About face: How Juvéderm can help you look years younger

The natural aging process causes changes to occur on the face. As the years march forward, formerly plump cheeks begin to sink. Once-smooth foreheads become wrinkled as the volume of fat that was present during earlier days diminishes and begins to shift downward. Similar scenarios are seen around the eyes, temples, mouth, and jawline as the skin begins to lose some of its elasticity. With the use of injectable fillers like Juvederm, the plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery can help slow the hands of time for patients in Northern Virginia who seek to maintain a youthful appearance.

What are injectable fillers?

A nonsurgical cosmetic treatment, facial fillers (also known as dermal fillers) are composed of natural and synthetic substances which are injected into the skin to add volume and eliminate wrinkles, folds, and creases on areas of the face. These issues result when collagen and fat levels diminish as a result of age, sun exposure, squinting, chewing, and other muscle movements. Previously, it was widely believed that such changes in the skin were the primary cause of an aged facial appearance.

For years, rejuvenation practices mainly focused on tightening the skin on the face. However, it has since been discovered that structural changes occurring below the skin's surface also are a contributing factor. This is why fillers can be so effective not just in diminishing lines and wrinkles, but also in enhancing fullness in the lips. Injectable fillers are a cost-effective way to achieve the younger look you desire without having to undergo invasive surgery or require an extensive recovery period.

One of the most popular fillers, FDA-approved Juvederm is a smooth, sterile, clear gel that is made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin. Because of this, it usually is well-tolerated by the body. Not only is it effective in adding volume, but hyaluronic acid also provides the skin with vital nutrients and is hydrating, so it ultimately helps the skin remain soft. There are several varieties of Juvederm are available.

The plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery are able to determine which Juvederm formula will best suit the individual needs of each patient to achieve their desired results. During consultations, they will evaluate your health and medical histories, discuss the benefits and risks associated with injectable fillers and provide before-and-after photos of patients in the Northern Virginia region who previously have experienced the procedures for you to review.

Where can injectable fillers be used?

Various filler products are each specially formulated to work well in specific areas of the face. Five spots are particularly popular for treatment with Juvederm. These include:

• The melomental folds (also called marionette lines) which stretch from the mouth to the chin, as well as the nasolabial folds (a.k.a. smile lines) that run from the nose to the outside corners of the mouth.
• Frown lines (also known as furrow lines or “11 wrinkles”) that form between the eyebrows at the top of the nose, as well as creases on the chin.
• Above the upper lip to reduce or eliminate vertical lines that may form, as well as on the lips themselves to add plumpness.
• Along the cheekbones and on the cheeks to add volume and fullness.
• Beneath the lower eyelids to lessen the appearance of dark shadows.

In most cases, Juvederm and other fillers are injected directly below folds on the face to fill in areas from which volume has vanished. When injected in areas around the mouth, fuller skin can help to frame one's smile and lend an overall younger look to the face. It also can serve as the finishing touch to help accentuate the results of recently completed cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What does the procedure entail?

Depending on the number of areas that are being treated, for most patients in Northern Virginia, facial filler injection sessions last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. A topical numbing cream may be applied prior to the procedure to prepare the skin for the injections. Some varieties of Juvederm contain a medication called lidocaine to help reduce pain associated with the procedure. The injections are performed with a small, thin needle by the plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery. Following the injections, the skin will be lightly massaged to ensure proper distribution of the hyaluronic acid gel.

Because the procedure requires little to no downtime, most patients are able to resume daily activities immediately afterward. For about 24 hours following the injections, patients may be advised to avoid exposure to the sun and other sources of heat, as well as the consumption of alcohol and excessive physical activity. Female patients may be asked not to wear any makeup during this time. Some minor bruising and swelling may be experienced at or near the injection sites. Other side effects may include tenderness, redness, small bumps or lumps, itching, and some pain. All of these should lessen within two weeks after the procedure.

What type of results are expected?

Patients in Northern Virginia may notice a fuller, more youthful appearance to their face almost immediately following their filler-injection procedure, depending largely on what areas were treated and the type of product that was used. When Juvederm products are injected, the noticeable results may last a year or longer. Eventually, the hyaluronic acid dissolves and is excreted by the body. Additional treatments may be required to maintain the level of volume that initially was achieved. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important for patients to have realistic goals and appropriate expectations for the outcome of their filler injections.

Are you ready to look years younger?

From the forehead to the chin and seemingly everywhere in between, facial fillers such as Juvederm can cause lines and wrinkles to become visibly reduced or disappear, while adding volume and fullness to targeted areas to restore a younger, more vibrant appearance. Call Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, which is located in Reston, VA to schedule an appointment with one of our highly skilled, plastic surgeons who are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.