If you’re looking for dermal fillers like Juvederm to refresh your look, you’re probably asking a couple of important questions. One of these questions is probably: how long do results last? The short answer is there’s no one answer that’s perfect for everyone. Each of us is unique, and we all respond differently to treatments. That being said, it is possible to get a rough idea, and at Laser Body Wellness in Cordova, TN, we want you to be empowered with all the information you need.
How Long Does Juvederm Last?
The answer to this important question depends upon two things. First, which Juvederm formula you’re looking at, and second, your own personal physiology.
Understanding the Issue
There are several products in this popular family of fillers. They all use the same active ingredient, but they are designed to target different areas of the face. Some are specifically for the lower face, some for the cheek areas, some for the mid-face, etc. Some products in the line can be expected to last about six months, while others will last as long as 24 months or even longer.
The reason for these differences lies in the thickness of the product. Thicker gel is administered to areas of the face that sit close to bone, like the area around the cheekbones. These areas of the face don’t move as much and it takes longer for the body to break down these areas.
Thinner gels are designed to spread, and these are perfect for treating areas where the skin is thinner and more sensitive, which is also where we tend to move our faces more. Because we move these areas more in order to make expressions, dermal filler injected into these areas metabolizes more quickly.
How the Product Works
All of the products in this line of dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid (HA) as their main ingredient. HA is made naturally by our bodies. Our bodies use this molecule to bind water, creating volume in our skin. As we get older, our levels of HA naturally decline. As a result, our skin loses its volume, and along with it, hydration and elasticity.
Dermal fillers contain a bovine collagen form of HA that has been FDA-approved since the early ’80s. When injected into the skin, it replenishes volume and encourages nutrient transfer that allows our skin to become more elastic and supple: the way we remember it being in our youth.
Type of Juvederm
Voluma XC
This is the thickest product in the line, and it has been purpose-designed to work in the deepest areas of the face. Because it is thicker, it offers better lift and volume. It’s still delivered with ultra-fine needles, however, so you don’t have to worry about inaccuracy of delivery or intrusive treatment.
The unique formula of this product allows it to be molded and shaped so you get exactly the effect you are looking for. We recommend this product for treatment around the cheeks and other areas where the skin is thick. This particular version of the product tends to last up to 24 months, and sometimes even longer, depending on the person.
Vollure XC
This product in the Juvederm family of fillers has been designed specially to address moderate to severe wrinkles and folds in the face, including those commonly known as nasolabial folds. These are some of the first, and deepest, lines we develop around our nose and mouth.
The molecules of HA used in this version of the product have undergone a special process called Vycross. This makes them more durable, which is necessary for such a high-movement area of the face. This product is also made to a thinner consistency, which allows it to spread naturally as you move your muscles. The effects of treatment with this formula usually last around 18 months.
Juvederm XC
Specially designed for the mouth and nose areas, this is the quickest metabolizing gel of all the products in this line. It’s perfect for places that see extreme muscle movement.
Our skin in these areas is particularly thin, yet we move these areas more than any other parts of our face: multiple times a second in some cases! This special formula has to resist this quick metabolism, and it does so effectively. This product can last as long as a year.
Ultra XC
This product in the line has been designed for the areas around the lips and mouth, but this is a very high-plumping product. It consists of an ultra-smooth gel formulation that has high water affinity. This means it is particularly good at hydrating the skin.
The molecules in this formulation as particularly large, meaning it lasts longer and does an especially good job of treating moderate to severe folds and wrinkles. This formula also contains lidocaine, which enhances your comfort. In most cases, this treatment should last you about a year.
What Is “Vycross Technology?”
Dermal fillers have been around for a while, and the early versions of this product had some limitations. To address these, Juvederm developed Vycross technology. This process strengthens the structure of the hyaluronic acid in the gels using crosslinking.
Crosslinking is the process of binding HA molecules of varying molecular weights together. When you link molecules of the same weight, the structure of the gel is weaker. When you link different weights of HA molecules, you can achieve a perfect balance of flexibility, spreadability, strength, and longevity. In general, the higher the concentration of cross-linked HA molecules, the longer the product will last.
The more cross-linked molecules you have, the greater control you have over the amount of water that the gel takes up, as well. This helps with symmetry: you can be sure that the gel will attract similar amounts of water in every treated area. Finally, cross-linking makes the product more moldable. This makes it excellent for fitting in and around your unique facial contours.
How Do I Get Started?
A Consultation
We are proud of the treatments we offer and confident in their safety and efficacy. Where some clinics specialize in fly-by-night trends and pricey but unproved cosmetic services, we only use the best, proven treatments and ensure our specialists are both highly trained and constantly updated about any changes in products or best practices.
The consultation is our time to get to know you and your time to get all your questions answered. We also want to address any and all concerns you might have. Here is some of what we will talk about:
Your Goals
What are you looking for from treatment? When we know exactly what your goals are, we can help you build a treatment plan that addresses them effectively while taking into consideration your time frame, budget, and schedule.
Your Health
To provide you with the best possible treatment, we want to be sure we assess your skin, find out about your medical history, and learn about any medications you are currently taking. We’ll also ask about any other cosmetic treatments you’ve had, both to understand your reaction to them and to find out what you were happy with and what you weren’t.
What Should I Do Before My Appointment?
We’ll give you specific instructions before you arrive, but, in general, you will want your skin to be clean and ready for treatment when you arrive. In the days preceding treatment, you should avoid anything that puts stress on your skin, like bleaching, waxing, or tanning. You should also be careful to wear sunscreen before you go out.
You will also want to avoid certain medications, foods or drinks, and supplements that can cause your blood to thin and thus cause bruising. Examples of supplements that do this include St. John’s Wort and some types of fish oil. Over-the-counter medications you will want to avoid include aspirin and ibuprofen. If you are taking blood thinners for your heart, be sure to talk to your doctor about whether it is safe to discontinue their use for a few days in order to have treatment.
What Should I Do After Treatment?
All you need to do after treatment is avoid anything that might irritate your skin, like tanning, exposure to harsh weather, or skincare products that contain strong ingredients like retinol. We’ll give you more details personalized to your situation when you come to see us.
Come See Us Today!
There is a Juvederm product that’s perfect for your unique needs. Don’t suffer a failure in personal confidence due to the natural effects of aging: you can fight back. Come talk to us at Laser Body Wellness in Cordova, TN today, and let’s get started on a new you!