Our society often seems hyper-focused on youth, and while you may have gotten away with no one noticing a few fine lines and wrinkles before, the advent of social media and high-definition cameras has changed all of that. Luckily, the aesthetic industry is also focused on your face – from daily skin care to cosmetic treatments, there is something out there for everyone who wants to look energetic and vibrant.
If you notice that despite your best efforts to stave off the signs of aging and exhaustion, lines and wrinkles are etching themselves more deeply into your face, or if perhaps your cheeks and lips are starting to lose volume, injectable fillers may be the next step.
What Are These Lines on My Face?
When considering facial fillers, you will want to know the terminology for what the fillers address. Some of the most common terms include:
- Nasolabial Folds: Also known as smile lines, nasolabial folds are the lines that extend from the sides of your nose to the sides of your mouth.
- Perioral Lines: Also called smoker’s lines or vertical lip lines, these are the lines that appear from pursing your lips regularly.
- Marionette Lines: Marionette lines are the lines that extend from the corners of your mouth down to your chin.
- Tear Troughs: Tear troughs are the indentations between your lower eyelids and cheeks, near your nose.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
At Bridges to Beauty, we are experts in the use of hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a molecule found naturally in nearly every cell in your body and can retain about 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it an incredibly valuable part of the systems in your body because when it binds to water, it creates a viscous gel that can moisturize and lubricate everything from your joints to your eyes to your skin. Nearly 50 percent of the hyaluronic acid in your body is in your skin, and it helps keep skin hydrated, supple, and healthy.
As you age, your body produces less hyaluronic acid, and the collagen in your skin begins to break down. As the collagen fibers dry out, your skin becomes less elastic, and wrinkles start to appear. Hyaluronic acid fillers bind to the water molecules in your body, revitalizing your skin and making it look plumper and more radiant while instantly diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. They also encourage your body to produce additional collagen to keep your face smoother for longer. The result? A rejuvenated, youthful appearance that lasts.
JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA™ XC
JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA™ XC is the lightest, thinnest formulation in the JUVÉDERM® family of fillers and is used primarily to add subtle enhancements to your lips and smooth and fill perioral lip lines. It can also address more superficial wrinkles, as its formulation produces a soft, natural result.
What it Addresses: Lip volume, lip definition, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, perioral lines, tear troughs, and horizontal chin wrinkles.
How Long it Lasts: Up to one year.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC
JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC is used for treating mild to moderate wrinkles or volume loss in the mid-face and for plumping and defining your lips. Because it is lightweight and has smaller molecules than other fillers, JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC is injected closer to the surface of your skin. It is an excellent choice for someone new to fillers or looking to reverse early signs of aging in their face.
What it Addresses: Nasolabial lines, perioral lines, marionette lines, facial wrinkles, tear troughs, and lip volume.
How Long it Lasts: Up to one year, and typically needs no touch-ups in between.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC can also be used to fill deeper wrinkles or creases in your mid-face and address lines in your lower face. It is a thicker filler than JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC and is typically injected slightly deeper under your skin.
What it Addresses: Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, severe wrinkles in the mid and lower face, significant volume loss in the cheeks, and lip volume.
How Long it Lasts: Up to one year, though some patients may require touch-up injections around nine months.
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC is the thickest filler formulation in the JUVÉDERM® line. The thicker formula allows for more support under your skin, so it is ideal for those with more severe wrinkling or volume loss. For lifting sagging skin or filling in hollow cheeks, JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® is the filler of choice. JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC can also add shape to your chin and create more definition along your jawline.
What it Addresses: Volume loss in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and chin and jawline definition.
How Long it Lasts: Up to two years.
BELOTERO BALANCE®
Like JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA™ XC, BELOTERO BALANCE® is a very light and pliable filler injected closer to the skin’s surface. The thinness and spreadability of the formulation allow for more precise placement and can be injected in areas with thin skin (like under your eyes) without discoloration of the site.
What it Addresses: Nasolabial folds, perioral lines, marionette lines, horizontal chin lines, tear troughs, and certain types of acne scars.
How Long it Lasts: Up to six months.
Learn More About Injectable Fillers in Shreveport
While several dermal filler options are available, they’re not all created equally. Different formulations treat different facial concerns, so knowing something about what they’re made of and what they address can help you choose which filler is suitable for you. It is also essential that you find someone trained and experienced to perform the injections. At Bridges to Beauty, Dr. Bridges and his highly skilled staff take meticulous care of every patient, so you know your face is in good hands. To schedule a consultation, call (318)219-8555 or fill out the online contact form.