Hyaluronic acid, juvederm® and others
What is hyaluronic acid and Juvederm®?
Hyaluronic acids, like Juvederm, are injectable gels based on sugars naturally found in the skin. These sugars, along with collagen, structure your skin. We use them as dermal fillers. Your dermatologist or aesthetic doctor injects those gels in order to smoothen wrinkles, fill sunken areas then regain volume lost.
In Canada, we are fortunate to have several high-quality products. Namely: Juvederm®, Restylane®, Teosyal®, Belotero® and Emervel.
What can I expect?
The duration of results depends on the consistency of the hyaluronic acid gel used and the area treated. Estimates are 18 months for dark circles, 12 months for cheeks and 8 for lips. The results quality depend of the cosmetic doctor or dermatologist experience and artistic eye. Our top priority is always to obtain natural-looking results.
Well dosed injectables won’t leave you looking like those expressionless, puffy Hollywood stars.
There may be some bruising and swelling. The occurrence of side effects will depend on the technique applied to the patient. In use for over 15 years, Juvederm along with other hyaluronic acids are very safe.
Will the doctor use cannula to inject the hyaluronic acid?
The risk of bruising is reduced by 80% when we use the cannula instead of needles. Moreover, this method allows to treat larger areas with one injection while reducing the risk of tissues trauma.
Dr. Lafond and Dr. Mandeville refine their injection techniques every years. They are masters in the micro-cannula technic.
What about collagen?
In the early days of this century, bovine collagen was the injectable of choice. However, it lefts an alarming number of patients with nodules under the skin. With the emergence of hyaluronic acid, bovine collagen is no longer in use.
A word about hydroxy-apatite calcium an PLLA basic gels.
Radiesse is a calcium-based gel while Sculptra contains poly-lactic acid. They don’t work as hyaluronic acids fillers altough they are complimentary treatments. It have the advantage of providing a long-lasting facelift effect by stimulating your own production of collagen. The results appear after 2 months but last for 2 years. Doctor will let you knows if your are a candidate for this technic.
N.B. Our clinic does not have any conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies. We use the best hyaluronic acid gels and fillers from different suppliers.