a year. it doesn’t do as much plumping as the other products, but it still lasts for up to a year to decrease lines and wrinkles of the mouth.
Vollure XC
Vollure is also designed for high-mobility areas near the lips, mouth, and chin. Though it has a thin consistency, it is stable enough to withstand the frequent muscle movements in these areas. Its spreadability allows for more natural facial expressions, and for many people, this product can last up to 18 months.
Juvederm XC
This product augments moderate to severe wrinkles, instantly plumping and smoothing areas of the mouth and nose. Its formulation is especially good for treating marionette lines and the nasolabial folds. Research shows this product remains effective for up to a year.
Ultra XC
Like Volbella, Ultra XC is also used for lip enhancement but is intended more for lifting and plumping. It has a much higher water affinity, so it adds the appearance of hydration and suppleness. This product, like Voluma, contains lidocaine to maximize comfort. Studies suggest that effects may last up to a year.
Why Consider Juvederm?
Non-Intrusive
One of the main reasons people turn to injectable dermal fillers is because they find they are not good candidates for cosmetic surgery. Although the treatment is delivered to the skin using a series of injections, most patients report the process is nearly painless.
The ultrafine needles improve accuracy over a small surface area. In addition, reactions to the treatment are uncommon since HA already occurs naturally in the skin, and these products contain only plant-derived HA molecules.
Immediate Effects
Since hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the skin, its effects are immediate. Its hydrating effects instantly lift and support underlying tissues, allowing for a noticeable difference after just one treatment. In addition, the product is smooth to inject, biodegradable, and reversible.
Long-Term Benefits
Some research shows that long-term use of hyaluronic acid can actually stimulate the body’s own collagen production and make permanent positive changes to the skin. Historically, collagen replacement treatments broke down quickly within the body. Today, Juvederm’s unique HA formulation and Vycross Technology has created a filler that lasts twice as long as its rivals – up to two years for some.
Get Better Skin Today
Don’t wait to take back the reigns on your confidence. hyaluronic acid’s effectiveness and low-risk profile make it an ideal and convenient way to restore the quality of your skin – and your life. Call our qualified professionals at Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL for a consultation today.