Two of the most important considerations people have when choosing dermal filler treatments are how long the treatments will take, and how soon they will see results. Juvederm is one of the most popular dermal filler brands due to its efficacy, convenience, and fast results. Our talented team at Spa Black in San Antonio, TX is excited to offer this service with comprehensive and compassionate care.
How Long Does a Juvederm Treatment Take?
There are two answers to this question: treatment sessions themselves are considered outpatient services and take less than an hour, but the time needed to achieve desired results is different for everyone. Regular touch-ups and maintenance sessions may be needed to maintain optimal results. Everyone metabolizes and responds to injectables differently, but there are several variables that can influence how you experience your results, including lifestyle habits, age, skin condition, and general health.
For most people, results are noticeable after just one session. The lifting and plumping effects are seen immediately since injectable dermal fillers are delivered just under the skin. Some gels are thick enough that they can even be massaged and molded by hand to improve facial contours. Many patients report that their results continue to improve after the first two to three weeks after the gel settles into the skin.
What to Expect From Your Treatment Session
Juvederm dermal fillers are made from a modified form of hyaluronic acid (HA). The gel is injected just under the skin using ultrafine needles that are highly accurate and cover a small surface area. Each product in this family is individually formulated to target specific areas of the face.
Treatment sessions last anywhere from fifteen to 60 minutes and are completed in-office. There is little to no downtime, making it convenient to immediately return to your normal daily activities. However, our specialists may advise you to follow a few precautions directly after treatment and between sessions.
Before Your Appointment
For several days prior to your appointment, it is crucial to make your skincare a priority. Wear sunscreen when outside and minimize sun exposure as much as possible. Try to avoid any activities that may increase skin sensitivity, such as tanning, plucking, bleaching, and waxing. Since your skin will be receiving injections, it will be beneficial to make sure your skin as pristine as possible to avoid unnecessary irritation.
If you frequently take over-the-counter pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicines or aspirin, our team may advise you to stop taking them in the days leading up to your appointment. They are blood thinners and can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
At Your Consultation
Our med spa San Antonio specialists will examine your skin in-person and assess its condition for receiving treatment. We will answer any questions or concerns you might have, and address any skin problems such as acne or eczema. It is important to come to your appointment prepared to answer questions about your medical history and any prescriptions you may be taking. Also, be sure to mention if you are immunocompromised in any way.
During Treatment
During your session, the hyaluronic acid gel will be delivered just under the skin via ultrafine needles. Our spa San Antonio specialists will offer you a topical anesthetic to maximize comfort, and some Juvederm products already contain lidocaine. However, most people report a comfortable experience with or without an anesthetic. Thicker formulations will be massaged into the skin and molded into the area to encourage a smooth and symmetric application.
After Your Session
After treatment, it is a good idea to continue following the same courses of action you took in the pre-treatment stage. You may want to avoid alcohol for fie first 48 hours afterward to discourage bruising. It is important to take especially good care of your skin, and you should avoid intense heat and exercise for the first few days. As with most things, drinking lots of water and eating healthy meals will ensure that your skin receives the nutrients and hydration it needs.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Midface
The midface area includes the corners of the eyes down to the nose, and further down to the nasolabial folds (NSFs) and corners of your mouth. These areas are highly susceptible to collagen loss, as they descend over time and succumb to gravity. Hyaluronic acid gels have been used to successfully treat and lift the middle and upper cheeks as well as the NSFs.
Lower Face
The lower face is also susceptible to frowning and the appearance of descending lines, so this area deserves as much attention as the midface. The lower face area includes the lower cheeks, mouth, and jawline. Complementary products in the Juvederm family can be used together to customize treatments for your desired results.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
While most patients seeking dermal filler treatment are over age 30, many young people turn to dermal fillers for sagging skin due to skin disorders, hormone problems, or weight loss. Dermal fillers are a good choice for anyone over 21 who is dissatisfied with their skin’s tone and texture.
In addition, many people turn to dermal fillers when they find they are not good candidates for (or simply prefer not to undergo) cosmetic surgeries or other restorative services. Because of this, dermal fillers have become a popular alternative among a variety of demographics for their safety, efficacy, and convenience.
How Is Juvederm Different?
With hyaluronic acid as its primary ingredient, this treatment is well-tolerated and assimilates easily into the skin. Studies suggest that long-term use of HA can stimulate the body’s own collagen production, encouraging lasting improvements in the skin. Research has shown that continued use of HA can actually stimulate the body’s own collagen production over time. In addition, a patented technology called Vycross strengthens hyaluronic acid molecules into a more stable substance.
Vycross Technology
The HA molecules in Volbella, Vollure, and Voluma are modified using Vycross technology. This process links together higher- and lower-weight HA molecules, resulting in a stronger, more durable HA formula. This gives the product the stability necessary to resist breaking down in the body longer than other fillers.
The Juvederm Family
Voluma XC
Voluma is the thickest of all the gels in this family. Because of this, it is injected more deeply than the others and can be molded to the desired facial contours. It is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid gel to contain lidocaine, a topical anesthetic. Voluma is best for treating the cheeks and surrounding skin, as well as the jawline, chin, and mouth. This product is the longest-lasting of all the gels in this family.
Volbella XC
Conversely, Volbella is the thinnest of the gels. It is softer and highly spreadable, which makes it ideal for treating the fine lip lines and smile lines around the mouth. It’s lighter texture allows for more natural facial expressions. This product typically lasts up to a year or longer.
Ultra XC
Ultra XC corrects moderate to severe facial lines in the smile lines and nasolabial folds. Like Volbella, this product is used for the mouth area, but its higher water affinity enhances suppleness for a more plump and fuller contour. It has been shown to last up to a year.
Vollure XC
Vollure has a medium consistency designed to withstand the frequent folding and compressing of high-mobility areas such as the mouth and marionette lines. It is formulated for spreadability but is durable enough to handle frequent muscle movements. Its consistency lends itself to more natural facial expressions.
Juvederm XC
This product immediately restores moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. It is designed to smooth and plump high-mobility areas near the mouth and nose. Studies show this product will remain in place for up to a year.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Due to their patented Vycross technology, Juvederm’s hyaluronic acid products last almost twice as long as their rivals. Touch-ups and regular maintenance and touch-ups will prolong the duration of your results, but there are other factors that may affect the longevity of your treatment. For instance, skin condition, severity of collagen loss, lifestyle, injection volume, and location of treatment can all play a role in the duration of your results.
Skin Damage
It stands to reason that the more damaged your skin, the more maintenance treatments you will need to achieve optimal results. Mature and damaged skin rebounds less quickly than younger skin, so it is important to make skincare a priority during treatment. Our specialists will develop an individualized plan for you that will have your skin as prepared for treatment as possible.
Severity of Collagen Loss
If your skin has deep hollows or is sagging severely, take heart. It may take more maintenance treatments to achieve the results you desire, but you are also likely to see the most dramatic results. With a good skin care regimen and combination treatments, our medical specialists will be able to help you problem-solve even the most challenging skin concerns.
Lifestyle
As with many things, lifestyle choices affect the outcome of any restorative therapeutic treatment. Activities such as using tanning beds and smoking can accelerate the aging process and inhibit the benefits of treatment. In addition, sustained high stress levels stimulate stress hormones such as cortisol, which can affect the condition of your skin. Making healthy choices and introducing a holistic approach to your skincare will enhance your results.
Injection Location
Thicker gels are injected more deeply into the dermis, allowing them to resist breaking down in the body and staying put longer. Conversely, thinner gels are delivered more superficially and are metabolized more quickly. Results will last longer in more static areas, such as the nose. Areas such as the mouth and lips will experience frequent muscle movements, causing the product to break down more rapidly.
Proven Results
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.
Get Started Today
Juvederm treatments are effective and convenient. After just one session you will begin to see improvements in moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. These HA gel fillers have gained popularity among dermatologists and patients alike for their low-risk profile and high efficacy. If you are ready to reclaim healthy, vibrant skin, call our medical specialists at Spa Black in San Antonio, TX to schedule your consultation today.