What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan that is widely found in epithelial, connective, and neural tissues. This molecule is significant because it assists with fibroblastic cell proliferation and migration within the extracellular matrix. With its hydrophilic nature, the molecule can attract water molecules for volume and lubrication. This attraction of water also forms the elastic and viscosity properties of the skin.
Despite being a naturally-occurring substance, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the skin gradually decreases with age. This affects the skin’s elasticity and texture, leaving it dehydrated, lax, and with a higher tendency to develop wrinkles. Exposure to sun rays also accelerates HA degradation.
In the last few years, the industry has seen an emergence of HA-based cosmetic fillers designed as a remedy for aging skin. With the development of sterile and biocompatible HA, these products have made its mark as one of the top nonsurgical procedures for correcting skin imperfections.
What is Juvederm?
Juvederm is a family of hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic fillers created by Allergan. The FDA-approved brand has been a top choice for correcting deep facial defects and wrinkles and increasing skin volume. Its main ingredient is sourced from the biofermentation of equine streptococci and is cross-linked using a single-phase BDDE. The end product is a smooth, colorless, and nonpyrogenic gel that has a low percentage of foreign proteins.
Juvederm products are available in two different categories, and each product varies from other Juvederm products according to its configuration of the cross-linking and concentration of HA. Each product’s unique property (or properties) makes it suitable for its specific indication. It is important for the practitioner to understand the anatomy of the defect and the behavior of the gel that they are planning on employing.
What kind of imperfections appear on the chin?
The chin is an important structure that helps defines the facial appearance of a person. Individuals who have a drooping or weak chin due to the loss of soft tissue and bone at the jawline may feel the desire to have the shape refined. Although there are surgical interventions for the chin, like genioplasty, not many patients are keen on the idea of going undergoing an invasive surgical procedure.
As a result of repetitive expressions and the inevitable loss of skin vitality, younger and older patients are also at risk of developing wrinkles, creases, and lines on the chin. These imperfections can either be caused by the muscles or are simply static wrinkles.
What can we do to correct it?
Juvederm offers products that can address these concerns. Indeed, despite not being specifically indicated for these chin issues, various clinicians have successfully used Juvederm to successfully treat them.
For chin concerns, nonsurgical augmentation can sculpt the ideal shape with minimal downtime. Juvederm Voluma’s Vycross Technology allows the implant to last for 1218 months because it helps the product endure enzymatic degradation for longer. The higher degree of crosslinking between 10% high molecular weight HA and 90% low molecular of HA creates a thicker yet smoother gel.
For creases on the chin, Juvederm Ultra has a track record of success for treating this area. By using serial puncture or linear threading injection, improved and smoother skin complexion can be observed due to the new collagenic action. Minimal side effects such as swelling, bruising, pain, or tenderness can subside within two weeks through the use of proper aftercare strategies.
The effects of these treatments can be extended by performing multiple sessions every six to nine months. If the results do not improve as expected, hyaluronidase can reverse the effects of the Restylane filler.
Conclusion
Juvederm is a competent alternative to genioplasty, as it provides minimal invasiveness and highly efficient improvements. Patients can seek out this treatment as an option for chin augmentation or as a skin complexion improvement.
