When exploring their options for dermal filler injectables, many people find themselves considering two important points: how quickly they will see results, and how long their results will last. The answers to these questions will be different for everyone, as no two people have the same skin and everyone responds to therapeutics differently. However, our talented team at Madison Medspa in Waunakee, WI has years of experience developing Juvederm treatment plans and can ensure you will get the longest-lasting results possible.
How Long Do Juvederm Fillers Last?
Many people don’t know that Juvederm has a variety of products in its dermal filler family. Each is specially formulated to target certain areas of the face: mid-face, lower face, and submalar (lower cheek) areas. Since they consist of different concentrations of the active ingredient, hyaluronic acid (HA), each product varies in longevity and durability. Some last as little as six months, while others last up to 24 months or longer.
In addition, the thickness of the product makes a difference. Thicker gels tend to be delivered next to the bone in more static areas of the face, such as the cheekbones. Because these areas don’t experience as much movement as more mobile areas, such as the lips, they are less likely to be broken down by the body. Conversely, thinner gels are designed to spread. Thinner gels are typically delivered just under the first layer of skin and are often used for more mobile and expressive areas of the face. This may cause them to become metabolized more quickly than the thicker gels.
A Formula for Every Need
No matter where it is intended to be injected, each of Juvederm products is made from a modified form of hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid was the first filler approved by the FDA since bovine collagen was approved in 1981. As we age, HA levels diminish, causing us to lose volume, elasticity, and hydration in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that binds to water to create volume. Replenishing the skin’s HA levels encourages lasting, positive changes to the skin. As skin volume is restored, nutrient transfer improves and allows the skin to become more flexible and resilient. The variety of products offered ensures there is a suitable approach for nearly everyone.
Voluma XC
Voluma differs from other hyaluronic acid fillers in that it has a higher gel hardness that makes it the thickest of all HA fillers. Because of this, it is suited for deeper injection in the skin, which allows for more lift and volume in the tissues. It can still be delivered with the tiny, ultrafine needles typically used for modern injectables, so it retains its accuracy and non-intrusive nature.
Due to its unique formula, this product can be molded and shaped for your desired effect. For this reason, it is best suited for treating the cheeks and surrounding skin. Research and anecdotal evidence show that this product can last up to 24 months.
Vollure XC
Vollure is designed to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, including the nasolabial folds (NSFs). It’s HA molecules have undergone the Vycross process, contributing to the gel’s durability. It is formulated for high-mobility areas, its consistency allowing it to spread and move with the muscles. Its effects have been shown to last up to 18 months.
Juvederm XC
This product is formulated for injection into the mouth and nose areas. These areas sustain a lot of muscle movement, so this gel metabolizes more quickly than the other products. Nonetheless, it has still been shown to last up to 12 months.
Volbella XC
Volbella is designed to increase lip fullness and soften the appearance of “lipstick lines” around the mouth. It is formulated with Vycross but is customized with a lower hyaluronic acid concentration. This gives it spreadability while still providing the durability and longevity of other Juvederm products. Studies suggest that Volbella typically lasts up to 12 months.
Ultra XC
This product is formulated for injection into the lips and mouth area for lip augmentation. It is a smooth gel formulation with a high water affinity, meaning it plumps the skin through hydration. The gel contains lidocaine, an analgesic designed to enhance patient comfort during the treatment. Like Volbella, Ultra XC has been shown to last up to 12 months.
About Juvederm’s Vycross Technology
Designed to address limitations in the original hyaluronic acid gels, Juvederm developed Vycross technology to create stronger, more durable HA products. In the Vycross process, the molecular structure of HA gels is reinforced by something called crosslinking. This occurs when HA molecules of various weights are linked together (as opposed to linking molecules of the same weight, leading to a weaker structure).
The higher the concentration of cross-linked HA molecules, the more durable the product is likely to be. This also allows for greater control of the amount of water the gel will take up, diminishing the likelihood of asymmetry in treated areas. In addition, the more cross-linking, the more moldable the product is to facial contours.
Your Treatment Session: What to Expect at Madison MedSpa
The Consultation
Here at Madison MedSpa, we take great pride in carefully selecting the treatments we are confident have the highest safety and efficacy ratings. We would rather offer you the depth of expertise rather than the breadth of fly-by-night trends and cosmetic services. Our specialists are highly experienced and continually update their training to develop the specific skill sets needed to offer the very best solutions.
We always schedule extra time in our consultations so that we can take as long as you need to answer your questions and address any concerns. Our certified nurse injector will have a conversation with you to determine your desired results and give you a realistic idea of how to achieve them. We will then introduce you to our office manager, who will provide you with a treatment plan estimate in terms of cost and duration. We will then give you plenty of time and privacy to make your final decision.
During your consultation, one of our providers will assess your skin and inquire about your medical history and whether or not you are currently receiving any other cosmetic services. Finally, you will be offered some guidelines to follow in the days and weeks leading up to your session.
Before Your Appointment
Our specialists will use the information from your consultation to give you personalized advice for getting your skin in pristine condition and ready for treatment. A few guidelines we always recommend are to wear sunscreen and minimize skin-irritating habits such as tanning, bleaching, and waxing.
In addition, we may recommend that you discontinue the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as they are blood thinners and can encourage bruising. For this same reason, we will also recommend that you avoid alcohol and supplements such as fish oil and omega fatty acids.
During Your Session
Our team prides itself on making your satisfaction our number one priority. Your appointment should take less than an hour and with little to no downtime afterward. One of our nurse injectors will deliver the gel just under the skin using tiny, ultrafine needles. You should see instant results and can resume your normal daily activities immediately following your treatment.
After Your Treatment
In the 48 hours following treatment, it is a good idea to avoid anything that could be irritating to the skin, including harsh weather conditions and ultraviolet radiation exposure. It is best to use personal care products containing only the gentlest ingredients and avoiding drying substances like retinol. It is also recommended that you avoid intense heat and exercise for the first couple of days after treatment as well.
Recovery
As with most restorative services, it is important to drink lots of water and choose healthy foods that ensure your skin receives the nutrients it needs. Prioritizing and developing a consistent skincare routine will enhance and extend the effectiveness of your treatment. Getting adequate sleep and minimizing stressors will lengthen the duration of your results.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Juvederm products are safe, non-invasive, and effective hyaluronic acid treatments that will restore skin flexibility and resilience. They are FDA-approved for anyone over the age of 21 who would like to improve their skin’s texture and volume. We see a wide range of patients from those in their teens to those in their 60’s.
Men and women alike make good candidates. If you hope to avoid cosmetic surgery but would like to take advantage of long-lasting skin rejuvenation, you will likely benefit from hyaluronic acid injectables. The only caveats to this are if you are immunocompromised, pregnant, or breastfeeding, in which case you may be advised to wait to begin treatment.
We Want to Help
The variety of products in the Juvederm line ensures there is a product perfect for your needs. Their proven safety and effectiveness make them a trusted alternative to cosmetic surgery, giving immediate and long-lasting results. Don’t let aging skin steal your confidence. Call our experienced team at Madison Medspa in Waunakee, WI to schedule a consultation today.