In the world of safe and effective cosmetic procedures, few medical products offer as much versatility as Juvederm®. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration since 2006, the original formulation of Juvederm® provided a relatively painless and non-invasive way to smooth facial wrinkles such as nasolabial folds (or “smile lines”) that appear around the lips and often extend upwards to the sides of the nose. These types of wrinkles occur naturally as skin ages, but thanks to injectable dermal fillers like Juvederm®, you no longer have to accept them. Juvederm® can also be used to plump lips and fill in various facial scars and hollow areas.
Juvederm®’s active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, has been proven effective in correcting moderate to severe facial folds for approximately six to twelve months. Over this period of time, the human body naturally absorbs Juvederm® and disposes of it safely. In addition hyaluronic acid, Juvederm® XC contains a small amount of preservative-free lidocaine, a local anesthetic that provides patients with a more comfortable injection process.
The Juvederm® Family of Products
Respected as the “next generation” of dermal fillers, Juvederm® currently offers two state-of-the-art injectable gels that each have unique attributes. These injectable gels – Juvederm® Ultra and Juvederm® Ultra Plus – also have much in common. First and foremost, they both effectively eliminate facial folds, contour facial features, and plump lips. The XC formulations of these products both contain 0.3 percent lidocaine to numb the treatment area within seconds of injection.
Juvederm® Ultra
Although both Juvederm® Ultra and Juvederm® Ultra Plus are able to spread out into facial tissue more readily and thoroughly than other facial filler products, each product comes with its own specific properties and benefits. Juvederm® Ultra is typically used to treat mild to moderate wrinkles. Containing smaller particles than Juvederm® Ultra Plus, Juvederm® Ultra also tends to last for a slightly less protracted period of time (approximately six to nine months). If subtlety is your goal, however, Juvederm® Ultra may be the right choice for you. Its smaller particles offer excellent treatment for less severe facial lines while emphasizing softness and pliability.
Juvederm® Ultra Plus
Employing particles of larger size, Juvederm® Ultra Plus offers a slightly longer duration of action (approximately nine to twelve months). Its thicker formulation is also helpful when correcting more severe facial folds and sunken cheeks. Although less soft than Juvederm® Ultra, it can be used to execute what some medical professionals refer to as “liquid face lifts,” a comprehensive method of sculpting and reshaping facial contours.
To find out more about the benefits of and differences between Juvederm® Ultra and Juvederm® Ultra Plus, contact the professionals at New Jersey’s Vein & Vascular Institute.