The Juvederm family of dermal fillers are a popular alternative to cosmetic surgery for many people. In the past, collagen replacement treatments were one of the only options available, but technological advancements in dermal filler treatments have ushered in a vanguard of long-lasting injectables. Voluma is the first dermal filler to be approved by the FDA. At Priority You MD in Clearwater, FL, we take great pride in offering top-of-the-line fillers by Juvederm.
The first two layers of skin are called the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is the outer layer that acts as a waterproof barrier to the outside world. It protects from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, harsh weather conditions, and intruders such as bacteria and viruses. As the first line of defense, it is also the layer that takes the most damage over time.
The dermis is the second layer, and it’s flexibility cushions the body from stress. It contains sebaceous glands, which produce the necessary oils that support the skin’s elasticity and strength. It also contains hair follicles and receptors that are responsible for your sense of touch, pressure, and pain.
The subcutaneous layer acts as the body’s shock absorber. Also called the hypodermis, this is the innermost layer of skin that consists of fat and connective tissue. This area contains blood vessels that help transport nutrients to keep the skin strong and healthy. Its fat cells also act as insulators and temperature regulators.
Unfortunately, as the first line of defense, the epidermis takes the strongest hit from sun damage, harsh weather, and drying effects. As this layer thins, the skin begins to look rougher and does not rebound as well from damage.
The epidermis also houses cells responsible for pigmentation. As we age, these cells thin out and the remaining cells grow in size. This creates what we are familiar with as “age spots” on the skin. Scarring also becomes more prominent as the epidermis layer stretches and thins as well.
The dermis is home to smaller blood vessels than the subcutaneous layer. These smaller vessels are more prone to damage as we age, causing the skin to bruise more easily. As this layer is held together by collagen, it weakens with time as collagen production slows and breaks down.
Men and women see different effects in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. As hormones change and shift with age, sebaceous glands begin to produce less oil. For women, oil production slows during the time of menopause, which can increase skin dryness, itchiness, and sagging. Men typically don’t see a change in oil production until around 80 years of age.
The loss of fat in this layer with time means there is less tissue to support the normal elasticity of the skin, especially in the face. Typical areas affected by this include the cheeks, nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth), chin, and surrounding areas.
Dermal fillers are injected into the skin to replace lost collagen and improve the appearance of facial contours. There are several types of dermal fillers. Typically, thinner fillers are injected into the upper dermis layer of skin, while thicker fillers are often injected into the deeper dermis or into the subcutaneous layer.
The process is safe and common, often completed in less than an hour. There is minimal downtime and most people can resume normal activities immediately. Juvederm Voluma is formulated with lidocaine to encourage a comfortable experience.
In decades past, the main option for dermal fillers was collagen. However, technology has rocketed the science of dermal fillers into an extensive variety of solutions for nearly every cosmetic need. The resulting products are longer-lasting and promote long-term benefits.
Several new filler options have become available, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, calcium hydroxyapatite, polymethylmethacrylate, silicone, and poly-L-lactic acid. Everyone tolerates these chemical formulations differently, so it is difficult to say exactly how long each will last.
However, one of the main benefits of Juvederm Voluma is its proven efficacy of up to two years. Compared to collagen treatments, which may last only three to six months, this treatment is a convenient alternative that will save money on frequent office visits
Priority You MD is proud to offer a full line of Juvederm filler treatments. Hyaluronic Acid is the featured ingredient in this family of solutions. This chemical is already produced naturally by the body so the Juvederm products are generally well-tolerated treatments. The family includes Juvederm XC, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Juvederm Volbella, Juvederm Vollure, and Juvederm Voluma SC.
Hyaluronic Acid consists of a chain of sugars that occur naturally in the skin. It is responsible for keeping skin hydrated and can hold almost one thousand times its weight in water. In addition, it helps to transfer the nutrients necessary for giving skin its resilience. This stimulates collagen production and enhances the skin’s healing capacity.
Juvederm’s special formulation is enhanced by a technology that strengthens its molecular structure. This formula enhances its resistance to breaking down in the body, which makes it last twice as long as other hyaluronic acid products.
Many people elect to try dermal fillers after they find that they are not good candidates for cosmetic surgery. Because it is a simple and non-invasive treatment, most people tolerate it well. In addition, reactions to the treatment are uncommon since Juvederm’s hyaluronic acid is not animal-derived and is already naturally present in the body.
Even though treatment consists of a series of small injections, the lidocaine formulation minimizes discomfort. In addition, the needles are very fine, which reduces the treatment surface area and increases accuracy.
Since hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the skin, its effects can be seen right away. It supports underlying tissues, leveraging hydration to lift sagging, dull skin. One treatment alone will make a noticeable difference as it instantly plumps the skin and restores elasticity, improving facial contours.
In the past, collagen treatments and other dermal fillers broke down quickly within the body. Typically, most only lasted three to six months. With the advent of newer technologies, a variety of fillers now last much longer.
The hyaluronic acid in Juvederm’s formulation goes through a process known as Vycross–a technology that links hyaluronic acid molecules together–making a stronger molecular structure. This allows it to last up to two years in the body. In addition, the product is smooth to inject, biodegradable, and reversible.
Juvederm Voluma is specifically designed to plump and firm the cheeks and surrounding skin. It’s a more viscous formulation than other dermal fillers, so it is injected deeper into the dermis. This thickness keeps it from migrating so it stays in place and improves the contour of the upper and middle cheeks for months.
While it is intended as a filler for the cheeks and midface area in general, hyaluronic acid has been used successfully in other areas as well. Many doctors are now using this treatment for the lower face, including the mouth, lips, lower cheeks, chin, and jawline. As we age, these areas are especially susceptible to lost collagen and descend over time.
If you are over 21 and are dissatisfied with their skin’s appearance, you are a good candidate for this treatment. Even if you are using other dermal fillers, peels, or laser treatments, Juvederm Voluma is compatible with most other dermal treatments. Our specialists at Priority You MD will discuss the best way to time your hyaluronic acid filler alongside other treatments you may be receiving.
For several days prior to your treatment, it is best to wear sunscreen outside and minimize sun exposure as much as you can. It may also be a good idea to stop anything that may make your skin more sensitive, such as waxing, tanning, plucking, or bleaching. Since you will be receiving injections, you will want to make sure your skin is as pristine as possible to avoid any unnecessary irritation.
If you frequently take over-the-counter pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicines or aspirin, it may also be beneficial to limit these or stop taking them all together for several days prior to your treatment. These medications should be avoided when undergoing any kind of skin treatment because they can increase bleeding.
Most sessions last under an hour and require minimal preparation. You may be offered a topical anesthetic cream to be applied prior to the injections. However, the lidocaine formulation acts as an effective analgesic, and most patients report very little discomfort.
A little redness is normal just after the injections are placed and can be alleviated with an ice bag to reduce inflammation. Some tenderness can also be expected. To minimize the chances of bruising and swelling it is advised to avoid heat and exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment.
After treatment, it is a good idea to continue following the same courses of action you took in the pre-treatment stage. In addition, you may want to avoid consuming alcohol for one or two days afterward to discourage bruising. Despite a few aftercare precautions, patients can typically resume normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
Studies have consistently shown the benefits of hyaluronic acid treatment, and its low-risk profile continues to rank it high on the list of top recommendations by dermatologists. Research also indicates that consistent use of hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the quality of the skin itself well into the future. Its presence in the deep layers of the dermis supports your own natural collagen production. Like many important molecules, collagen proteins work best when they are created from the inside.
Because it is a thick, viscous gel, Juvederm Voluma is injected more deeply than other fillers. This reduces the chances of over-correcting, as the gel stays in place and tends not to migrate. The added volume to the skin remains longer and saves money, as fewer office visits are needed. All in all, this treatment has been shown to be the smoothest, longest-lasting, and most cohesive of all hyaluronic acid fillers dermal fillers.
Juvederm Voluma is a safe, non-invasive, hyaluronic acid treatment that will restore skin resilience and elasticity. Sessions last less than an hour and the effects are immediate with little to no downtime. If you are ready to experience more vibrant, younger-looking skin, call our experienced staff at Priority You MD in Clearwater, FL to schedule your consultation today.
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