The Many Faces Of Juvederm®
When it comes to Juvederm®, Dallas dermatologist Dr. Ellen Turner often encounters patients who may have heard of the brand, but not know exactly what it does. Even those who have an idea about how it works as a dermal filler might not realize the many variations that exist, each with a specific focus.
Each of the fillers in the Juvederm® line is made with hyaluronic acid molecules as its active ingredient, all cross-linked via a special process that ultimately gives the filler its unique consistency and properties.
In the skin, hyaluronic acid plays an important role thanks to its ability to bind to water molecules. Abundant hyaluronic acid often means well-hydrated and effectively moisturized skin.
Though hyaluronic acid occurs naturally as a sugar the body makes on its own, production gradually tapers off. When destruction of these molecules due to time or environmental damage—primarily from the sun—outstrips the body’s ability to replace them, the skin can dry out. This is when static wrinkles can form and become increasingly pronounced. Hyaluronic acid loss typically goes hand in hand with a similar drop in collagen. With collagen providing significant facial volume and structure, their combined departure from older skin can cause visible signs of aging to be especially pronounced.
Juvederm® addresses this by adding volume to correct age-related volume loss. Though all of the fillers in the line have the parent brand in their name, the word “Juvederm®,” when used alone, most often refers to the filler intended to soften the look of moderate to severe nasolabial folds, known as parenthesis. Juvederm® Ultra XC and Ultra Plus XC were the first to feature the cross-linked hyaluronic acid molecules that have, over the years since its creation and initial FDA approvals, led the line to expand into a family heavy on names that start with “V.”
Voluma® XC
Volume loss in the cheeks changes the rosy roundness of the “apple” there to a harsher and more angular flat area, or even a hollow. Voluma® is formulated to bring that apple back—which has a twofold benefit for the face. In addition to providing gentle and pleasantly plump mid-face contours, the apple also acts as a support structure for tissues lower on the face. Without that support, these tissues travel downward to form a wobbly set of jowls, or at least hide the clean line of the jaw. Restoring the apple restores that support, subtly lifting the sagging tissues and providing better definition in silhouette.
Volbella® XC
This member of the Juvederm® family has a mouth focus, with injectors using it to smooth out fine lines that radiate outward from the lips and to subtly enhance the lips themselves. Common reasons for choosing this injectable include having lips that have always been thin due to heredity, or having lips that shrank from plump to meager over time.
Vollure™ XC
Joining the Juvederm® line after the other fillers mentioned here, Vollure™ is a new version of the original filler designed to smooth out facial parenthesis. The earlier incarnation of this filler generates results that can last up to a year, while this one softens moderate to severe nasolabial folds for up to 18 months.
Since volume is physically being added to the face, results will be visible just about as soon as the injection happens. As with anything involving a needle, however, there will likely be some initial swelling. When this resolves, along with any bruising or redness, the smoother skin will be apparent.
These fillers can all work in concert with each other to rejuvenate the face, and can even be paired with other treatments—such as BOTOX® by Juvederm® manufacturer Allergan—as part of a larger skincare strategy. A dermatologist experienced with a range of treatments and skin types can make a personalized recommendation that tailors the treatments, whatever they may be, to support a patient’s unique goals for facial beauty.
For more information about the various forms of Juvederm®, contact the Dallas-based dermatology offices of Dr. Ellen Turner, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Call 214-373-7546 or visit www.dermofficedallas.com.