Juvederm is hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler brand that is manufactured and distributed by Allergan. The hyaluronic acid in these fillers contains no traces of animal origin, as this acid is derived from the bacterial fermentation of Streptococcus equi bacteria. Some of the fillers in the brand are processed with Hylacross Technology, which helps prolong the endurance of the hyaluronic acid. The processing involves the formation of a covalent bonds via BDDE, a reticulating agent. The bonds help the hyaluronic acid of Juvederm fillers resist natural degradation once they are implanted is in the body, thus allowing it to last longer than its original half-life.
Juvederm Ultra, one of several aesthetic fillers that consist the Juvederm product family, is formulated to enhance a patient’s skin complexion and combat aging-related visible defects. Indeed, this filler can rectify not only moderate to deep wrinkles, atrophic scarring or defects and dull skin tone, but it can even provide a slight volume lift to the cheeks. This variant is formulated with a concentration of 24mg/ml of hyaluronic acid and is injected into the mid-to-deep dermis.
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are among the most highly requested treatments for facial volume and cheek lifting. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is naturally abundant in the body declines in volume once the aging process takes place. It is also damaged by the free radicals in UV rays, pollutants, and unhealthy dietary habits.
After a variety of materials and modalities used, scientists, medical investigators, and professionals have come to discover that restoring the hyaluronic acid content in the skin is highly beneficial, as it not only rehydrates the skin but also provides immediate volume.
Getting to know Juvederm Voluma
Juvederm Voluma is a filler that is part of the Juvederm line that is processed with Vycross Technology, not Hylacross. Instead of combining homogenous hyaluronic acid together, Vycross Technology creates a chain of 10% high molecular weight hyaluronic acid with 90% of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This mixture makes Juvederm Voluma a smooth gel that is easier to extrude into the designated area(s) and easily conforms with the neighboring soft tissues. Voluma has the highest amount of concentrated HA compared to other Juvederm products processed with Vycross, as it has a concentration of 20mg/ml of HA.
The difference in texture
Compared to other dermal fillers, Juvederm fillers are more rigid and can maintain skin elasticity. These two injectable gels have different textures. Voluma’s thicker texture gives it a strong lifting capacity that can cover larger areas. However, it is smoother during the injection and requires a lower extrusion force. Juvederm Ultra is slightly thinner but more viscous, which makes it ideal for facial lifting and wrinkle elimination.
The Indications between Juvederm Ultra and Voluma
Juvederm Ultra:
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette Lines
- Lip augmentation
- Other moderate to severe facial wrinkles, folds, and defects
Juvederm Ultra is suitable for correcting prominent skin wrinkles, folds, and creases that form due to aging. This product’s hyaluronic acid can help revive the functions of the skin’s extracellular matrix, including the hydration of the area. Within the first 24 hours of implantation, the hyaluronic acid of this product swells, which results it a brief lift that can help iron out dermal lines and enhance skin radiance. As a result of Juvederm Ultra, the individual’s complexion is temporarily cleared from these marks, a development that contributes to a smooth appearance for the face.
Juvederm Voluma:
- Cheek Augmentation
- Chin Augmentation
- Jowls
The malar fat pad is usually defined as a triangular-shaped area that is located in the cheeks above the nasolabial folds. Juvederm Voluma is ideal for injection in the deep dermis or just above the periosteal bone of the cheek. This product aims to correct any age-related volume loss that occurs in the mid-face region by improving skin elasticity and replacing volume deep in the medial cheek. This is all the more important because if left unattended, aging cheeks can lead to other defects such as nasolabial folds, jowls, and the hollowing of the cheeks.
Voluma’s thick and cohesive gel can help restore the balance in the facial structure by lifting the sagging skin upwards. However, an injection of this product should avoid contact with the periosteum, as this may cause malar edema or small boluses. Juvederm Voluma is not suitable for injection into thin skin layers, such as the lips, nasolabial folds, and the skin under the eyes.
The longevity of each filler
With optimal treatment and care, Voluma’s result can last for 18 months to two years. If individuals are impressed with the natural-looking, youthful-looking results of this filler, they can request a maintenance treatment that requires half of the initial injection volume.
For Juvederm Ultra, the results can last for up to a year.
Both fillers come with added lidocaine, a local anesthetic that can help reduce patient discomfort by making the injection process less painful.
Conclusion
These dermal fillers are innovative medical products that are each minimal, noninvasive treatments for those who wish to improve their skin. Without undertaking a surgery, patients can have rejuvenated skin with improved radiance after a few injections of either of these fillers. In fact, the injection procedure for both of these fillers tends to take on an average less than an hour, which is something that many adults may find compelling. Because of these features of both fillers, practitioners can confidently suggest either of these fillers for their patients. For Voluma in particular, doctors can use it for cheek restoration.
