Four Things To Know About The Science Behind Facial Fillers
We lose elasticity and volume in our faces as we age, which can lead to folds, lines and wrinkles in the face. The sun, smoking, scars, weight changes and genetics can exacerbate these problems too. Thankfully, today we have fillers, a modern non-surgical solution to an age old problem. Fillers are a cost-effective skin care treatment that restores youthful facial features without the expense and complications of surgery. Understanding the chemistry of fillers can help you understand why they are so effective.
Here Are The 4 Things To Know About The Science Behind Facial Fillers:
We use all Juvederm fillers (Juvederm, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure), and they are all made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar that already exists throughout your body.
The hyaluronic acid sugar molecules occur in different sizes or ‘molecular weights’. These molecules are bonded (also called cross-linked) with molecules of similar sizes or different sizes to create different fillers. When molecules of the same size are bonded together there is a uniform consistency of the filler, this is called Hylacross technology. Juvederm XC is a Hylacross filler. The new Vol-named Juvederms are called Vycross technology because they are formulated with molecules of different sizes or molecular weights which are bonded together to provide varying consistency in thickness. The tighter hyaluronic acid molecules are bonded together, the thicker the gel will be.
Bonding molecules of different sizes is the more advanced filler technology, the Vol-named fillers. This type of bonding has many benefits such as fillers can be injected more deeply in the skin, they spread less and can last longer (up to 18 months versus 6 to 12 months).
Different types of molecular bonding creates different thickness, strengths and spreadability.
- Voluma has molecules that are bonded the most closely together which is why it is the thickest and the best to restore volume in the cheeks.
- Volbella has molecules that are bonded the farthest apart so it is the thinnest, and as such ideal for restoring lost volume to lips and providing a natural look.
- Vollure is in the middle of both in thickness and molecular bonding, which is why is it the perfect choice to smooth out lines, wrinkles and folds.