When wrinkles and fine lines start to develop on your face, it can be incredibly confronting. The person you see in the mirror is looking less and less like yourself, and while she’s still gorgeous, you may want to restore the youthful, voluminous look you were more familiar with. Juvederm is an effective and minimally invasive way to do just that, and here at Metairie Plastic Surgeons in Metairie, LA, we’re thrilled to offer the entire suite of Juvederm products.
What Are the Different Types of Juvederm?
The Juvederm product suite contains a number of varieties. Each one differs slightly in terms of consistency, which yields different results, and where it’s most effective. So which one will be right for you and your aesthetic concerns will depend on what area you’re looking to treat and what your cosmetic goals are. During your consultation, we’ll go through them all with you and suggest the variety that we think will work best for you.
Ultra
One of the most popular products available, Ultra is used both as a facial filler and a lip filler. It’s particularly effective at restoring volume in areas where your face might have lost it, such as depressed cheeks, plus smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. When used on the lips, it can create plumpness and symmetry. Ultra gives very natural-looking results, which makes it a great starting place for those who have never used fillers before.
Voluma
If your focus is perky, rounded cheeks that give a youthful plumpness to the face, you can’t look past Voluma. It’s a gel filler, meaning it really holds its shape under the skin, and when used in the cheeks it works to lift, contour, and add firmness all at once. It can also be used on an uneven nose, sunken temples, and on deep under-eye bags. Gel fillers are also longer-lasting, which makes them a popular option for those who really can’t be bothered with maintenance sessions.
Volbella
Singularly used as a lip filler, Volbella is the perfect filler for anyone who wants their treatment to look as gentle and subtle as possible. All products are made from hyaluronic acid, but Volbella mixes hyaluronic acid chains of varying lengths, which amounts to a more natural-looking result. Its ability to lift and even out the lips is unparalleled compared to almost any other product in the range, affording the user a permanently contoured and gorgeous smile.
Vollure
The incredible and unique molecular structure of Vollure means that it can lift the skin and provide it with firmness at the same time. So if you’re looking to tackle sunken skin and even out heavy wrinkles, this might be the filler for you. It’s especially effective around the nose and mouth, where sagging skin and deep lines are particularly prone to intercepting. Not only does Vollure offer long-term results, but it looks incredibly natural as it softens and smooths the skin.
Ultra Plus
If you’re working with pretty severe wrinkles and lines, Ultra Plus is a fantastic option. It has a much thicker consistency than its counterparts, which means it creates noticeable changes across the face, from significantly bigger, pouty lips to expertly smoothing out deep lines. It’s frequently used on the middle and lower part of the face since its power is especially effective against sagging skin and nasolabial folds.
How Does This Treatment Actually Work?
Whichever product you end up using is always inserted the same way. We inject it into the target areas on your face using an ultra-fine needle. All the Juvederm products contain a synthetic version of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance found in our bodies that’s responsible for bringing moisture to the skin. As we age, our bodies’ production of hyaluronic acid slows, meaning we not only lose moisture, but also skin-helping proteins like collagen and elastin. The result is sagging skin that folds, droops, and wrinkles.
But when we replenish the skin with HA, we can restore volume and moisture. Once injected, the HA finds water inside the body, binds itself to it, and then brings that water back to the skin. The skin immediately becomes more hydrated and plump. What makes this treatment incredible is that because HA occurs naturally in the body, patients are very unlikely to have an allergic reaction to it, making it one of the safest cosmetic treatments on the market.
What Can I Expect Out of Treatment?
Your Consultation
The first step is to come into our Metairie office to talk us through your aesthetic goals. This is a super important step, as it allows us to decide which product will be the most effective in remedying your concerns. We’ll also be able to assess whether, overall, this treatment is going to be the best course of action for the cosmetic issues you’re looking to correct, or whether another treatment would be better.
This is also our chance to look through your medical history and talk about what medications you’re on, just to ensure you’re a healthy candidate for this treatment. We’ll then design a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. We likely won’t ask you to do too much ahead of your appointment, except perhaps to avoid blood thinners like aspirin for a few days prior.
Your Session
On the day, you’ll be asked to come in with a clean face and no makeup, so there’s no risk of a foreign substance touching the needle. A member of our highly trained staff may apply a topical numbing cream to your treatment area, and then the injections will be made. The needle used is so fine that many of our patients report feeling absolutely nothing throughout the session! In a matter of minutes, it’s all over.
Afterward
One of the many perks of this treatment is that you won’t require any downtime after it. Unlike cosmetic surgery, which can often require days of bed rest, you’ll be able to immediately carry on with errands and work after your session. You can even drive yourself to and from the appointment! We may recommend a few things to avoid in the days following, such as direct harsh sunlight or high temperatures found in hot tubs and saunas. But this won’t be life-altering or for too long.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The exact length of time will always depend on the individual, and factors like their lifestyle and how their body operates. Not only that, but the product used lasts for different times. Below is a rough guide on the longevity of each product.
- Ultra – usually around nine months
- Vollure – up to 18 months
- Volbella – up to a year
- Voluma – up to 2 years with proper maintenance
- Ultra Plus – up to a year
After you notice the effects of your fillers starting to wear off, you’re welcome to simply book a maintenance session with us. It’s as quick and easy as your original session, so you’ll be able to fit it into even the busiest schedule!
Will the Results Look Natural?
The beauty of this treatment having so many products is that you can choose just how you want the result to look. For example, Volbella provides a more subtle look thanks to its thin consistency and its make-up of more natural protein structures. On the other hand, Ultra Plus yields striking, gorgeous results that are perfect for someone looking for more of a non-surgical facelift. Whatever level of subtlety you’re looking for, we’ll find the product that suits you best.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for This Treatment?
If you’re struggling with a loss of volume in the face, you may be a good candidate for Juvederm. There’s no one right age, gender, or skin tone – if you’re over 18 and want to smooth out wrinkles, lift the cheeks and jawline, or plump up your lips, we warmly invite you for a consultation.
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be eligible candidates. Certain medications may also prohibit you from being able to undergo treatment. If this is the case, our expert staff will be more than happy to talk you through alternative treatments that can yield similar results.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re ready to feel and look like the best version of yourself – one who is refreshed, glowing, and naturally gorgeous – you may be ready for Juvederm. With just a few tiny injections you can take years off your face and finally recognize the person looking back at you in the mirror. Our team can’t wait to help you, so to learn more, call Metairie Plastic Surgeons in Metairie, LA, today.
