Our preferred facial filler at Skin Specifics Medical Spa is Juvéderm™ for its smooth consistency and longer lasting results. Juvéderm™, like Restylane® is a gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. We inject Juvéderm™ injectable gel under the skin to instantly restore your skin’s volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds—the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth) as well as to add volume to your lips. Results are instant and can last up to a year. For additional info please visit www.juvederm.com
What is Juvéderm™?
Juvéderm™ is a FDA approved hyaluronic acid filler like Restylane® and Perlane® and does not require allergy testing -like collagen used to need.
Why would I need Juvéderm™?
Juvéderm™ comes in a thicker and a thinner version. The one we use for you depends on which areas of your face we are targeting and what we are trying to achieve. Tiny lines (eg above the upper lip) and the under-eye area is more suitable for the thinner Juvéderm™ or Juvéderm™ Ultra, while for thicker folds or for building lost volume Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus is most suited. We also like Restylane® for fine lines around the mouth and the under eye area.
What areas of the face can Juvéderm™ be used?
- Cheeks (thicker Juvéderm™ or you can use Radiesse®)
- Lip and lip border as well as the fine lines on the upper lip
- Nasolabial folds or the deep folds from the nose to the mouth.
- Marionette Lines or the lines from the corners of the mouth down to the chin
- Chin and all around the mouth
- Jaw line
- Under the eyes or “tear trough” (This is one of our favorite areas to treat as the results are always satisfying for those with concavity around the lower eyes making them look tired.
- Between the brows (used in conjunction with Botox®, for a deep fold in the area)
The “Liquid Face Lift” with Fillers
Another interesting and unique way is to use fillers to create a rested, more volume enhanced subtle lift to the face. We do not overfill your face or try to make you look like you did when you were a teenager. The results of this type of filling are subtle and as the tag line says “everyone will notice, but no one will know”.
There seems to be trend towards plumping up everything as much as possible, but we caution you against this look that seems to be popular around town, making everyone look the same!
What fillers are used for the “Liquid Face Lift”?
To achieve this subtle lift we typically use a combination of 2 or 3 fillers chosen from either Restylane®, Juvéderm™, Radiesse® or/and Perlane® because, different areas of the face will need subtly different types of fillers chosen for their longevity and consistency.
What areas are typically injected for the Liquid Face Lift?
Temples, sides of the face in front of the ears, the jaw line and the mid face and under eye areas if needed. Rather than inject individual areas like the nasolabial folds and cheeks some people will get a more subtle “lifting” when this method is utilized. Additionally, Botox® is also used to achieve the overall enhancement to various areas of the face.
How much Filler is needed for a Liquid Face Lift?
Frankly a few and definitely 2, but usually at least 4 syringes. Not all of the filler needs to be done the same day. We typically like you to come for 2 visits.
What is the age range of the ideal candidate for the Liquid Face Lift?
In general the most common age range is 40-55 when sagging seems to be starting but a face-lift is not yet needed.
How much Filler will I need for other areas?
This all depends on the areas we are treating and the results you desire. For deeper folds and for building up lost volume in your face we may suggest Radiesse® or a combination of Radiesse® and Juvéderm™. We do not however use Radiesse® to fill lips or lip borders.
How long will Juvéderm™ last?
The manufacturer claims 6-9 months or longer, but it also depends on which areas were treated and your body and its metabolism. Typically we have had great results with Juvéderm™ lasting at least 9 months to 1 year and in some cases over 2 years! Additionally, in our experience, in the areas of your face that do not have that much movement (ie cheeks, forehead) Juvéderm™ seems to last longer than in the mouth area. Touch up treatments done 4-6 months following the initial treatment will make the filler last longer overall.
Anything else I should know about Juvéderm™?
Yes, all hyaluronic acids -Juvéderm™and Restylane® for example- can be dissolved by injecting something called Hyaluronidase and will be gone in about 24 to 48 hours. This makes Hyaluronic acid based fillers a very safe filler, especially for those of you who have never tried it before and are a little nervous!
Are most people satisfied with Juvéderm™ at Skin Specifics Medical Spa?
Yes, Most of our clients are very satisfied with Juvéderm™. But of course there have been some who have been dissatisfied for the following reasons: they happen to bruise more than they were prepared for, the area was lumpy (this is easily corrected) or they needed more Juvéderm™ than they could afford to get the full desired result.
What should I do to prepare for my treatment?
If you are taking the following medications you should know it can increase your likelihood of bruising. Therefore we advise you to stop taking any of these medications about 4-7 days prior to any injections unless it is not advised to do so by your physician.
- Motrin, Advil, Ibroprofen, Naprosyn (or same class of anti-inflammatory medications)
- Aspirin
- Fish oils
- Vitamin E
- Glucosamine,
- Ginko Biloba
- Coumadin or Lovenox (though you are more likely to bruise if you are on these, we suggest you DO NOT stop this medication, and seek your primary doctors approval)
Additionally if you are prone to “cold sores” around your mouth area and if you plan on any treatment in that area, it is advised that you take an antiviral such as Valtrex prior to and after treatment. We would be glad to prescribe this for you prior to the procedure.
Do’s and Don’t After Treatment:
- Do not rub or massage the area (unless we specifically instruct you to do so) for the first 24 hours.
- You may apply ice to the area – especially lip area
- Do not sleep on your face or compress the area when you sleep as much as possible for the next 2-3 days.
- Avoid significant facial expressions for the next 4-8 hours
- If you have swelling and redness, this is normal, and it will subside significantly in 24 hours.
- Do not exercise or expose yourself to too much heat in the following 24 hours (no hot tubs, etc.)
- No facials for one week
- You may apply some arnica gel on the area treated as well as take arnica orally if you want to decrease the likelihood of bruising and speed up the recovery.
