JUVÉDERM® Hylacross Filler Technology

Q: How long does Juvederm Ultra XC last?

According to the packaging, Juvederm Ultra XC injections should last at least 6 months and up to one year with optimized full treatment, but in practice, especially over time, Dr. Krant has seen Juvederm injections last up to two years. Each treatment session triggers new collagen formation in the treatment area over the longer term, so results can be cumulative.

Q: What is the difference between Juvederm and Juvederm Ultra XC?

Juvederm is the brand name of this family of fillers. The original very first Juvederm filler product is no longer available on the market. Juvederm Ultra is the modern version of the original. XC in the name means that the product contains some lidocaine within the syringe already, which may help to reduce discomfort during treatment. For the rare patient or client truly allergic to lidocaine, Juvederm Ultra can be ordered, which does not contain the numbing agent.

Q: How long does it take for Juvederm Ultra XC to work?

Juvederm and all other HA fillers work immediately, unlike Botox and Dysport. Fillers take up space as they are placed in the dermis. But over the next week or two, they settle in and smooth out, while some minimal swelling and small bruises resolve. There should be no pain after the day of filler treatment. If any pain persists or increases, call your board-certified dermatologist injector right away.

Q: What is Juvederm Ultra XC best for?

Juvederm Ultra XC is FDA-approved for use in the lips and perioral area for lip augmentation and in the facial tissue for correction of moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, but in the hands of an experienced, careful, skilled board-certified dermatologist can be used in many locations around the face to give an overall rejuvenated, youthful, yet still natural appearance. It is important to discuss a personal plan with your own physician.

Q: Will Juvederm Ultra XC treatment create pockets under my skin that will sag if I do not continue to get treatments?

The very short answer is no. The longer answer is that hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers infiltrate throughout your own dermis and are gradually dissolved over time. When they melt away, they do not leave a hollow space behind. Rather, they may tend to stimulate your own fibroblast cells to create new collagen, leaving behind more of your own collagen than you started with. This is actually one of the reasons you should be cautious with adding fillers repeatedly over time. It may not be necessary or cosmetically beneficial to keep adding filler on a set schedule. This is how people can end up with an overfilled appearance. This is especially true under the thin skin of the lower eyelid. Excessive filler in this space sometimes does not dissolve quickly and settles there longer than people expect.

A younger facial contour, smoother skin, and more hydrated lips are only moments away with dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM®. With these unique formulas and Dr. Krant’s expertise, you can achieve the refreshed results you’ve always wanted.

What is JUVÉDERM?

JUVÉDERM is a brand of hyaluronic acid gel dermal fillers that are administered via small injections. Hyaluronic acid (HA), very popular these days in skin care, is a molecule that already exists in our skin as the gel matrix that supports our collagen bundles. HA injections add volume to specific treatment areas which helps to correct shape and smooth lines and creases, while the hyaluronic acid molecule helps the skin retain moisture. Results are long-term but not permanent, and retreatment is needed to maintain the results.

JUVÉDERM consists of a collection of dermal fillers used to address a number of different concerns on the face. There are two different families of JUVÉDERM filler products: Hylacross and Vycross®. The Hylacross fillers are less cross-linked than the Vycross, which makes them softer and more malleable and more appropriate for certain uses. The JUVÉDERM Hylacross collection of fillers includes:

JUVÉDERM Ultra XC

JUVÉDERM Ultra XC is an injectable gel FDA-approved to temporarily add more fullness to lips. If you’re struggling with naturally thin lips or you’re experiencing thin lips due to age, JUVÉDERM Ultra XC can be a great solution. It can also be used off-label to fill in lines and wrinkles.

All fillers risk a few mild side effects, including redness, tenderness, bruising, and swelling but those effects are temporary. As with any filler, injection into or against a deep blood vessel can rarely cause tissue necrosis or blindness. With HA fillers, there is more of a chance to reverse and halt the progress of damage. But fillers are an invasive medical procedure and should only be performed by board-certified physicians in the “core four” specialties of dermatology, plastic surgery, ENT facial plastics, and oculoplastic surgery. The results of JUVÉDERM can last six months and up to a year, or possibly longer, as new collagen formation is triggered by each injection.

The XC in the name refers to the lidocaine in the solution, which temporarily reduces your sensitivity to pain while you’re getting injections.

Frequently Asked Questions about JUVÉDERM Ultra XC

How long does Juvederm Ultra XC last?

What is the difference between Juvederm and Juvederm Ultra XC?

How long does it take for Juvederm Ultra XC to work?

What is Juvederm Ultra XC best for?

Will Juvederm Ultra XC treatment create pockets under my skin that will sag if I do not continue to get treatments?

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JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC

JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC is FDA-approved to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This includes parentheses lines, smile and laugh lines, and nasolabial folds. It can also be used off-label for lip augmentation and to smooth out scars and an uneven or bumpy chin.

As with JUVÉDERM Ultra XC, the XC in JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC stands for lidocaine. It will help reduce any discomfort you may feel during injections.

Frequently Asked Questions about JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC

How long does Juvederm Ultra Plus XC last?

What is the difference between Juvederm and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC?

What is the difference between Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC?

Where can Juvederm Ultra Plus XC be used?

How often should I get Juvederm Ultra Plus XC?

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Who is a Good Candidate for JUVÉDERM?

Most adults over the age of 21 are good candidates for the Hylacross versions of JUVÉDERM. If you’re looking to add volume to your lips, enhance your face shape, and/or diminish lines and wrinkles, you’re likely an ideal candidate for this innovative dermal filler.

We also recommend you be in generally good health, be a nonsmoker, and have realistic expectations for the results.

Recovery and Results

There is no downtime required with JUVÉDERM injections. You’ll be able to return to work, school, or your normal routine immediately. That said, you will want to avoid excess sun exposure, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and direct heat for 1-2 days after injections.

As for results, you’ll see initial results immediately, with gradual improvement over the next two weeks as any side effects lessen.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’ve noticed your lips have lost volume over the years or your skin is starting to show visible folds and creases, JUVÉDERM’s Hylacross injections may be the perfect solution. With over 20 years as a board-certified dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Krant at Art of Dermatology at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center can help you achieve the amazing results you’re looking for.

Schedule a consultation today by calling our New York City office at 212-488-5599 or filling out our online contact form.