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The aging process often brings about unwelcome changes, as volume loss in the face leads to the development of wrinkles and sagging. What was once smooth and full can instead appear lined and hollow. Dr. Stanley Jacobs at The Jacobs Center for Cosmetic Surgery provides personalized treatment options for anyone dealing with this problem, offering Juvederm® in the San Francisco Bay Area to restore a look of youth and vitality.
Juvederm® is the brand name of a minimally invasive aesthetic treatment in the category of dermal fillers. This popular injectable has a hyaluronic acid base, which means its active ingredient is a sugar molecule found in naturally high concentrations throughout the human body. Juvederm® injections are commonly applied to the mid-face, as well as around the chin and mouth, depending on the conditions to be addressed. There are several variations in the Juvederm® line, each marked by specific properties that make it especially suited for a particular purpose.
Juvederm® is primarily used in two ways: to reduce the severity of moderate to severe facial creases and to add temporary volume to the lips or the “apples” of the cheeks. These benefits can be enjoyed separately, or the effects can be combined for a balanced look of facial rejuvenation.
There’s no getting around the fact that getting older inevitably means a deterioration in skin quality. The effects of time and cumulative sun damage may be less visible on some people, but most women and men begin to show at least some signs of aging by the time they reach their mid-30s.
You may be aware of the typical indicators of an aging face—the dreaded vertical “elevens” between the eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, turkey neck, or “computer face,” to name a few—but you may be unaware of the biological changes that contribute to these unwanted developments. Basically, many of the processes that ensure a smooth, rounded, and radiant complexion in adolescence and young adulthood start to slow down after the teen years. The fatty layer under the skin diminishes and shifts, and cells begin to produce fewer of the components that give skin its elasticity and strength. Thus, collagen levels drop, as does the presence of hyaluronic acid molecules. Animation lines from facial expressions can become increasingly etched into frailer skin, and certain structures begin to shift downward with the pull of gravity.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress are also leading contributors to early signs of aging.
Patients who are considering whether Juvederm® is right for them should seek advice from a physician who can properly examine their skin and determine what the idea treatment would be. The best candidates are adults who have moderate to severe nasolabial folds and/or a hollow or sunken mid-face due to age-related skin changes.
Juvederm® works on all skin types and can be highly effective and well tolerated, provided the patient is in good overall physical and emotional health.
The primary ingredient in Juvederm®, hyaluronic acid, is a transparent, gluey substance that binds with water and is responsible for regulating moisture levels within cells, while also acting as a cushioning agent. The fluid that fills the eyes, skin, joints, and connective tissues throughout the body contains large amounts of this sugar molecule.
Hyaluronic acid keeps the skin well moisturized and healthy, settling into molecular frameworks built by collagen and helping the skin to remain elastic and pliable. The molecules break down naturally, as well as when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but are routinely replaced. As the replacement process slows, the skin becomes dry, dull, and flattened.
The various members of the Juvederm® family all make use of hyaluronic acid, but are formulated differently. Each is uniquely tailored to address specific cosmetic concerns. The Jacobs Center for Cosmetic Surgery offers four versions of Juvederm®: Juvederm® XC, Ultra® XC, Voluma® XC, and Volbella® XC. Each of the “XC” products contains lidocaine, which temporarily reduces feeling in the injection site to promote continued comfort for the patient throughout the process.
Juvederm® XC is mainly used to reduce moderate to severe facial wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds.
Juvederm Ultra® XC is lighter and more easily spread than some other types of the filler. It is mainly used to create fuller, poutier-looking lips and to smooth out the surrounding tissue by enhancing lip shape and filling in fine lip lines.
Voluma® XC is injected deep into the skin for subtle volume restoration and is an ideal option for rounding out the cheek areas while lifting tissues that have sagged. Facial sagging can be the cause of everything from sunken cheeks to jawline-obscuring jowls.
Volbella® XC has a thinner, softer consistency, and, as a result, is more easily spread and suited for precision. Some people believe Volbella® also offers slightly more natural-looking results due to its ability to be used for fine, detailed work. This filler is good for rejuvenating the entire mouth area by smoothing fine lines around the mouth and plumping lips. It typically lasts around six to nine months.
There isn’t much pre-appointment prep work required for Juvederm®injections, but Jacobs Center patients generally want to take some minor steps to reduce the risk of post-treatment swelling or bruising. To that end, Dr. Jacobs advises that anyone considering Juvederm® (or any treatment or procedure) avoid smoking and drinking before and after their session.
For the treatment itself, Dr. Jacobs gently injects Juvederm® directly into the target area with a thin needle, then massages the area to maximize the effectiveness of the filler, create the desired look, and ensure the formula spreads evenly. The number of injections made will depend on the area of concern, a patient’s personal cosmetic goals, and the specific type of Juvederm® being used. The Juvederm® injection process can last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.
Results appear right away, since the volume is apparent as soon as the filler is injected. Depending on which variation of Juvederm® is used, the effects may last from nine months to two years.
After an injection session, you’re encouraged to avoid sun exposure, harsh weather, and strenuous activity, especially within the first 24 hours. Patients can get personalized answers to the question of how long they will need to wait before they can wear makeup again.
If your main concern is dynamic wrinkles—the lines caused by repetitive facial movements like frowning or squinting—botulinum toxin injectables like BOTOX® may be the preferred option. Unlike Juvederm®, BOTOX® does not add volume to the face. Instead, it causes temporary forced muscle relaxation, resulting in smoother skin in areas where repetitive activity due to common expressions has led to the formation of prominent lines.
For some patients, including those with a fuller face, fillers may not be the best rejuvenation option. In cases where rounder contours create more of a challenge to effectively “fill in” marionette lines and other creases, a facelift would be the strategy for achieving optimal results.
The Jacobs Center staff is experienced in explaining the different options available, and Dr. Jacobs himself will point out the right options for your unique look and aesthetic goals.
