Hydra-FaceLift

These days a lot of patients are opting for non-surgical facial rejuvenation instead of the ancient form of nip/tuck. I like to offer patients who are looking for a gentle yet effective time reversal, my Hydra-FaceLift™. As we well know, aging can lead to volume and collagen loss in the face. By using synthetic collagen/fillers one can actually add volume to areas of the face that have started to loose that fullness. I like to fill nasolabial lines, marionette lines, Lips, hollow appearing eyes, cheeks…any area, with long lasting temporary fillers.

I prefer not to use permanent fillers to enhance soft tissue volume because of the unpredictability of aging. If a permanent filler is put in and the face changes dramatically, the patient is not doing themselves any favor. The face can look different and the filler can stand out from surrounding tissues warranting surgical excision, the one thing that most patients are trying to avoid. In this day and age where patients are wanting to enhance their appearance but do not fit the criteria for a surgical lift, we have great resources to offer them.

So what I prefer to use in my patients who want longer lasting temporary filler, is Juvederm. It is a great longer lasting alternative to Restylane. Restylane can last up to 6 months, but Juvederm I have seen last up to 9 months. Those extra few months have been well worth it for my patients, in lengthening their return to my office for injections. I have also found Juvederm injections to be much smoother than any of its competitors. There is a greater fill to deeper nasolabial folds with Juvederm Ultraplus when compared to its competitors. Juvederm is great in combination with Thermage for a longer lasting smoothness and tightness to the skin, and thus rejuvenation. We are getting great Non-surgical Face-lifting just with our HydraLift FaceLift™, which combines Botox, Juvederm and Thermage (Skin Tightening and Collagen Building device).

Here’s the scoop on Juvederm:

What Is JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel?

As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. Recently approved by the FDA, Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps 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).

Juvéderm™ is a smooth consistency, synthetic gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. In fact, studies show superior results of Juvéderm™ compared to a collagen-based dermal filler.* And, almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm™ injectable gel and another dermal filler* preferred Juvéderm™! In addition, Juvéderm™ injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

With Juvéderm™ the injection process takes only about 15 minutes and results are immediate. Plus, there's minimal recovery or downtime. So you can step into your doctor's office for treatment and step right back into your life.

How JUVÉDERM™ Works

Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment. Juvéderm™ is eased under the skin using a fine needle to augment, or fill, the soft tissue of the dermis—the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis—to add volume and diminish wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm™ injectable gel is used most effectively for those wrinkles and folds in the lower third of your face, like your "laugh lines," "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds), or "marionette lines" (oral commissures).

Juvéderm™ is a "next-generation" filler. It is made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to hydrate and add volume. Hyaluronic acid may diminish with age, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm™ injectable gel works to correct this by restoring hyaluronic acid in your skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and folds.

A unique manufacturing process

Juvéderm™ employs its unique manufacturing process to provide the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for long-lasting results.
Side effects were usually mild to moderate lasting 7 days or less and included temporary injection site reactions like redness, pain, firmness, swelling and bumps.

What to Expect During Treatment

Because Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a simple, nonsurgical treatment, there is minimal recovery or downtime. So you can make an appointment for treatment get right back to your life right after. Here's what to expect :

Before you go: Some doctors recommend that you avoid any medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), for at leas t a week prior to treatment in order to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site.

When you arrive: If this is your first visit, your healthcare professional will ask about your medical history, including any allergies you may have or medications you may take, and will tell you more about wrinkle treatment with Juvéderm™. Juvéderm™ injectable gel does not require an allergy test.

Before the procedure: Although anesthesia is not required, your healthcare professional may use topical or injectable anesthesia to numb the treatment area first.

The procedure: Your healthcare professional will ease the Juvéderm™ injectable gel under your skin to augment, or fill, wrinkles and folds. Following the injection, your healthcare professional may gently massage the treated areas. The procedure is quick and easy. The injection itself usually takes only about 15 minutes.

After the procedure: With Juvéderm™, there is minimal recovery or downtime.

For the first 24 hours following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to help minimize the risks of temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the treatment sites. After the treatment, some temporary injection-related reactions may occur, including redness, pain, firmness, swelling, and bumps. Studies have shown that these are usually mild to moderate in nature and clear up on their own in 7 days or less. If you experience swelling at the injection site, you can apply an ice pack for a brief period. Your healthcare professional will tell you when makeup may be applied after your treatment.

Seeing results: You should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing, and the results last up to 6 months or more. However, results may vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental “touch up” treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results.

The Author has no financial interest with Allergan.