Do you ever wonder why so many people get lines and wrinkles on their face as they get older, while others seem to defy aging entirely? How do celebrities and movie stars stay looking young year after year? How do they avoid crow’s feet, laugh lines, hollow cheeks, and thin lips? Odds are that your favorite celebrities have had a little extra help from injectables and dermal fillers. One of the most popular and effective versions of these treatments is Juvederm, which you can find at Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA.
What Is Juvederm?
There are many different kinds of injectable treatments, and this particular variety is a high-quality “dermal filler” produced by Allergan. Allergan is perhaps best known for making Botox, but their dermal fillers work in a slightly different way. They can be used in place of Botox, or in combination with Botox, depending on a patient’s needs.
How Is This Different From Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily causing a relaxation of the muscle contractions in the face. This contraction disruption relaxes the muscles and reduces the appearance of fine lines on the surface. It is especially useful when it comes to treating forehead lines and the “worry lines” or “frown lines” that appear between the eyebrows.
Dermal fillers are a little different. Rather than relaxing the muscles, they actually add a substance just underneath the surface of the skin. These substances provide volume and are an excellent choice when the skin has become thinner with age. Because of this, Botox is often used for the upper part of the face, while dermal fillers are extremely effective for treating lower areas like cheeks, lips, and the area around the chin and mouth.
How Does a Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Work?
There are a number of ways that dermal fillers can add volume, depending on the type of filler and the treatment area. Juvederm is a specific type of dermal filler known as a hyaluronic acid filler. These fillers work to replenish levels of hyaluronic acid in our skin.
The Importance of Hyaluronic Acid
When you read the name out loud, “hyaluronic acid,” it sounds like it’s probably some type of dangerous, toxic substance. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally-occurring sugar that all humans have in their skin. We are born with it and produce it throughout our lives.
This vital polysaccharide helps to keep our skin hydrated. It does this by binding to water molecules, which in turn helps our skin stay full and plump. Hyaluronic acid also assists in delivering nutrients to areas of the skin that need it and helps our healing processes. Without it, the skin loses volume.
Age-Related Hyaluronic Acid Decline Leads to Volume Loss
Unfortunately for many of us, our hyaluronic acid levels start to drop as we get older. The sugar breaks down with time. We do not naturally replace our hyaluronic acid as quickly as we need to, and this means a drop in our ability to retain the moisture in our skin. As one might expect, this leads to a reduction in the water content in our skin, a reduction in overall volume, and an increase in the appearance of facial folds and wrinkles on the skin’s surface.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Correct Wrinkles and Volume Loss
Hyaluronic acid fillers work to correct age-related volume loss by restoring hyaluronic acid levels in the skin. They are generally used by people 35 and older, although many are cleared for patients over 21 who may be experiencing these symptoms earlier than usual. When injected into a specific treatment area, a hyaluronic acid filler will trigger a sequence of events that results in more hyaluronic acid and better water retention, leading to more supple and youthful skin.
Why Do People Choose Juvederm in Particular?
There are several brands of hyaluronic acid fillers on the market, yet there are a few reasons many patients prefer this particular filler:
It’s Low-Risk
The first version of the filler was approved by the FDA in 2006. It was primarily used for the treatment of nasolabial folds, as this was something that was often more difficult for Botox to correct. In time, multiple varieties have been developed, allowing for dermatologists to address concerns in the cheeks, lips, and facial lines. There is a unique advantage in using hyaluronic acid as the foundation for treatment: because everyone needs hyaluronic acid, the risk of an allergic reaction is extraordinarily low.
It’s Effective
Every year, roughly two million of these injections are performed in the United States alone. Many patients continue to maintain their results with follow-up treatments. It is also very common for patients to experience success in one area and return for another treatment later. The treatment’s excellent track record and popularity speaks to the quality of its results.
It’s Long-Lasting
In addition to providing quality results, patients also rely on this dermal filler for long-term effects. There are multiple injectables that can only provide benefits for a six-month period. But in this case, patients can see quality results for one to two years. This means that there are fewer follow-up treatments required, which is a savings of time and money.
It’s Efficient
Unlike some other skin treatments, this filler also works very quickly. Patients often see some initial results on the same day. As the filler begins to set, the long-term aesthetic results will begin to come into focus, with ideal results being visible after roughly two weeks. This efficient treatment process is part of what makes it such a popular item. Patients don’t have to wait for months to see a change.
What to Expect From Treatment
If you’re going to get a treatment session, what should you expect? Many first-time patients are particularly curious about what they should do to prepare for treatment. The session itself is incredibly quick, usually lasting under an hour. The overall treatment process lasts a few weeks, beginning with the preparation steps, and ending when you see your “final results” in the mirror.
How Do You Prepare for Treatment?
When we compare this dermal filler with other treatment options–facelift or browlift surgeries, for instance–it is clearly a convenient and low-hassle choice. However, there are a few things that patients should be aware of and a few ways they should prepare for treatment:
Avoid Taking Certain Supplements or Medications
In the 7-10 days before treatment, our staff may ask you to discontinue using certain supplements or medications, depending on your specific health needs. These may include:
Aspirin
Aspirin and NSAID painkillers work by thinning the blood. This is part of the way in which they provide pain relief. Although this is a very effective medication for many people, it can also cause challenges in an injection process. Most injectors will ask that patients cease the use of this type of medication for at least a week before treatment.
Health Supplements
Many people take natural supplements that have a similar effect on the bloodstream. They increase blood flow or lower blood pressure, which can be problematic during the injection session. In the 7-10 days before treatment, patients may be asked to reduce or stop their intake of:
- Vitamin E
- Gingko Biloba
- Fish oil
- St. John’s wort
- Ginseng
- Garlic
- Primrose oil
Certain Topical Skin Creams and Treatments
Because an injectable filler is a localized treatment, it is important for the treatment area to be healthy and free of any substances that may increase sensitivity. Patients may also be asked to refrain from skin creams and certain habits, including:
- Retinol treatments
- Glycolic acid
- Tretinoin
- Anti-aging cream
- Hair-removal cream
- Waxing skin
- Bleaching skin
- Plucking skin
Avoid Alcohol
Patients are advised to avoid alcoholic substances for at least 24 hours before and after their injection. This will minimize the risk of bruising as well as ensure that a patient feels their best during treatment.
When you get a treatment, you will be given a comprehensive list of how to prepare and what to avoid. Of course, if you have any questions about a particular topic, please feel free to ask! We always want our patients to be well-informed and comfortable.
What Happens During a Session?
Injections are conducted at our offices in an aesthetic session with our medical staff. A single aesthetic session typically lasts less than an hour and often less than 30 minutes. When you arrive at our facility, you will be able to relax and get comfortable. Our medical staff injects the filler into the treatment area using a specially-designed fine needle, which allows us a high degree of accuracy.
All vials of the treatment contain lidocaine. This is an effective local anesthetic that will help reduce the risk of bruising and encourage comfort during the treatment process.
What Do You Do After Treatment?
Patients are encouraged to continue avoiding alcohol for at least a day after their session, but most patients can return to their daily routines immediately after treatment. For two to three days, patients should avoid very hot showers, sunbathing, tanning, or any other situations where their skin is exposed to a high degree of heat or direct sunlight.
How Quickly Do Results Appear?
Some patients notice that results appear immediately following treatment. During the first few days, you will notice a change, but it is important not to judge the final results based on the first week. The filler takes nearly two weeks to settle after the injection, after which point, you will have your final results.
Because the filler needs to set in place during this period, we also recommend that patients do not get professional massages and that they also try to avoid massaging their faces, especially in the treatment area.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Everyone is different and results may vary, but the typical longevity with this filler is from one to two years. This long-lasting treatment is one of the chief benefits of the filler. After one or two years, many patients return for “touch-up” appointments in order to maintain their results.
Am I a Candidate for Treatment?
Because these fillers all use hyaluronic acid, they work with nearly any patient! They are compatible with any skin tone, patient gender, and a wide age range.
The treatment may not be appropriate for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for patients who have an allergic reaction to lidocaine. When you contact our office, we will meet in person for a consultation and determine whether this treatment is right for you.
Contact Us Today
Are you ready to get a younger and fuller look and reclaim the youthful vibrancy of your skin? Come experience the benefits of Juvederm! Call Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA to set up your personal consultation today!
