Every year, the number of people getting JUVÉDERM injections rises. This treatment is effective, minimally invasive, and long-lasting. At RefineU Medspa in Oklahoma City, OK, we offer Ultra XC, Ultra Plus XC, VOLBELLA XC, VOLLURE XC, and VOLUMA XC to patients who would like to get rid of wrinkles, augment their lips, or increase the volume in their cheeks. Today, we’ll examine how often you need treatment and what you can do to prolong your results.
How Often Can You Get JUVÉDERM?
Most dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is therefore not toxic. Some people apply hyaluronic acid creams to their faces every day. These skincare products are sold over the counter. Scientists haven’t discovered any adverse effects, so there’s no upper limit to how much HA you can use.
However, dermal fillers are very long-lasting, and there’s no need to have injections every few weeks. The standard formula might last six to twelve months, while the more innovative ones stay fresh for eighteen to twenty-four months. Most patients only come to the clinic once a year, unless they are getting other treatments like BOTOX, that need to be administered more often.
Can You Become Immune?
Immunity isn’t a big concern for people getting hyaluronic acid injections. Your own body produces this substance to keep your tissues hydrated and flexible. When you get injections, you simply increase the levels of HA in your system. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll start to produce antibodies that destroy HA because it’s necessary for everyday function.
However, you might need larger quantities of gel as you grow older because natural production slows down, and your wrinkles become more pronounced. The earlier you start treatment, the smaller the amount of filler you need. That’s why many dermatologists recommend that patients come for their first set of injections when they are in their late 20s to mid-30s.
Which Filler Lasts the Longest?
Your results depend on the current condition of your skin, your body’s ability to process hyaluronic acid, your lifestyle habits, and the kind of filler we use. Some gels deteriorate more quickly than others because the molecules aren’t cross-linked as strongly. Ultra Plus XC and VOLBELLA XC generally start to fade after a year, so patients need to book an annual appointment.
VOLLURE XC lasts for 18 to 24 months because it is a thicker gel than VOLBELLA XC. The most long-lasting filler is VOLUMA XC. It’s designed to add volume to the patient’s face, so it is very thick. Since it’s one of the newest fillers on the market, the molecules are cross-linked, and they don’t disintegrate as quickly as the more traditional options. After VOLUMA XC treatment, patients can expect their results to last for two years.
Can Everyone Take Part?
You’re likely to be a good candidate for dermal fillers, no matter your age. Injections can be started in your 20s or early 30s, when you start to notice the first signs of aging. However, some of our patients don’t come to the clinic until they are in their 50s, 60s, or beyond. Older people can still take part, but they need a larger amount of gel, and they often benefit from combining this treatment with other options like microneedling, laser treatment, and a thread lift.
If you have a medical condition, ask your healthcare provider whether you’re eligible for dermal fillers. You might still be a good candidate because the treatment is so gentle, and the substance isn’t toxic. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people with an active infection in their face will need to wait.
How To Keep the Results Fresh
The results of JUVÉDERM treatment depend on the filler used and your individual lifestyle. There are several things you can do to make your results more long-lasting. The most effective one is to avoid excessive sun exposure since UV rays damage your skin. It’s also important to eat a healthy diet, keep up with your skincare routine, and reduce stress.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Some studies have shown that exposure to sunlight causes around 90% of the symptoms commonly associated with aging. The UV rays are absorbed by your skin and cause wrinkling, discoloration, and leathery skin. Fortunately, there are now many products on the market that can protect you against the harmful effects of sunlight.
Apply a good sunscreen every day, even in winter. Choose one that has an SPF of at least 30. If you have very light skin, you might need to avoid going outside between 10 am and 4 pm on especially sunny days and use sunscreen with an SPF of 50. Before you buy one, speak to us about the best products on the market. Some sunscreens contain harmful chemicals, so it’s best to avoid them.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can be extremely challenging, especially when you’re on the go. During a busy day, you might be tempted to grab a sugary snack at work or visit the local fast-food place at lunchtime. But an unhealthy diet not only increases your risk of certain diseases, it also makes your body age faster. To keep your tissues looking fresh, your body needs nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium.
If you want to improve your diet, come up with a plan, and prepare some of your meals ahead of time. That way, you don’t have to make decisions during the week. You can simply grab your healthy lunch from the fridge or freezer and heat it up in the microwave. Some easy, healthy dishes are vegetable soup, a salad wrap, scrambled eggs, and tuna salad.
Keep Up with a Daily Skincare Routine
When you come for your filler appointment, we’ll ask you about your skincare routine because it impacts the aging process significantly. Choose high-quality products that contain beneficial substances like retinols, and apply them once or twice a day.
Always wash your face thoroughly in the evening to get rid of makeup and dust accumulated throughout the day. We’ll help you to come up with the perfect skincare routine based on your skin type, goals, cosmetic issues, and lifestyle.
Reduce Stress
There are several reasons why people who are constantly stressed age much faster than those who lead a healthier lifestyle. Not only does stress cause chronic inflammation, but it also changes the DNA structures found at the end of chromosomes in virtually every cell in the body. If you’d like to slow down the aging process, reduce your stress levels. Try out various relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
Some people hesitate to come to the clinic because they’re afraid that treatment will hurt. This isn’t usually the case because we numb your face before getting started, so your skin won’t be sensitive. Most dermal fillers also contain lidocaine, so they numb your tissues from the inside. Most patients experience a slight sensation, but they don’t find their sessions painful.
Each filler appointment will take around 20-40 minutes. We’ll start by applying the numbing cream. Then, we’ll carefully mark the injection sites. Hyaluronic acid treatment is technique sensitive, so we need to make sure that we’re injecting the filler correctly. Once you’ve been treated, you can clean your face and leave the clinic.
Preparation and Recovery
Several days before your appointment, stop drinking alcohol and smoking. These activities dry out the skin and make it harder for your body to function properly, so they might impact your results. Don’t take any medications or supplements that thin your blood in the days before and after your session. If you like to do strenuous workouts, schedule one for before your appointment, since you’ll only be able to do mild to moderate exercise for a few days.
After your session, you can resume most of your regular activities straight away. Some of our patients come to see us during their lunch break and go straight back to work after the treatment. However, you might want to take the rest of the day off if you’ve never been treated. Wait for at least two days before you sit in a hot tub or sauna and resume your strenuous exercise routine.
Keep Your Youthful Complexion with Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are extremely long-lasting when compared to other beauty treatments. After your first set of injections, you might not need to come back to the clinic for a year or two. You’ll experience good results, as long as you avoid excessive sun exposure, eat a healthy diet, keep up with your skincare routine, and reduce your stress levels. Contact us at RefineU Medspa in Oklahoma City, OK to book your JUVÉDERM appointment now.