The most common byproduct of the natural aging process is the development of wrinkles, skin laxity, and volume loss in the skin. Fortunately, there are ways to halt the signs of the natural aging process. At Grossman Dermatology in Santa Monica, CA, we know that dermal fillers like Juvederm Voluma can fill in wrinkles and restore volume in your skin for a more youthful appearance.
How Long Does Voluma Last?
Juvederm Voluma is an FDA-approved dermal filler that is used to correct the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. One of the most exciting benefits of this treatment is the longevity of the results. While some cosmetic treatments can only improve the appearance of the skin for a few months, the results of this dermal filler can last for nearly two years at a time.
Dermal fillers in the Juvederm collection are much more effective than temporary over-the-counter anti-aging creams or even treatments like chemical peels. The lasting results produced by dermal fillers are one of the most appealing solutions for patients who are looking for a minimally-invasive and quick solution to various age-related concerns. This particular treatment is known to produce results between 18 and 24 months for most patients.
How Can You Maintain Your Results?
Although this dermal filler produces long-lasting results, it’s important to remember that all improvements are temporary. Even though dermal fillers are sometimes called “liquid facelifts”, the results of the treatment do not produce permanent results. For that reason, you should do your best to maintain your results between treatments.
The best way to maintain your results is to seek additional treatments every two years so you can sustain your desired results. You can also maintain your results by using anti-aging skincare products, drinking plenty of water, minimizing stress, and wearing SPF regularly, particularly when you plan to be outside.
Why Does the Aging Process Happen?
The aging process is natural and predictable – and it comes for all of us eventually. The face is one of the first areas of the body that begins to show the first signs of aging, likely because of how exposed the face is to the environment, pollutants, and UV rays from the sun. The aging process is typically caused by a combination of two factors; producing less skin-supporting proteins and sun exposure.
As we age, we produce less collagen and elastin in the skin, which depletes the skin of the structural proteins that keep the skin supple. Likewise, exposure to UV rays over a lifetime can create free radicals in the skin cells that eventually damage skin cells and cause premature aging.
Why We Develop Wrinkles
Wrinkles typically develop around the time that collagen and elastin production in the skin decreases. When your skin has less elasticity, it can’t return to its normal position; likewise, when there is less volume in the skin, there is also more looseness. Sometimes, genetic factors can also contribute to how soon your collagen and elastin production slows. With more skin laxity, the movement of your skin as you make expressions will eventually create creases that develop into fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Why We Lose Volume
The number one contributor to volume in our skin is collagen and hyaluronic acid, both of which start to deplete around the mid-20s. Additionally, the composition of body fat in the skin also changes during the aging process, meaning many people lose facial volume in the face because of fat redistribution. This combination means that the skin becomes thinner, looser, and less voluminous all at one time, which can cause the face to appear hollow and angular.
Why Is It So Hard To Treat Age-Related Concerns?
It can be extremely frustrating to treat challenging age-related concerns like volume loss, fine lines, and wrinkles. In a way, when you are treating these issues, you are in a race against time, because even as you treat these concerns, the natural aging process will continue. Most people aim to slow or temporarily lessen the appearance of the natural aging process.
Part of the reason why treating these issues can be difficult is the fact that people only try at-home or over-the-counter remedies for age-related concerns; usually, these remedies are not powerful enough to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, get directly into the sub-dermal layers of the skin to improve your appearance from the inside out.
How Does Voluma Work?
Dermal fillers like Voluma are injectable products made of a hyaluronic acid gel that can be used to create artificial volume in the sub-dermal layers of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin and is an important component of maintaining skin volume and moisture. Hyaluronic acid is well-known for its ability to feed collagen in the skin, which means that a hyaluronic acid filler can stimulate natural collagen production to improve the visible signs of aging.
For this treatment, several small injections will be made into each of your targeted treatment areas until your aesthetic goals are achieved. The amount of filler you will need will depend on your aesthetic goals and the severity of your skin condition.
Where Can You Use This Filler?
This dermal filler can be used on virtually every area of the face to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin and smooth away the natural signs of aging. This filler is commonly used in the mid-face to address nasolabial folds around the nose and mouth, as well as the hollowness of the cheeks and under the eyes. This filler can be used for fine lines around the chin and mouth, crow’s feet around the eyes, and can even be used to contour areas of the face, such as the jawline or cheekbones.
What Is Treatment Like?
Overall, your treatment process will be very simple and quick. Most of the time, your treatment appointments will only take about 30 minutes to complete, which means they can be performed as a “lunchtime” treatment. This treatment is easy to fit into any schedule, even for especially busy people.
Your treatment journey will begin with an initial consultation.
During your consultation, we will examine the condition of your skin and go over your aesthetic goals to determine if this dermal filler is appropriate for your needs. We will also discuss any drug allergies you have and cosmetic treatments you have tried in the past.
Pre-Treatment
Before your treatment appointment, you will need to follow a few simple rules to prepare for your treatment. One of the biggest rules is to stop taking anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications or supplements. You should also avoid any skin irritation, such as from using harsh chemicals or exposure to the sun. If you have an active skin breakout, such as acne or eczema, on the day of your appointment then you will need to reschedule.
Post-Treatment
The majority of people will be able to return to their normal daily schedules immediately after their treatment. There is no formal recovery period for this treatment, although you will need to follow a few post-treatment guidelines after your appointment to get the best possible results. Some post-treatment instructions may include:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Do not use hot water
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and tanning beds
- Do not engage in strenuous activities or rigorous exercise
- No massaging, exfoliating, or rubbing the skin
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
In general, you can expect to only need one treatment appointment to achieve your desired results. Although everyone has unique skin and different preferences, your individualized treatment plan will enable you to achieve your desired results quickly. Sometimes, if the filler has not settled in the way you want, you can have a follow-up treatment a few weeks after your initial appointment to achieve your goals.
Will Your Results Look Natural?
Yes, the goal of a dermal filler like Voluma is to produce natural-looking results. Although the anti-aging results may appear subtle at first glance, the natural-looking results can produce dramatic improvements for your overall appearance. Your results will appear natural because of the way the hyaluronic acid filler sits below the skin surface. Additionally, we take a sophisticated approach to your injections to deliver the dermal filler to precise locations of your skin to transform and rejuvenate your appearance.
Are Juvederm Treatments Safe?
Yes, Juvederm dermal fillers are considered safe treatments. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are compatible with the human body so there is very little risk of an allergic reaction – in fact, hyaluronic acid is generally considered hypoallergenic, which is why it’s such a popular cosmetic ingredient. The Juvederm family of dermal fillers is among the top brand in the world and is also one of the most trusted. Whether you have mild concerns or severe volume loss, this dermal filler is likely a good and safe match for your anti-aging needs.
What Other Juvederm Options Do You Have?
Voluma is not the only dermal filler in the Juvederm collection. The Juvederm family of products has several varieties that each address different aspects of your appearance. Some varieties include:
Juvederm XC
Juvederm XC is the original form of this dermal filler and can be used to restore volume loss in the face, particularly around the nose and the mouth. The results of this filler formula can last for up to one year at a time.
Juvederm Volbella
Volbella is a dermal filler that has been specially formulated to restore volume on the lips and around the mouth. The think, silky texture of this filler can restore age-related volume loss and also contour the appearance of the lips for six to 12 months.
Juvederm Vollure
Vollure has a smooth formula that is used to reduce the appearance of moderate and severe facial wrinkles on the lower half of the face, particularly in the cheeks and the jaw area. The results of this filler can last for 12 to 18 months.
Which Filler Is Right for You?
The fillers in the Juvederm collection all have their merits, but it’s often the case that one filler formula is more ideal for your needs. Your consultation will help determine which dermal filler is ideal for your aesthetic concerns.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Juvederm dermal fillers can be used to treat a variety of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Candidates who are not suitable for this treatment include women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people who have a history of severe allergic reaction.
Enjoy Long-Lasting Anti-Aging Results With Voluma
From fine lines to restoring lost facial volume, dermal fillers like Juvederm Voluma can produce long-lasting and natural-looking results. If you think these long-lasting results match your aesthetic goals, contact Grossman Dermatology in Santa Monica, CA to schedule your first appointment today.
