Aesthetic medicine is a rapidly evolving field, with constant development of cutting-edge products and technique. The same holds true for dermal fillers. In recent years, at least a dozen new dermal fillers have been introduced into the market, each claiming to hold their own in terms of volumization, longevity and ease of use.
For the uninitiated, dermal fillers are injectable gels containing hyaluronic acid used for augmenting facial features and reduce signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide found in the skin dermis. It has a hydrophilic nature, which aids to promote and maintain hydration within the skin.
With advancing age, various facial structural changes occur. There is a gradual diminishing of facial volume. Contributing factors include fat redistribution, skeletal remodeling and progressive depletion of innate collagen and hyaluronic acid.
“It is essential to understand the effects of aging on the face,” says Dr. Vicky. “As facial volume and skin integrity reduces, lines and wrinkles became more prevalent. This can be especially noticeable when there’s hollowing of the midface, which results in deepening of the tear troughs and nasolabial folds as well as sagging jowls. The best solution for this is to restore volume with a good quality dermal filler. Dermal fillers can be used to lift nasolabial lines, sagging jowls, hollow under eyes, fill up hollow temples, restore deflated cheeks and chin; resulting in unmistakable enhancement of overall face shape and definition.”
Juvederm, reputed to be the world leader in fillers, utilizes two patented technologies: VYCROSS and HYLACROSS.
VYCROSS technology is a patented blend of higher and lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid that efficiently binds them together via a unique crosslinking process. This confers the filler an enhanced longevity of up to 24 months and superior tissue integration.
HYLACROSS technology enables the formation of a robust hyaluronic acid matrix that provides natural results and demonstrates exceptional cohesivity; allowing the filler to hold together and maintain its shape for a long period.
In the words of Dr. Calvin, “I enjoy working with Juvederm fillers because of its ease to use; it is easy to mold and shape, it does not require much force, it has enhanced longevity and good lifting capacity and projection. And yet, at the same time, it induces minimal swelling and integrates exceptionally well into the tissues resulting in a very natural outcome.”
