Dermal fillers are injectable gels that are delivered via ultrafine needles to restore volume and smooth out severe to moderate facial wrinkles and folds. Juvederm is a line of products that outcompetes its competitors as the most effective of all hyaluronic acid treatments. Juvederm results are known to be the longest-lasting on the market. Dr. Gold and his team at Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN are proud to offer these top-rated products alongside other complementary rejuvenation services.
How Long-Lasting Are Juvederm Results?
Since everyone responds differently to therapeutics, it can be difficult to predict exactly how long individual results will last. While scheduling maintenance appointments for touch-ups every three months or so will help, there are many variables that affect the longevity of your results.
For instance, the consistency of the product and its intended injection location can play a role in how long results will last. On top of that, things out of your control, such as genetics and skin tone, can affect results as well.
What Factors Affect the Longevity of My Results?
Skin Damage
Damaged skin can take longer to heal and recover than more resilient skin. While it may take a little longer to achieve your desired results, Juvederm remains a top-recommendation for dermatologists everywhere because of its versatility and efficacy.
You can’t go wrong choosing Juvederm’s long-lasting gels. Though damaged skin rebounds less quickly, the humectant (hydrating) quality of HA will improve your skin’s tone and texture, making it healthier over time.
Collagen Loss
Don’t despair if your skin has experienced a large amount of collagen loss. Dr. Gold and his team of medical specialists are experienced at problem-solving even the most challenging skin concerns. You may require more product (and more office visits) to achieve maximum results, but you will see impactful changes to your skin. With combination treatments and a good skincare regimen, you will have healthier, more vibrant skin.
Lifestyle and Age
Unfortunately, age does play a role in the effectiveness of dermal fillers. Mature skin faces challenges that younger skin does not, such as hyperpigmentation, longer exposure to the elements, and dryness. It will require more specialized care, and perhaps more office visits. However, as with many things, introducing a holistic approach to your habits and making healthy choices will give your body the energy reserves it needs to accept Juvederm treatments.
Try to make changes that lower your stress levels, as stress hormones such as cortisol can wreak havoc on your body and affect your skin condition. Unhealthy habits such as smoking and tanning can actually accelerate the aging process, challenging the results you hope to achieve. In addition, it goes without saying that prioritizing good sleeping and eating habits will go a long way to enhance your Juvederm results.
While some things are out of your control (like genetics and skin type), there are many things you can do to support your skin through its rejuvenation treatment, including getting adequate hydration and appropriate physical exercise. Ensuring that your skin receives the nutrients it needs while prioritizing a consistent skincare routine will enhance and extend the effectiveness of your treatment.
Injection Volume and Location
It makes sense that the more product injected into your skin, the longer the product will last. Thinner gels are injected more superficially at the top layer of skin and break down more quickly than thicker gels. Thicker formulations are delivered deeper into the skin’s layers, causing them to metabolize much more slowly.
Areas of high-mobility, such as the mouth and lips, sustain more muscle movement and stretching of the skin. Products delivered to these areas more readily succumb to this continuous activity and will break down more rapidly. There is a lot to consider when choosing a treatment plan, and our specialists are experts at designing individualized plans to maximize your Juvederm results.
The Science of Skin
It is important to understand the basic physiology of your skin in order to understand how Juvederm can help. Aside from providing a protective barrier, your skin also regulates body temperature, transfers essential nutrients, and fights harmful microorganisms. It consists of layers, with each one serving an important and unique function. Since each layer is physiologically different, each layer ages differently as well.
The epidermis is the outermost layer, which is our first line of defense against outside invaders and the sun’s UV rays. This layer takes a lot of abuse but has the remarkable ability to regenerate itself. Beneath this layer is the dermis, which contains the receptors for touch, pain, and pressure. It contains the oil glands that help keep the skin hydrated and elastic. Finally, the hypodermis is important for thermoregulation, housing the blood vessels that transport nutrients to and from the body’s organs.
How the Epidermis Ages
This layer suffers the most damage over time since it is our body’s first line of defense. The more the epidermis is exposed to sun damage and harsh environmental conditions, the more dry and thin it becomes. The epidermis is home to the cells responsible for pigmentation. These cells begin to die off and thin out as we age, leaving the remaining cells to grow in size, forming what we call “age spots”. Similarly, scarring becomes more noticeable as the skin thins and stretches.
How the Dermis Ages
The dermis weakens as collagen is lost, creating less of a cushion for stress in the body. As a result, blood vessels weaken as well, making the skin more susceptible to bruising. This layer also houses the sebaceous glands, which produce the necessary oils that hydrate the skin and give it strength and elasticity. As we age, these glands produce less and less of these oils, causing dryness and hollowing facial contours.
How the Hypodermis Ages
This layer (also called the subcutaneous) contains the deeper blood vessels that transport nutrients throughout the body. It consists of connective tissues that lift and firm the layers of skin above it and act as an insulator and temperature regulator. Since hormones play a role in nutrient transfer, men and women will see different effects of aging in this layer.
As hormones change and shift with age, the fats that keep this layer so supple begin to shrink, causing a decrease in elasticity. Typical areas affected most by this loss of elasticity include the nasolabial folds (NSFs), cheeks, chin, and surrounding areas. These areas are particularly susceptible to gravity, descending over time and experiencing frowning effects.
How Is Juvederm Different?
Hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient in each of Juvederm’s products. This molecule is a humectant that binds to water, using hydration to restore volume. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body and aids in all types of wound healing. It helps to repair the skin through tissue regeneration, so replenishing the body’s levels of HA encourages the skin’s ability to heal and repair itself.
In addition, supplementing the skin with HA has been shown to encourage lasting improvements to the skin by stimulating collagen production. Since the hyaluronic acid used in these products is derived from a non-animal source, just about anyone can use them and they tend to be well-tolerated among most patients. If any reaction does occur, it is usually due to an allergy to another ingredient in the formula, such as lidocaine.
Vycross Technology
Vycross technology crosslinks HA molecules of various weights to produce a more durable product. As the concentration of cross-linked HA molecules increases, the more durable the product becomes. This is why Juvederm Voluma, Volbella, and Vollure last much longer than their rivals. Because the HA molecules are bonded tightly together, the resulting gel stays put longer and doesn’t migrate to surrounding areas after it is injected.
In traditional HA gels, one problem that arose was the unpredictability of how much water the gel would take up once injected into the skin. Cross-linking allows for greater control of this since the gel is smoother and more stable. This decreases the chances of asymmetrical application of the product. In addition, higher percentages of cross-linked HA creates a gel that is more moldable to facial contours.
The Juvederm Product Line
Voluma XC
Voluma is formulated for use in the mid-face, including the nasolabial folds, cheeks, and nose. It has a higher gel hardness, which allows it to give the most structural support of its counterparts. This gel thickness also allows it to stay in place longer, as it is injected more deeply than the other gels. It is slower to metabolize and is highly moldable to facial contours. Research shows it can last up to 24 months, the longest of all hyaluronic acid gels.
Vollure XC
Vollure has a thinner consistency designed for spreadability. While it easily moves with the folding and stretching of skin in the lower face, it is still strong enough not to break down with frequent muscle movements. Studies suggest Vollure’s effects remain for 18 months.
Ultra XC
Ultra XC augments moderate to severe facial wrinkles in the mouth area. However, it can also be used to restore volume to nasolabial folds and smile lines. Studies show it can last up to 12 months.
Volbella XC
Volbella XC and Ultra XC both treat the lips, but Volbella has a lower HA concentration than the other gels, making it the thinnest in consistency. It softens fine lines around the mouth and increases lip fullness. It can last up to 12 months in the mouth area.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Juvederm products are safe, non-invasive, and effective hyaluronic acid treatments that will restore skin flexibility and resilience. While there are some things that make one person a better candidate for treatment than another, the only way to get a true answer to this question is to have a consultation with Dr. Gold. Generally speaking, those who make the best candidates are in good general health, are not smokers, and do not have any conditions that would inhibit their healing progress.
Dr. Gold will do a full evaluation and will help you develop realistic expectations of your treatment plan. Results are usually instantly noticeable, but you will likely need to follow a consistent and specific skincare regimen. If you are unhappy with your skin, over 21, and committed to making the necessary changes to reach your goals, you may be the perfect candidate for Juvederm.
We Want to Help
Why wait to experience better skin? Juvederm is a trusted alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures and gives the benefit of immediate results. Call Dr. Gold and his team of specialists at Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN to schedule your consultation today.
