Many people are discomforted by the fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin that come with aging. While this is all part of the normal aging process, it does not have to be a source of distress or self-consciousness. Juvederm is an FDA-approved treatment proven to counter the effects of aging skin. At Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL, we are proud to offer this alongside a comprehensive menu of restorative services.
Juvederm Treatment: What You Need To Know
Hyaluronic Acid: An Overview
The featured ingredient in this family of treatments is hyaluronic acid. This molecule consists of a chain of sugars that are already naturally created by your body. However, like other substances in your skin, hyaluronic acid production slows over time. This can cause some of the signs of aging, such as skin dryness, lost elasticity, and sunken areas near the eyes and cheekbones.
Hyaluronic is a humectant, which means that it draws water into the skin. This molecule can hold a thousand times its weight in water, making it a powerful hydration treatment. Because it attracts and holds water, it adds suppleness and firmness to the skin.
What Areas Can Be Treated
Each of the products in this family of treatments is designed to address different areas of the face. The formulas are specifically created to enhance common problem areas around the eyes, cheeks, nose, lips, and chin. Dr. Thompson of Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine is an expert at developing and personalizing treatment plans using a combination of these formulations.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
If you are over 21 and feeling dissatisfied with your skin, you are likely a good candidate for treatment. Many people turn to dermal fillers when they are not able to undergo cosmetic surgeries or other more invasive treatments. Because of this, these treatments are popular for their convenience, safety, and effectiveness.
In addition, hyaluronic acid products are compatible with other dermal treatments, so if you regularly receive skin peels, laser treatments, or other fillers, you can still use these formulations.
Dr. Thompson can work with you to determine the best method for incorporating hyaluronic acid treatment into your existing restorative plan. Because hyaluronic acid is already naturally occurring in the body, most people tolerate the treatment very well.
The Juvederm Family
Voluma XC
Voluma is the first FDA-approved product to be formulated with lidocaine, which appeals to patients for its comfort and minimal downtime. It is designed to be used in the mid-face area, including the cheeks, nose, and nasolabial folds (the skin from the side of the nose to the mouth).
This product is thicker than the rest, so it stays in place longer and resists migrating to surrounding areas. It’s effects have been shown to last as long as two years.
Vollure XC
Vollure is designed to plump high-mobility areas near the mouth and chin. It has a thinner consistency than Voluma to allow for spreadability but is durable enough to withstand the frequent stretching and folding of skin in this area. This allows for more natural movements and facial expressions. For many people, Vollure can last up to 18 months.
Juvederm XC
This product is designed to augment moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles near areas of the mouth and nose. The application of this treatment instantly smooths and plumps high-mobility areas for noticeable results right away. Studies have shown this product to remain in place for up to a year.
Volbella XC
Volbella is the thinnest of the gels in this family and is primarily used to treat the lips. Its softness is perfect for the fragile skin and “lipstick lines” of the mouth, and its spreadability allows it to move with the lips for natural facial expressions.
It has a low water affinity, so 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.
Ultra XC
Ultra XC is also used for lip enhancement but is intended more for lip plumping and fullness. It has a much higher water affinity than Volbella, so the main effect of this product is to enhance suppleness. Like Voluma, it contains lidocaine to minimize discomfort during treatment. Research shows that effects may last up to a year for many people.
Benefits of Juvederm
Longer-Lasting
The hyaluronic acid in Voluma, Volbella, and Vollure uses a technology called Vycross. This process links higher-weight and lower-weight hyaluronic acid molecules together, which creates a much more stable molecular structure and increases its durability.
These products are better able to resist breaking down in the body for a longer period of time, making them much more effective than other hyaluronic acid products.
Non-Invasive
The main attractiveness of dermal fillers is their non-invasive nature. The needles used for the injections are very fine, which minimizes discomfort and increases accuracy.
Because the hyaluronic acid formulations in these products are not animal-derived and already occur naturally in the body, most people tolerate the procedure very well. Adverse reactions are rare and typically due to other substances in the product, such as the lidocaine.
Convenient
The injections are given in-office and sessions last under an hour. There is minimal downtime afterward, and most people can immediately resume their normal daily activities. Because these products last longer than other hyaluronic acid products, there are fewer office visits for maintenance treatment, which saves time and money.
Immediate Results
The gels used in this family of dermal fillers are smoother, longer-lasting, and more durable than other hyaluronic acid treatments. Results are instantly noticeable as fine lines and severe wrinkles are filled and smoothed out upon injection of the gel.
The product assimilates into the skin quickly, giving the convenience of fast results, but has also been shown to have permanent positive effects on the skin well into the future.
These products do so much more than just augment collagen loss and elasticity. Because these products work by plumping and lifting the skin, they brighten sunken, hollowed areas of the face, and hide flaws such as exposed blood vessels, acne scars, and sun damage.
Factors That Could Affect Your Results
Lifestyle
As with many things, lifestyle habits can play a big part in how the body responds to therapeutics. Stress often puts the body’s functions on the defense, which means it is less likely to have the energy reserves needed to assimilate beneficial treatments.
Habits such as smoking can actually speed the aging process and slow healing time, so observing your lifestyle choices and making positive changes can enhance the duration of treatment results. Unfortunately, genetics also has a part to play, so skin type, complexion, and other inherited factors can affect your results.
The good news is that Juvederm’s diverse array of products offers a solution for nearly everyone. Our medical professionals can help address your unique concerns and choose the best product (or combination of products) for you.
Areas of Injection
It stands to reason that continuous folding and stretching of skin will cause the product to break down more quickly in the body. Areas with more muscle movements and facial expressions will metabolize more rapidly, but Dr. Thompson will work with you to determine which formulation is right for your areas of concern. In more static areas with less muscle activity, the duration of results will be longer.
Amount of Product
It makes sense that results will last longer in areas where more product is applied. Therefore, locations, where only a small amount of hyaluronic acid is used, may see a faster break-down rate than areas that take more treatment volume.
While this is true for any brand or family of dermal fillers, Juvederm’s Vycross technology makes it the best choice due to its stronger molecular structure and more stable formulation.
Experienced Professionals
It goes without saying that the more qualified and experienced professionals give the highest quality of treatment. Inexperience can lead to skin that appears tight and restricted or asymmetrical; thus, your results are only as good as the professional who administers treatment.
Dr. Thompson and our team are seasoned experts with substantial training in the Juvederm family of products.
The Treatment Process: What to Expect
Pre-Treatment
There are a few precautions you should take prior to your treatment. If you take pain relievers such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID) such as Advil or Motrin, you should be aware that these medications act as blood thinners. It may be beneficial to stop taking these prior to treatment, as they can make you more susceptible to bruising.
In addition, it is important to make sure your skin is in its very best condition for treatment. This means avoiding sun exposure as much as possible, wearing sunscreen, and minimizing any activities that may make the skin more sensitive. For instance, frequent waxing or tanning can irritate the skin and should be avoided prior to your appointment.
During Treatment
On the day of your appointment, our staff will ensure you feel relaxed and at ease while in the office. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. You may be offered an anesthetic lotion or cream to be applied to the face prior to treatment; however, most patients report a very comfortable experience. Most sessions require very little preparation time and last under an hour.
Dr. Thompson will inject the gel into the skin and then massage the area to ensure symmetry and a smooth appearance. You may notice some redness and tenderness after treatment, which is to be expected. Applying an ice bag to the area can help with this, as well as avoiding heat and exercise for the first day or two after your appointment.
Post-Treatment
Once you leave the office, it is a good idea to avoid anything that could be irritating to the skin, such as shaving, plucking, or bleaching. It is also a good idea to continue following the same guidelines as in the pre-treatment stage, including wearing sunscreen, limiting the use of blood-thinning pain relievers, and avoiding UV light exposure as much as possible.
In addition, avoiding alcohol for 1-2 days after the treatment can discourage bruising and swelling. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately. None of the symptoms afterward should last longer than seven days, and your skin should return to its normal tone and complexion by two to three weeks after treatment.
Get Better Skin Today
Don’t let wrinkles and sagging skin have power over your self-confidence. Juvederm’s low-risk profile and proven effectiveness make it a top recommendation of dermatologists everywhere. Call the Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL today for a consultation. We would love the opportunity to develop the perfect treatment plan for you.