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PHONE: (828) 526-3783 TOLL-FREE: (877) 526-3784
209 Hospital Dr #202
Highlands, NC 28741
Call Us Now!
PHONE: (828) 526-3783 TOLL-FREE: (877) 526-3784
209 Hospital Dr #202
Highlands, NC 28741
Sunday, March 15th, 2020
Science hasn’t yet pinpointed a way for us to bypass the signs of aging. It has, however, given us numerous techniques and technologies that help us manage the cosmetic effects of getting older. Many of the problems we have as we age have to do with the loss of the support of the skin, either the dermal portion of the skin or the underlying fat or bone. This knowledge has led to the development of several soft tissue fillers, many of them contained within the Juvéderm family of fillers.
The Juvéderm product line of fillers are all cross linked hyaluronic acid. This naturally-occurring chemical is the basis of collagen that is the support layer of the skin and the deeper support structures. Normal hyaluronic acid particles absorb water molecules and hold them in place for an extended period. The crosslinking, however, can modify this characteristic. Here, we explain what sets the various Juvéderm fillers apart.
Ultra XC was one of the first hyaluronic fillers developed. It and Ultra Plus XC (a heavier product that I do not use now) are the only fillers in the Juvéderm line that absorb and hold onto significant water. This allows us to get more fill than the specific amount injected. It is frequently used to give more volume to the lips and other superficial soft tissue areas. Here, it is soft enough to feel natural and dense enough to increase fullness.
Volbella is a Juvéderm filler that has been developed specifically for lip enhancement. Why would the maker do this when they already have ULTRA XC to add volume to the lips? Because some people don’t want such a substantial volume increase or just need a little finesse to the area. Also, because the mouth is a delicate area that can develop ultra-fine lines around the edges. Volbella is a lighter-weight filler and, thanks to Vycross technology, does not absorb water. It is ideal for mild augmentation and adding subtle definition to the borders of the lips. It also is excellent for filling fine lines and providing support just under the skin opposite to the wrinkle direction to stiffen the skin and provide a matrix that the body can use to make new collagen. These are things you cannot do with Ultra.
Voluma is aptly named for its primary objective. This filler is the first, and really the only, of its kind in the hyaluronic acid realm. It is also Vycross technology, which makes it excellent for use around the eyes where water absorption can cause problems. It’s density and molecular structure are intended for deeper insertion near the bone or in the deeper subcutaneous layer. This allows contouring, particular in the cheek area, correcting flattening or a sunken appearance. Voluma is specifically indicated tor tear trough correction of under eye bags. It is, in fact, the safest filler for this purpose, and use of any other hyaluronic acid filler is now considered inappropriate except for very specific exceptions.
Like ULTRA XC, Vollure is soft enough that it is excellent for the lips and other soft tissue areas, but is heavy enough to support the cheeks where it can be molded and also retain flexibility during facial expressions.
The Center for Plastic Surgery in Highlands, NC is dedicated to the most conservative, minimally-invasive treatments. We use the different Juvéderm products depending on the specific problem as a part of this, what we call Today’s Liquid Lift. To see if these products can help you or to learn more about Juvéderm and their use with other non surgical treatments, call (828) 526-3783.
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Center for Plastic Surgery: Robert T. Buchanan, MD
