A personalised approach to restoring volume, enhancing facial features and supporting skin quality

When we talk about facial fillers at The Aesthetic Clinic, the goal is not simply to make an area look “bigger” or to change the way you look.

Modern aesthetic medicine allows us to take a far more considered approach.

For some patients, treatment may be about restoring volume that has gradually changed with age. For others, it could mean subtly enhancing the lips, improving facial contours or supporting skin hydration and quality. The right approach depends on your facial anatomy, your concerns and, importantly, what you would like to achieve.

This is why a consultation with an experienced medical practitioner is such an important first step.

At The Aesthetic Clinic, Dr Anton Mathey takes an individualised approach to facial aesthetics, considering the face as a whole before recommending a treatment plan.

What is JUVÉDERM®?

JUVÉDERM® is a range of hyaluronic acid facial fillers manufactured by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin and plays an important role in attracting and retaining water, helping the skin maintain a plump and refreshed appearance. JUVÉDERM® facial fillers use hyaluronic acid to address different aesthetic concerns, depending on the specific product and treatment area.

One of the important things to understand about dermal fillers is that they are not all the same.

Different JUVÉDERM® products have different gel consistencies. Thinner gels may be selected when the objective is hydration, improving skin quality or addressing fine lines, while thicker gels may be appropriate when greater lift, volume or facial definition is required.

This is one of the reasons that choosing the correct product, amount and placement should form part of an individual medical assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What areas can JUVÉDERM® facial fillers treat?

Depending on the product selected and your individual needs, the JUVÉDERM® range may be used to address several areas of the face. These include the lips, cheeks, temples, under-eye area, nasolabial folds, chin and jawline. Certain products may also be used to improve skin quality through hydration.

This versatility also allows a practitioner to think beyond treating an isolated line or feature.

For example, a concern about the lower face may need to be considered in relation to the cheeks, chin or jawline. Similarly, what appears to be a single area of volume loss may form part of broader age-related changes across the face.

The aim is therefore not necessarily to “fill” every concern. It is to understand why the change is occurring and which treatment, if any, is appropriate for you.

How do hyaluronic acid fillers work?

When injected at the appropriate depth, JUVÉDERM® hyaluronic acid fillers integrate within the tissues to provide volume and support. According to Allergan Aesthetics’ patient information, JUVÉDERM® may be injected beneath the skin’s surface or into the mid-to-deeper layers depending on the treatment objective.

Because hyaluronic acid attracts and retains water, certain products can also support hydration and skin quality.

The effect will depend on several factors, including the JUVÉDERM® product selected, treatment area, amount used, injection technique and your individual anatomy.

How long can JUVÉDERM® fillers last?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary treatments. Over time, the body gradually breaks down the hyaluronic acid, which means maintenance or touch-up treatment may eventually be appropriate.

According to the Allergan Aesthetics JUVÉDERM® patient brochure, clinical studies of products within the range have demonstrated results lasting approximately 9–24 months, depending on the specific product and treatment area.

This should not be interpreted as a guarantee of how long an individual’s result will last. Your metabolism, treatment area, product, amount administered and other individual factors can all influence treatment longevity.

Why your injector matters

The product itself is only one part of a facial filler treatment.

Your practitioner needs a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, the characteristics of different fillers and the appropriate injection techniques. Allergan Aesthetics specifically highlights these considerations when choosing a practitioner for injectable treatment.

At The Aesthetic Clinic, this is central to Dr Mathey’s approach.

Rather than selecting a treatment based solely on a particular line, wrinkle or feature, your consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals and assess your facial anatomy before determining an appropriate treatment plan.

Sometimes that may include facial filler. Sometimes another treatment, or a combination of treatments, may be more suitable.

What happens after facial filler treatment?

Aftercare is an important part of treatment.

The Allergan Aesthetics patient information recommends avoiding certain activities following JUVÉDERM® treatment, including make-up on treated areas, prolonged sun or sunbed exposure, very cold temperatures, saunas or steam, and intense exercise during the first 24 hours.

Your practitioner will provide specific aftercare instructions based on the treatment you receive.

As with any medical aesthetic procedure, facial fillers can also cause side effects. The JUVÉDERM® patient information lists potential reactions including redness, swelling/oedema, bruising or haematomas, nodules or firmness, and discolouration at the injection site.

Any potential risks, expected recovery and appropriate aftercare should therefore be discussed during your consultation.

Is facial filler right for you?

There isn’t one correct facial filler treatment for everyone.

Your facial structure, skin quality, age-related changes and aesthetic goals are individual to you. A consultation allows Dr Mathey to assess these factors and discuss what can realistically be achieved while maintaining a considered approach to your facial proportions and features.

If you are considering JUVÉDERM® facial fillers in Pretoria, book a consultation with Dr Anton Mathey at The Aesthetic Clinic Waterkloof to discuss your concerns and the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.

The Aesthetic Clinic Waterkloof
Phone: 082 894 0967 / 012 346 1800
Email: dranton@theaestheticclinic.co.za
Contact The Aesthetic Clinic Waterkloof

Individual results vary. A comprehensive consultation with Dr Anton Mathey is required to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. A consultation fee applies to all bookings and will be waived if you proceed with your prescribed treatment following your consultation.

Sources

This article has been adapted for patient education by The Aesthetic Clinic using information supplied by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, in its JUVÉDERM® Vycross Hyaluronic Acid Fillers patient brochure. The source brochure references JUVÉDERM® Directions for Use and published research including Niforos et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology; Swift et al., Aesthetic Surgery Journal; Fabi et al., Aesthetic Surgery Journal; and other clinical literature.