Which Injectable is Right for You? Juvederm vs. Voluma
There are lots of perks to gaining maturity. You’re wiser, gained some experience, and may even have more time to focus on yourself and enjoy the things you love to do. But as with all stages of life, aging can also come with a little baggage. Sagging skin and wrinkles do unfortunately come with the territory. Thankfully, though, you’ve got some options for combatting those undesirable effects of aging, leaving your skin looking more youthful and rejuvenated, which is a great feeling.
What are Dermal Fillers and Who Is a Good Candidate for Them?
Dermal fillers (or injectable fillers) are often, but not always, made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. Injected into the skin, it targets troublesome lines, wrinkles and sagging. It works by acting as a replacement for the collagen that naturally diminishes as part of normal aging. Fillers create a cushion that helps give your face a fuller look, and can reduce the appearance of sagging or loose skin in your cheeks, chin, and neck areas. Although injectables won’t give you the same dramatic results as a surgical face lift, they can be a great nonsurgical substitute to postpone further sagging and wrinkles.
Wondering if an injectable is right for you? Because these are nonsurgical and minimally invasive, injectable fillers can be helpful for most men and women who have begun to notice the first signs of aging. Injectables like Juvederm and Voluma can offer younger-looking results with relatively few side effects, and also don’t require any down time after treatment.
And although you may experience some redness or swelling immediately after your session, you can expect to see the full effect of your results once any swelling diminishes.
It’s also worth noting that fillers like Juvederm and Voluma offer great results, but those results are not permanent. Depending on the type of injection you choose, your results should last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Forbes)
What is Juvederm?
Juvederm is a type of dermal filler that uses hyaluronic acid to fill mid-to-deep wrinkles. It can also help to improve the contouring of the face, reduce the appearance of crow’s feet around the eyes, and has even been used to plump earlobes. The important difference between Juvederm and Botox lies in how each works to smooth the skin. Botox reduces muscle contractions, but Juvederm works within the skin, much like your body’s natural collagen does, adding a cushion that lifts lines and wrinkles so they are not so prominent. It is generally used to reduce wrinkles and lines around the nose and mouth, which may be called nasolabial folds, parentheses, marionette, corner, and vertical lip lines.(Forbes, Medical News Today)
Following your Juvederm treatment, you will be able to return to your normal daily activities immediately. You will want to pay special attention, though, to limiting your exposure to extreme heat or cold for a few weeks after your session. You should also avoid using any facial products that contain harsh ingredients like alcohol, and remember to apply a daily sunscreen to your face. Aside from some possible mild bruising, redness, or swelling, Juvederm typically comes with few side effects, and most that do occur will resolve on their own. Because the hyaluronic acid in Juvederm injections will be absorbed by the body gradually over time, its results typically last between 6 and 9 months, although some men and women have reported their results lasting up to a year. (The Dermatology Review)
What is Voluma?
Voluma differs from Juvederm primarily because it’s specifically formulated to add volume to the cheek or mid-face area. The way it works is nearly identical to that of Juvederm, although the results of Voluma can last for up to 2 years. Another difference between the two is in the way Voluma is injected. Because it’s injected directly above the bone, Voluma is great for those who desire a fuller cheek area or more pronounced cheekbones.
Voluma is very similar to Juvederm, though, in regards to its treatment and recovery time, side effects, and temporary nature. A typical Voluma treatment session takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, and you’ll be able to see your results immediately. As with Juvederm, some slight bruising, redness, or swelling may occur, but these symptoms should diminish on their own within a few days to a week following your treatment. And although Voluma does generally last longer than does Juvederm, it is still a temporary treatment. (The Dermatology Review, WPBF News)
Why Choose Acqua Blu Medical Spa for Your Injectable Fillers?
Whether you’re a candidate for Juvederm or Voluma, injectable fillers can be a great option if you’re looking to achieve a younger, rejuvenated look without surgery. At Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Pittsburgh, our team of experienced, knowledgeable professionals is always available to answer any questions you might have, and can also provide you with a detailed and thorough description of what each type of dermal injection can do for you.
Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr Heil and board certified dermatologists and physician assistants would be more than happy to talk with you to further discuss your specific goals. Because our team places an emphasis on patient education, we welcome any and all aesthetic questions you might have. To set up an appointment with any member of our team, you can contact Acqua Blu Medical Spa at(724) 933-1800.
The Bottom Line
While embarking on new stages of life can be an exciting time, the fact of the matter is that no one likes the effects that aging can have on the skin. But the good news is that you don’t have to opt for a surgical procedure to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Juvederm and Voluma each offer great results through nonsurgical, minimally invasive injections that can help you look younger, refreshed, and ready for anything!
