Firmness, softness, smoothness, and plumpness. These are all characteristics of youthful skin. At some point, they are characteristics that we lose. It isn’t necessarily because we age that we experience lines, creases, and sagging. It’s because our foundation of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid gets dismantled by sun exposure and other factors. To make matters worse, the breakdown of vital chemicals in the skin is no longer offset by the production of new chemicals. By the time we reach age thirty, the cells that produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid go down for a long winter’s nap. And by that we mean they enter dormancy where activity all but stops.
In addition to discovering ways to kick-start cells into producing more of the chemicals the skin needs, it is possible to address immediate concerns using soft tissue fillers. Of them, Juvéderm® is the most well-known family of products used today. Because there are multiple products to choose from, it is necessary to gain some understanding of how each works. Ultimately, your provider can help you select which soft tissue fillers would best suit your needs. For now, we offer a brief overview.
JUVÉDERM® ULTRA XC AND ULTRA PLUS XC
The Go-Tos for many of the early dermal filler clientele were ULTRA XC and ULTRA PLUS XC products. These products introduce hyaluronic acid particles into the skin to act as magnets for water molecules. The structure of these two fillers recreates the foundation that is needed beneath lines and creases, including moderate to severe nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Though firm enough to lend support beneath lines and folds, these products are also soft enough to be used to add volume to the body of lips that are naturally thin or that have deflated over time.
JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA XC
Many people know Volbella XC as the new filler for lip augmentation. Volbella is made with advanced Vycross technology that cross-links hyaluronic acid particles for a smoother consistency. The moldability and softness of Volbella make this filler ideal for subtle lip enhancement as well as the correction of the ultra-fine lines that can develop around the mouth. A good way to differentiate Volbella from Juvéderm® ULTRA for lip enhancement is to think of Volbella for definition and ULTRA for volume.
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA XC
Voluma XC is the filler that has been developed to correct midfacial aging. Across the cheekbones, natural fat pads diminish and droop over time. This alters the contours of the midface. Voluma is a structural product with a thicker consistency of hyaluronic acid chains in a dense gel base. It is designed for insertion deeper beneath the skin and the rebuilding of structure across the cheek area. The slight increase in roundness in this area of the face can positively affect the lower face, as well, minimizing the prominence of jowls.
JUVÉDERM® VOLLURE XC
Juvéderm® Vollure XC is similar to ULTRA and ULTRA PLUS but is made with the same Vycross technology as Voluma and Volbella. Used to treat moderate to severe folds and lines, including nasolabial folds, Vollure can be molded beneath the skin and retains the flexibility necessary for facial expressions.
Vycross technology is a special cross-linking process that connects hyaluronic acid particles in a particular way. The objective of Vycross is to lower the overall molecular weight of the product. Lower molecular weight equals a smoother filler and more natural-looking results. Studies also suggest that cross-linking extends the lifespan of the filler.
We believe our clients deserve to feel beautiful, always. To see what dermal filler treatment can do for you, call our Denver, CO office at (303) 839-1616.
