If you know anything about facial fillers, you’ve heard of the Juvéderm family of products. And maybe, also, the names Juvéderm Ultra XC and Juvéderm Ultra Plus? Over the past two decades, the Juvéderm family has made a name for itself as one of the most popular dermal filler brands. (We answered some general filler FAQs here!) Juvéderm products have been used by thousands of people. But trying to figure out which Juvéderm product to use can be confusing to consumers.
Why so many products?
The Juvéderm formula turned out to be highly adaptable! Just like your favorite TV show, the original formula now has multiple spin-offs. Each Juvéderm option has a specific goal in mind, but all are non-invasive options that treat lines, wrinkles, and volume loss.
In addition, each product line has its strengths. And today we’ll focus on Juvéderm Ultra XC vs. Juvéderm Ultra Plus to get a better idea of how they compare and what the Juvéderm family has to offer.
Juvéderm Basics
All Juvéderm products largely comprise hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a substance that occurs naturally in your skin. It keeps your skin plump, healthy, and elastic. That’s why hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic fillers are usually used for lifting, smoothing, and volumizing skin depressions. HA fillers can also be used to enhance lips, add contour to the face, and hydrate skin.
Wait a second…this sounds a lot like Botox
Comparing Botox to Juvéderm is like comparing skiing to snowboarding. They may both be outdoor winter sports, but anyone who’s tried to use a snowboard like skis – or vice-versa! – knows you’re setting yourself up for disaster. So what’s the difference here?
Botox paralyzes the small muscles in your face, tightening your skin, and reducing motion lines like wrinkles and fine lines.
On the other hand, the hyaluronic acid found in Juvéderm is a filler, meaning that it fills up space under your skin. Fillers restore volume to your lips, cheeks, forehead, and chin. Many practitioners recommend using a combo of both, depending on their client’s desired results.
The Primary Differences Between Juvéderm Products
The primary difference between the various products has to do with the HA it contains. HA can be configured in many ways. For example:
- HA can be tightly compacted or loosely compacted
- The ratio of light chains to heavy chains can be manipulated
- The chemical bonds between the chains can vary
- The particle size and quantity of HA per ml can be adjusted
What does that mean for you? Each of these changes in the HA configuration affects how the HA feels, how thick it is, and what it’s used for.
So let’s get a better idea of what this means by comparing Juvéderm XC and Juvéderm Ultra Plus.
Juvéderm Ultra XC vs. Juvéderm Ultra Plus
The differences between the HA formulas in the various Juvéderm product formulas determine
- what it’s used for
- where it’s used, and
- how long the results last.
What it’s used for
Juvéderm Ultra XC is primarily used to enhance lips, but it’s also great for reducing the deepest wrinkles, treating volume loss, and improving facial contours.
The Juvéderm Ultra Plus formula contains Hylacross technology, which provides extra volume to aging skin. If you’ve used dermal fillers in the past, but they aren’t quite doing the trick anymore, then Juvéderm Ultra Plus may give you the extra boost you need to address deeper facial creasing and more advanced volume loss.
Where it’s placed
Juvéderm Ultra XC injectable gel is injected into the lips and perioral area for lip augmentation and fullness. Juvéderm Ultra Plus is thicker and more stable than Juvéderm Ultra XC, so it can be injected deeper into the skin to treat deeper creases and volume loss.
How long results last
The duration of dermal filler results will vary depending on the individual and the products used. Juvéderm Ultra XC lasts for 6-12 months. Because it’s thicker and more stable, Juvéderm Ultra Plus lasts longer – a year on average.
To finish off this article, let’s look at one important point we all want to know:
- how long Juvéderm products last and
- what you can do to maintain results to keep the most natural look possible.
How Long Does Juvéderm Last?
This is a common question among dermal filler seekers. And the answer is…it depends. Several factors are responsible for determining how long the effects last.
The most significant factor is where the Juvéderm is injected. If the hyaluronic filler goes into an area that moves around a lot, like the lips, the effects won’t last as long. However, if Juvéderm injections target a facial area that’s more static, the effects will last longer. The effects will also last longer the more – or if more – CCs are used in the injection.
You can also make your results last longer if you do regular Juvéderm maintenance. Twelve months after your injection, you should visit your practitioner to make sure everything looks good. They can then make any adjustments, if needed. Your practitioner will have you return within six months of your follow-up to have another full treatment session so that the effects don’t wear off.
And lastly – taking good care of your skin with a skincare routine will also extend the results of your Juvéderm injections. Wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, taking nutritional supplements, and moisturizing and exfoliating skin regularly all help your skin stay younger and fresher looking.
Ready to Get Your Filler?
If you’re ready to look your best, we’re ready to help! Our team at Evexias Medical Center has years of experience providing aesthetic treatments designed to make you look and feel younger, including both Juvéderm and Botox. Contact us for a consultation today!