Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, so smile lines and crow’s feet become more apparent. The facial skin also stretches a bit, adding to this loss of facial volume. Other factors that affect the facial skin include sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle.

There are several different types of dermal fillers. Some common types are: Radiesse, Bellafill, Sculptra, Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane. We will discuss the products that will best address your aesthetic concerns at your consultation.

For some patients, we will recommend combination treatments such as skin tightening and non-surgical brow lift or eye lifts. Combination therapy can offer impressive results for most aesthetic concerns.

It is important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and that ongoing treatments will be needed for long-term results.

JUVÉDERM® XC injectable gel is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved dermal filler that, according to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., is designed to “temporarily treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds” in people older than 21. Unlike the original JUVÉDERM injectable gel, JUVÉDERM XC is infused with lidocaine to make its injection more comfortable.

JUVÉDERM XC is a smooth-consistency gel that restores volume to the skin, and smooths away moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar that occurs naturally in the body. In terms of the skin, HA’s role is to deliver nutrients and hydration, and act as a cushioning agent. Young, healthy skin contains a lot of HA, but factors that include aging and sun exposure reduce the amount, causing skin to lose structure and volume. JUVÉDERM XC is most effective in improving the appearance of nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the bottom of the nose to the corner of the mouth on both sides of the face.

The results of JUVÉDERM XC are visible immediately after injection; any swelling and bruising, to which ice can be applied, should subside during the next few days. Results can last for six to nine months, and, in some cases, up to a year. However, according to its manufacturer, “Results from injectable dermal filler vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental ‘touch up’ treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal correction of . . . wrinkles and folds.”

Although JUVÉDERM XC is considered safe, there is a risk of side effects. They are usually limited to the injection site, and include the following:

• Redness
• Pain or tenderness
• Firmness
• Swelling
• Lumps or bumps
• Bruising
• Itching
• Discoloration
• Infection

For customized treatment, Allergan, Inc., offers two types of JUVÉDERM XC: JUVÉDERM Ultra XC, which is suitable for superficial facial lines and folds, and JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC, a stronger formulation that is used for deeper facial folds and lines. JUVÉDERM XC is the first HA filler that is FDA-approved for use on people of color.

Juvederm Vollure is an innovative injectable filler that targets moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines). Utilizing Vycross technology, Vollure blends hyaluronic acid molecules of different weights, resulting in a longer-lasting formula compared to traditional fillers. By smoothing out wrinkles and restoring facial volume, Vollure helps individuals regain a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Juvederm Volux is a specialized dermal filler designed to contour and sculpt the chin and jawline. It utilizes a firmer consistency to achieve a more defined and structured look. By adding volume and shape to the lower face, Volux can create a more balanced profile and enhance facial harmony. The unique Vycross technology employed in Volux ensures durable results, making it an excellent option for those seeking a non-surgical solution to refine their chin and jawline contours.