The number of fillers on the market today can be overwhelming, especially with brands coming up with new products. Over the past several years, Juvederm® has released several new formulations to help achieve different cosmetic goals. With all the new names out there, it’s hard to know exactly which one is right for you. Let’s break down what makes each of them unique and how they should be used.
Making the Difference
Juvederm® has four main types of fillers: Juvederm® XC, Voluma®, Volbella® and Vollure™. Each one of these fillers does a different job. The question here is: What makes all the difference? The answer to that is in their chemical makeup.
Each of the formulas is made up of the same chemical composition of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring sugar in the skin that keeps it looking plump, healthy and youthful. The difference in each of the products comes in the cross-linking of these HA molecules.
Cross-linking and Weight
The way these HA molecules are linked together and suspended in water to make the signature gel we see getting injected into our problem areas is exactly what makes the various fillers so different. HA can be bonded together in different ways and at different weights to produce a very specific outcome. For example, dermal fillers that cross-link heavier molecules tend to have a thicker formula than those that cross-link lighter molecules.
This all sounds very technical but think of it in the way of a pearl necklace. There’s really not much of a difference between a necklace made completely of small pearls and one made of a combination of small and large pearls, but they look different when worn on the body.
The Nitty Gritty
Now that we know the difference is in the weight of the HA molecules and how they’re bonded together, let’s break down how each Juvederm® product is formulated and what it’s best used for.
- Juvederm® XC. This product is a fan favorite because of its flexibility to do multiple jobs. This product, which a mix of high and low weighted molecules cross-linked with one another, smooths out nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and smile lines.
- Voluma™. This is the thickest and strongest gel of the four, which makes it ideal for deep injections into the cheek area to get a nice lift and boost of volume. Because it’s thick, it’s a little stiffer than Juvederm® XC and lasts a little longer – up to 18 months compared to up to 12.
- Volbella®. Made from cross-linking the lighter weight HA molecules, Volbella® is the thinnest and most spreadable gel of the four. This makes it perfect for smoothing out fine lines around the mouth and filling out hollow areas underneath the eyes.
- Vollure™. This, along with Juvederm® XC is the happy medium between durability and spreadability. A combination of different weighted molecules allows it to treat nasolabial folds while still allowing for natural facial expressions.
If you are interested in learning more about which product of the Juvederm® line is right for you, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Beam and his team of nurse injectors.
FOLLOW
US