REPLENISH VOLUME AND FILL IN WRINKLES IN THE TORONTO AREA
For some, the appearance of wrinkles suggests wisdom and experience, or a life well-lived. However, not everyone is happy with or accepting of these changes to their facial appearance. Fortunately, cosmetic treatments make it convenient and simple for you to take years off your face, without having to have dramatic surgery. Juvéderm® is a breakthrough product that has become one of the most popular minimally invasive dermal filler options in the world. If you’re curious about Juvéderm®, Toronto’s North York Dermatology Clinic would be happy to help you decide on the best option for your goals.
WHAT CAUSES SKIN DAMAGE?
The two main causes of damage to the skin are intrinsic aging and harmful environmental elements. The processes that make our skin look plump, healthy, and smooth in our youth change as we get older. Less oil and moisture are produced. Fibers become weakened and less collagen and elastin – the proteins that maintain strength and elasticity in the skin – are generated. Over time, the weakened and thinning skin becomes stretched and the muscular movements of our face lead to permanent lines being formed.
Additionally, our lifestyle plays a role. Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a chronic high sugar intake, and excessive cardiovascular exercise all contribute to premature aging. Harsh chemicals, the force of gravity, UV radiation from prolonged or intense sun exposure, and weather fluctuations gradually can take a toll on your complexion.
Wrinkles fall into two major categories: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles are those related to muscle activity, while static wrinkles occur due to loss of volume in the face. Juvéderm® is designed for correcting static wrinkles.
WHAT IS JUVÉDERM®
The Juvéderm® family consists of an FDA-approved collection of dermal filler products used to reduce facial wrinkles, creases, folds, and other signs of aging resulting from volume loss, and for lip augmentation. This dermal filler brand is produced by global pharmaceutical pioneer Allergan and all varieties are derived from modified hyaluronic acid. The fillers have a smooth, even, gel-like texture due to the way they are manufactured, as opposed to the granular texture associated with some other dermal filler alternatives.
Juvéderm® is intended for adults over the age of 21, of all skin types, who are in good health and do not have allergies to specific ingredients or bleeding disorders. Women who are currently pregnant or nursing should seek advice from their provider before trying Juvéderm®. People with severely loose skin, scarring, or more advanced signs of aging, may not be good candidates.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JUVÉDERM®
Juvéderm® can be used on most sections of the face but mainly addresses moderate to severe wrinkles in the middle and lower two thirds of the face, and volume loss from the apples of the cheeks. It works on marionette lines, deep nasolabial folds or parenthesis lines around the nose and mouth, hollowing eyes and temples, and acne scars. Its effects are believed to last longer than collagen and fat injections. Additionally, it can help to restore facial symmetry and contours. The risk of allergic reactions is low because the primary ingredient in Juvéderm® is produced by the body.
HOW DOES JUVÉDERM® WORK?
The Juvéderm® procedure is a relatively superficial one that causes only minor discomfort. The product is injected into the desired treatment sites with a small, sterile needle. A numbing cream or topical anesthetic will be applied to your face beforehand for prolonged comfort. Juvéderm® is low-risk and usually well-tolerated by patients. The outcome is instantly noticeable, and patients can return to their activities right away as there is no downtime required. Some people experience minor side effects such as some swelling or bruising.
Aging skin often has difficulties producing its own hyaluronic acid, which is why it may have a dry, dull, thin, or wrinkled quality. Once the hyaluronic acid-based formula has been injected into the mid to deep layers of the skin on the treatment site, moisture levels are restored and Juvéderm® expands to fill in the surface. Results typically last anywhere from 9 to 24 months for any form of this medication.
VARIATIONS OF JUVÉDERM®
The different types of Juvéderm® are produced using revolutionary VYCROSS™ technology. Any product that has “XC” attached to its name contains a numbing medication called Lidocaine. Juvéderm® can be fully customized to meet individual the needs of patients because each version is designed for specific areas of the face and types of damage. Some patients may require a combination of different types of Juvéderm® for the best possible results.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra
Ultra is good for both wrinkles around the nose and mouth areas, as well as plumping the lips. It adds fullness to and softens lips that have become thinner because of the effects of aging.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus
Ultra Plus is similarly used on lines that occur around the nose and mouth but has a thicker texture and is more highly concentrated than Ultra. This is a more aggressive treatment designed for severe wrinkles.
JUVÉDERM Voluma®
Voluma® is a heavier and very long-lasting alternative that is good for adding volume and lift to the cheeks. It is intended to rectify the sunken areas, flatness, and sagging around the cheekbone areas due to aging and gravity. Additionally, Voluma® can correct volume lost in the under eye area. Its effects can last for a duration of up to two years.
JUVÉDERM Volbella®
On the other end of the spectrum Volbella® is the lightest and most easily spread formulation. It is good for delicate areas on and around the lips, such as fine lipstick lines. This product is designed for subtle definition. The effects are mild as opposed to the dramatic results from other lip fillers.
JUVÉDERM Vollure™
Vollure™ establishes a middle ground, or happy medium between the strength and potency of Voluma® and the malleable consistency of Volbella®. It is applied to moderate to severe wrinkles, like parenthesis lines.
HOW DOES HYALURONIC ACID HELP THE SKIN?
Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gelatinous type of sugar that is found naturally in the connective tissue of the human body. It is highly concentrated in the skin, joints, and eyes, providing lubrication and cushioning, while also being a key part of the wound healing process. Hyaluronic acid possesses anti-aging properties and is good for moisturizing as well as enhancing skin elasticity. This sugar is able to retain very large quantities of water to keep the skin hydrated.
BEYOND JUVÉDERM®: OTHER COSMETIC OPTIONS
Depending on the area being treated, Restylane® dermal fillers are often the more cost-effective alternative. However, Juvéderm® tends to be longer lasting on average. Men and women who are mainly concerned about wrinkles caused by muscle activity, such as frown lines, forehead lines, or crow’s feet, will get better results from BOTOX® Cosmetic.