Ultra Special

Created on 05th March 2009

Leading cosmetic doctor, Dr Hilary Allan of Woodford Medical, believes that the flexibility of Juvéderm ULTRA is what gives it the edge over other dermal fillers

There are several different varieties of Juvéderm ULTRA; it is all down to the size of the molecule which is used in the dermal filler. The thinner ones you would use in the very fine lines on the face, maybe around the crow's feet area and the finer cheek lines. The thicker one you would use for different areas with deeper lines such as the nose to mouth lines.

For filling the lips I would use a medium range one depending on the result that you wanted to achieve for your patient. If someone, probably a younger client, wanted a really big pouty lip you would use a thicker filler. However, if someone wanted corrective work to their lips or maybe the restoration of the lip line for an older lady then you would use a thinner filler to get that attention to detail.

People are starting to have an awareness of the different filler brand names but they don't often realise that there are different graduations within the brand. They come to you with what they see as the problem, whether it be thin lips or strong nose to mouth folds, and they ask your opinion and it is your job as the practitioner to guide them to getting the best results through your choice of product. If you have a thin product and you put it into an area that needs a lot it won't last long enough so you have to use the appropriate filler to do the appropriate job.

Juvéderm's other advantage in my eyes is that it is a much nicer filler to use. It gives a much smoother consistency and a nicer result with much less inflammation. When you are working on someone's face you don't want lots of inflammation because it disguises the effect and it is then harder for the practitioner to gauge if they need to add more or not. You don't want the patient leaving with a swollen treated area and for then it to go down in one or two days leaving them dissatisfied.

Case Study

Name: Morag Pollard
Age: 46
Occupation: Hairdresser
Treatment: Juvéderm ULTRA for both the lips and facial lines

What prompted you to have this procedure?

Probably because I started to become more aware and slightly uncomfortable with the lines on my face, particularly after my fortieth birthday. My facial lines were making me look increasingly tired, stressed and generally a lot older.

Who carried out the procedure and what was their opinion at the consultation?

Harley Street consultant, Mr Prakash carried out the procedure and he was very positive about Juvéderm ULTRA and the difference it would make to my facial lines

How was the experience (can you describe what happened)?

I was excited but a little nervous about having Juvéderm ULTRA. Overall, I found my experience very comfortable. It was definitely less painful than I thought it would be and the consultant did everything he could to make me feel at ease. Directly after I felt fine - I even went shopping - and I had no discomfort at all.

How long did it take?

The actual procedure took no longer than 15-20 minutes but including the consultation the whole process took about 45 minutes.

What were the immediate results?

The lines were immediately reduced and my skin felt fuller and I looked more youthful.

Are you happy with the treatment?

Yes, I'm very happy with my treatment. I've had lots of comments from family and friends who have all said I looked younger and a lot less tired. My daughter didn't want me to have the treatment at all but she was really impressed and said she would even have it herself when the time came. I would definitely have Juvéderm ULTRA again - it has done exactly what I hoped.