When it comes to restoring a youthful appearance, many people use cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers to fill in fine lines and wrinkles. However, picking a dermal filler can be challenging. Not only do you have to consider what the filler will be used for, but the longevity of the treatment is also a factor. At Old Town Med Spa in Chicago, IL we know that Juvederm Voluma is one of the best and longest-lasting dermal fillers around.
How Long Does Juvederm Voluma Last?
In the past, dermal fillers only lasted for about three to six months at a time, but as the formulas have advanced, so has the longevity of the treatment. That said, even though you can expect most dermal fillers to last for around a year, there are some dermal fillers that out-perform others on the market. Juvederm Voluma is one of those fillers. On average, most patients can expect the results of this filler to last for 18 to 24 months, and sometimes longer.
Part of the reason why this filler can last so long is that it is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a natural molecule that can be found in the body. Hyaluronic acid plays a special role in the skin cells by helping the skin retain moisture and it is also known to enhance collagen production. Of course, there are other factors that may influence how long the results of your Juvederm filler will last, such as:
Age and Genetics
Two of the biggest factors are also the ones that are entirely out of your control because you can’t stop yourself from aging and you can’t dictate the way your body metabolizes therapeutics. It isn’t fair, but the fact of the matter is that younger skin tends to produce longer-lasting results because younger skin is better able to produce natural collagen, while mature skin has to work harder. Keep in mind, however, that the results mature skin can achieve with dermal fillers are often more dramatic, even if they last a few weeks less.
Your genetics are also a factor because things like hormones will determine how readily your body can produce and mature collagen. This is especially important for those who have noticed visible signs of aging earlier in life since this suggests that your genetics are already defaulting to produce less collagen in general. Fortunately, the right dermal filler can temporarily combat genetics and help you look younger.
Lifestyle Habits
There are also lifestyle habits that can contribute to how long your dermal filler results last. For example, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep are vital components for maintaining your skin health since this makes it easier for your body to self-regulate and more easily produce collagen. Factors such as environmental pollution, smoking, or drinking alcohol in excess can also affect the way your body responds to dermal fillers.
There are two other factors that many people overlook – stress and exercise. Stress produces a hormone called cortisol that is known to break down collagen, which means that if you are constantly stressed, then the results of your dermal filler may not last as long as predicted. And while exercising is good for your health, over-exercising vigorously every day will also create hormones that will break down your filler results more quickly. Moderation in your lifestyle habits is key to helping your results last longer.
Sun Exposure
Too much sun can cause incredible damage to your skin. For one thing, many skin experts suggest that about 80 to 90% of visible aging (particularly premature aging) is caused by unprotected exposure to UV rays from sunlight. This is because UV rays create free radicals in the skin cells that deplete skin moisture, elasticity, and collagen over time, as well as create pigment concerns like dark spots.
It’s a point of fact that sun-damaged skin rebounds slower, which means it may take more time for your skin to produce natural collagen after your treatment. For that reason, it’s especially important that you protect your skin from sunlight after your treatment so you can prevent any collagen breakdown that will shorten the longevity of your results. Most people will benefit from using SPF 30 to 40, but fair-skinned people may want to use SPF 50 for better protection.
Injection Location and Amount
The location of your injection and the amount of product used for your treatment are also significant factors that will determine how long the results of your treatment last. When your treatment is used in areas of high mobility, such as the mouth or the lips, it’s likely that the filler will break down more quickly due to continuous activity; in contrast, fillers used in the cheeks or around the nose tend to last longer.
Similarly, the amount of filler used for your treatment can determine how long your results last. In general, the amount of product used to correct your signs of aging depend on the severity of your age-related concerns. Many people who require more product to correct significant wrinkles may notice that the results will last longer. This is why touch-up appointments are so vital for maintaining the appearance of your results.
Collagen Loss Severity
Everyone ages differently, particularly when it comes to collagen loss. While most people start to decrease natural collagen production around the mid-20s by around 1% each year, there are other factors that can hasten collagen depletion and cause greater collagen loss. When your collagen loss is severe enough to create deep hollows and wrinkles, you will likely require more product to be used.
Depending on how well you can protect the health of your skin after your treatment, your natural rate of collagen loss can be mitigated by dermal fillers so you can sustain a youthful appearance for the expected length of time results should last.
Why Should You Use Voluma?
Aside from how long this dermal filler can last and the fact that it can be used universally for most age-related issues, there are other reasons why you may want to consider using this Juvederm filler. For example, the gel formula used for this filler is denser and more stable than other fillers, which means it resists breaking down better than other options. And because this dense filler can be injected more deeply into the sub-dermal layers of the skin, you will also require fewer touch-up appointments.
Why Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Are Better
The true key for this treatment is the modified hyaluronic acid formula, which creates a significantly durable product that can erase visible signs of aging for up to two years. Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be more successful because they give the skin many long-term benefits, such as the ability to produce natural collagen.
Hyaluronic acid also promotes better skin healing and elasticity, which are important parts of restoring the appearance of your skin. It’s also worth noting that hyaluronic acid fillers like this one are biodegradable, which means the filler will be processed by the body over time as the skin uses the filler to produce its own collagen. The smoothness of the filler also creates a natural-looking result that is ideal for both age-related and contouring goals.
Juvederm’s Vycross Technology
The formula used in the Juvederm Voluma filler is incredibly sophisticated. This filler has Vycross technology, a patented method that allows the hyaluronic acid gel to reinforce itself by linking higher and lower-weight molecules together once injected. Essentially, this helps make the formula more resistant to breaking down in the body so the results can last longer. Vycross technology also helps the filler stay in place, which is what allows the filler to correct hollowness in the cheeks.
What Can You Expect From Your Appointment?
The first step of your treatment will be a consultation where we will gather information about your general health, skincare routine, lifestyle habits, and the specific age-related concerns you have. We will examine the condition of your skin to assess how appropriate this filler is for your aesthetic goals. We may ask about your history using cosmetic treatments, such as other dermal fillers or Botox to correct signs of aging.
Pre-Treatment
Although you will not need to radically change your skincare before your treatment, there are still some things you will need to do to prepare for successful results. For example, you will need to wear sunscreen and avoid activities that can cause skin sensitivity, including tanning beds, bleaching, or waxing. You should also avoid using anti-inflammatory medications and blood-thinning medications for one to three days before your appointment.
Treatment
Most people can complete a dermal filler appointment in as little as 30 minutes. During your appointment, you may be given the option of using a topical numbing cream to make your treatment more comfortable, but many people are fine without it since this filler contains lidocaine already. Small injections will be made into targeted areas of treatment until your ideal aesthetic is achieved.
Post-Treatment
After your treatment is complete, you will be able to drive yourself home or return to your daily activities. Since there is no official recovery time associated with this treatment, you will have very few restrictions. However, you will need to follow a few post-treatment guidelines to ensure your results are successful. For example, drinking plenty of water and avoiding direct sunlight can be helpful. You will also need to avoid intense heat, rigorous exercise, hot water, and massaging or rubbing the skin after your treatment so the filler can settle properly.
Where Can You Use This Treatment?
This particular Juvederm filler is a highly versatile option that can be used on both the mid and lower face. Areas in the mid-face include trouble spots such as the nasolabial folds, the corners of the mouth, and the corners of the eye. This filler is commonly used to correct the middle and upper cheeks, including bony cheekbones, hollow cheeks, and sagging jowls. In the lower face, this filler is known to treat chin wrinkles, lines around the mouth, and can even contour the jawline to reduce the appearance of a double chin.
Are You a Good Candidate?
In general, a dermal filler like Juvederm Voluma is a universal filler that can be safely used by most people. If you are over 21 and you want to correct the appearance of visible signs of aging, then you are likely eligible for treatment. Regardless of gender or the severity of your age-related concerns, as long as you are not pregnant and you do not have a history of severe allergic reactions, you are probably a qualified candidate.
Rejuvenate Your Skin Volume With Juvederm Voluma Today
Juvederm Voluma is an ideal treatment for those who have age-related concerns on the mid or lower face. With results that can last up to two years and a high rate of reliability, this filler is an ideal solution for moderate to severe wrinkles. Contact Old Town Med Spa in Chicago, IL to schedule your first appointment today.
