If there’s one thing we all take for granted, it’s the amount of volume that was in our youthful skin – and like many other things in life, we don’t know how much we value that suppleness until it’s gone. Because the natural aging process depletes skin volume over time, it has the effect of making our skin thinner, dryer, and more prone to developing wrinkles. Fortunately, Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA knows that dermal fillers like Vollure and Volbella are ideal treatments to restore skin volume.
What Is the Difference Between Juvederm Volbella and Vollure?
The Juvederm collection of products contains several dermal fillers that are each based on a hyaluronic acid formula that gradually and naturally helps the sub-dermal layers of your skin restore collagen production. The Volbella and Vollure variants are particularly popular for those who have mild to moderate volume loss and other visible signs of aging. But while these variants are similar, each of them serves different purposes and produce different results.
Treatment Purposes
In general, Vollure is a filler treatment that is designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the nose and the mouth. This filler softens the appearance of nasolabial folds, parenthesis lines, and marionette lines. Sometimes, this filler is used to correct fine lines on the corner of the mouth and can be used to augment the shape of the lips or even skin laxity in the cheeks.
Volbella, on the other hand, is a treatment designated for filling in lost volume in the lips to correct lipstick lines and contour the shape or fullness of the lips. Volbella is frequently used on fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, particularly on the corner lips. This filler is often used to embolden the vermillion border and emphasize the Cupid’s bow.
Formula and Distribution
One of the most distinct differences between these two fillers is the structure of the formula. Volbella has a comparatively thinner and silkier formula that allows it to move more fluidly beneath the skin to produce natural-looking fullness. Vollure, however, is a more substantial filler that has a more durable distribution that translates to more stable volume restoration.
Result Longevity
Another stark difference between these two fillers is how long the results of each last. You can expect Volbella results to last for 12 months in the lips or around the mouth, while Vollure results typically last about 18 months on nasolabial folds and up to 12 months on the lips. Naturally, the length of time your results last will also depend on how well you maintain your results, such s the skincare products you use and your suncare habits.
Which Treatment Should You Use?
The treatment you end up using for your aesthetic rejuvenation will depend mainly on the purpose of your treatment. For example, if you intend to restore lip volume, then you should use the filler that is intended for lip rejuvenation; if you want to soften fine lines and wrinkles, then you should use the filler that has the distribution that matches your needs. To break it down further, your three main concerns for these fillers include:
For Augmenting Lips
Lip augmentation is any filler treatment that alters the shape or fullness of the lips for the specific purpose of achieving an aesthetic goal. While some lip augmentation is done solely to restore lip volume, most of the time this treatment is meant to enhance the appearance of the lips. For that reason, the amount of enhancement you wish to accomplish is important. If you intend to restore lip volume, smooth the lips, and shape the lips, then Volbella is your best choice.
For Anti-Aging Concerns
Age-related concerns are usually most prominent on the mid to lower face, which are the areas where fine lines and wrinkles tend to form in dynamic locations on the face. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by a combination of volume loss and repeated facial movements, and for that reason, these wrinkles tend to be more challenging to treat. For fine lines and wrinkles around the nose or mouth, Vollure is the most appropriate treatment.
For Volume Replacement
Volume replacement is usually necessary for the cheeks and the lips, as well as tear troughs beneath the eyes. Volume loss in the mid-face creates a hollowed-out appearance that can prematurely age you. Ideally, a dermal filler used for treating volume loss will have a thicker consistency that will distribute evenly beneath the skin. For that reason, the best treatment for volume replacement is Vollure.
Can You Combine These Injections?
Yes. Since each of these fillers serves a different purpose, it’s common to use a combination of Juvederm fillers to accomplish your aesthetic goals. For example, one common reason to use different fillers is the fact that volume loss may be at different levels of progression on various areas of your face. We will help you match one of these fillers to the most appropriate areas of treatment. We may even recommend other Juvederm fillers to rejuvenate and augment your appearance for optimal results.
What Should You Expect From Juvederm Treatment?
The first step of your treatment will be a consultation appointment that will allow us to determine if one or more of these Juvederm dermal fillers are appropriate for your treatment. We will first examine the condition of your skin, paying close attention to any particular areas of concern you identify, and assess the severity of your anti-aging concerns. We will go over your aesthetic goals and the reasonable expectations you should have for this treatment.
We will gather certain relevant information from you, such as any medications or supplements you are taking, drug allergies you may have, and any previous cosmetic treatments you have tried in the past. We may ask about your skincare products, particularly any anti-aging products you use and how successful they are. If this is your first time using a dermal filler, you may need to complete an allergy test.
Numbing Cream Option
At our clinic, we offer a special topical numbing cream that can make your treatment comfortable and completely painless. Because this numbing cream will take 30 minutes to take effect, please arrive at your appointment early and let us know that you want to use this cream for your treatment. You may also take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol about one hour before your treatment.
Preparation
For dermal filler treatments, there is very little you will have to do to prepare for the treatment. One of the cardinal rules of injectable treatments is the advice to temporarily stop taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements unless otherwise directed by your regular physician. You should also arrive at your appointment with a clean face and with your hair pulled back.
Aftercare
While there is no formal recovery period for dermal filler treatments, you will still need to follow some simple aftercare instructions. For example, you should not touch, rub, or scrub your skin for at least 24 to 48 hours after your appointment. You should also try to sleep on your back and use ice compresses as necessary.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
You will only need one treatment to achieve your desired results. The results of this treatment will build gradually over the first one to three weeks after your appointment, and by that time it should be clear how successful your treatment has been. Occasionally, some patients may come in for a top-up appointment if they require additional filler to achieve their desired aesthetic goals.
How Much Filler Will You Need?
The amount of filler necessary for your treatment will depend on the specific condition of your skin. Juvederm fillers are measured in syringes and a single syringe can be used on multiple areas of the face. That said, the amount of filler used in each area of the face generally ranges from .2 ML to 3.75 ML or more based on the severity of the skin condition.
The particular filler being used for your treatment will also determine how much filler is required for your optimal results. For example, Volbella generally requires much less filler than other Juvederm fillers because the formula is thinner, more malleable, and designed to be used on small areas of the face. The larger the area you are treating, the more filler you will need; likewise, treating multiple areas of the face will mean using more filler.
How Frequently Should You Have This Treatment?
You should have this treatment as frequently as necessary to maintain the results of your treatment. For many patients, this means having regularly scheduled treatments once a year or once every 18 months to enjoy consistent results. Ideally, you want to schedule your treatment appointments in such a way that the results overlap slightly so that you will not have any significant lapse in skin volume.
It’s important to pay close attention to your results and the volume of your skin. Although the estimate of 12 to 18 months is usually correct for result longevity, some people may need treatments more or less frequently. One important determining factor for your treatment schedule is your age, as younger patients may enjoy results for longer periods of time since they are still producing collagen at relatively higher levels. Mature patients with moderate to severe age-related concerns may need treatment more frequently.
Who Are Ideal Candidates?
Any candidate for Juvederm fillers should be over the age of 21 with no history of hyaluronic acid allergy or other allergies to the active ingredients in the dermal filler. These dermal filler treatments are safe for most people and are appropriate for both women and men to restore facial volume. Dermal filler treatments are good choices for those who do not have a history of easy scarring and is generally safe for all skin tones and types.
Candidates who are qualified for these dermal fillers include those who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those who do not have active skin infections, such as psoriasis, cold sores, fever blisters, or eczema. We will be able to further determine your qualification for this treatment during your consultation appointment.
Achieve Your Aesthetic Goals With Juvederm Injections
Whether you want to soften the appearance of fine lines around the mouth or restore lip volume to erase the appearance of lipstick lines, the Juvederm collection of products likely has a filler that is designed for your specific concerns in mind.
In particular, Vollure injections are highly versatile and can be used for multiple purposes, including minor lip augmentation. If you think one of these fillers is a good choice to achieve your aesthetic goals, please contact Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA to schedule your consultation appointment today.