Effectively addressing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds requires dermal fillers that provide sufficient structure and filling capacity while integrating smoothly into the tissue. Juvéderm® Ultra 3, a well-established product within the widely recognized Juvéderm® collection from Allergan Aesthetics, part of AbbVie, is designed to serve this purpose.
Leveraging Hylacross® technology, it offers a reliable option for various facial corrections. This article provides a professional guide to Juvéderm® Ultra 3’s properties, clinical uses, safety aspects, and considerations when deciding to buy Juvederm Ultra 3 for your aesthetic practice.
Understanding Juvéderm® Ultra 3: Hylacross® Technology and Properties
Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is based on Allergan’s foundational Hylacross® technology. This process involves a highly efficient cross-linking of hyaluronic acid (HA) chains, resulting in a smooth, cohesive, and robust gel. Within the Hylacross portfolio, Juvéderm® Ultra 3 possesses specific rheological properties tailored for moderate to severe lines and folds:
- Rheological Balance: It is a firm yet smooth gel with moderate viscosity and good cohesivity. This balance is designed to provide effective filling capacity and lift for wrinkles requiring more volume than finer fillers, while still allowing for predictable integration in the intended tissue plane.
- Composition: Typically contains HA at a concentration of 24 mg/mL.
- Lidocaine Inclusion: Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is formulated with 0.3% lidocaine hydrochloride, an anesthetic included to enhance patient comfort during the injection procedure.
These Juvederm Ultra 3 properties make it a versatile tool for various corrections.
Clinical Applications: Where Juvéderm® Ultra 3 Excels
Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is primarily intended and widely used for correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Its properties are well-suited for treating:
- Nasolabial folds: The lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is a common choice for treating nasolabial folds with Juvederm.
- Marionette lines: The lines that extend downwards from the corners of the mouth.
- Oral commissures: Addressing the downturned appearance at the corners of the mouth.
- Lip augmentation: Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is also a popular choice for patients seeking more noticeable volume or “plumpness” in the lips compared to fillers designed for more subtle enhancement. Practitioners utilize Juvederm Ultra 3 for lips when aiming for moderate to significant volume.
The typical recommended injection depth for Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is the mid-to-deep dermis, where its robust nature provides effective support for these deeper wrinkles.
Injection Considerations & Technique Principles
Administering Juvéderm® Ultra 3 effectively requires a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and standard injection techniques:
- Patient Assessment: Carefully evaluate the depth and severity of the wrinkles or folds, assess skin quality and thickness, and discuss the patient’s specific aesthetic goals. Manage expectations regarding the degree of correction achievable.
- Volume Determination: Assess the appropriate volume of product needed based on the severity of the folds and the desired outcome. It is important to use sufficient volume for adequate correction.
- Technique: Standard techniques like linear threading, serial puncture, or fanning can be employed, ensuring placement within the intended mid-to-deep dermal plane. Aspiration prior to injection should be considered, especially in areas with proximity to vessels.
- Lidocaine Benefit: The inclusion of lidocaine in Juvéderm® Ultra 3 significantly enhances patient comfort during the injection procedure, potentially reducing the need for extensive topical anesthesia in some cases.
Expected Outcomes & Longevity
Patients treated with Juvéderm® Ultra 3 typically see immediate results in the reduction of wrinkles and folds due to the physical volume of the injected gel. The typical duration of effect for Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is often cited around 9 to 12 months for moderate to severe facial folds, though individual patient metabolism, the treated area, and the volume injected can influence the longevity of the results. Managing patient expectations about the expected duration of correction is important.
Safety Profile & Potential Side Effects
Juvéderm® Ultra 3 has a known safety profile based on clinical studies and widespread use. Common side effects are generally temporary and typically resolve within a week:
- Common Effects: These include temporary injection site reactions such as swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, pain, and itching.
- Serious Risks: The most serious potential risk associated with any dermal filler injection is Vascular Occlusion (VO), which can lead to tissue necrosis or other severe complications. This risk is present in areas treated with Juvéderm® Ultra 3, such as the nasolabial folds (near the angular artery). Thorough anatomical knowledge, careful injection technique, and being fully prepared with immediate access to hyaluronidase are critical for managing this risk.
- Other Risks: Less common risks include infection, formation of palpable lumps or nodules, and hypersensitivity reactions.
- Lidocaine Consideration: Practitioners must screen patients for any known allergies to lidocaine or other amide-type anesthetics before using Juvéderm® Ultra 3.
Practitioners should always consult the specific product’s IFU for comprehensive safety information and administration guidelines.
Sourcing Authentic Juvéderm® Ultra 3
Patient safety and predictable treatment outcomes are fundamentally linked to using authentic, properly handled Juvéderm® Ultra 3. Counterfeit products pose extreme risks due to unknown composition, lack of sterility, and unpredictable behavior. Ensuring product authenticity is non-negotiable when deciding to buy Juvéderm Ultra 3 online, seeking to order Juvéderm Ultra 3 wholesale, or identifying a reliable authentic Juvéderm supplier.
- Reliable Suppliers: Always source Juvéderm® Ultra 3 only from reputable B2B suppliers who guarantee product authenticity and adhere to proper storage and handling protocols.
- Verification: Be diligent in verifying the legitimacy of your products upon receipt for signs of tampering or counterfeit indicators.
Conclusion: Juvéderm® Ultra 3 as a Reliable Choice
Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is a reliable and versatile Hylacross® filler well-suited for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and for providing more noticeable lip volume. Its rheological properties offer a balance of filling capacity and smooth integration, and the inclusion of lidocaine enhances patient comfort.
Safe and effective use of Juvéderm® Ultra 3 depends on proper patient assessment, skilled injection technique within the appropriate dermal plane, adherence to safety protocols (especially regarding VO risk), and, crucially, sourcing authentic product from a trusted partner. When used appropriately, Juvéderm® Ultra 3 is a valuable tool in the aesthetic practitioner’s armamentarium.
About the Author: Doris Dickson is a specialist writer for Health Supplies Plus, focusing on the aesthetic medicine industry. She diligently researches cosmetic treatments and products to provide clear, concise information relevant to licensed medical professionals. Her work supports Health Supplies Plus’s commitment to being a reliable informational resource and trusted supplier for the aesthetic community.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is directed towards licensed medical professionals. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any specific product or technique. Practitioners must rely on their own professional judgment, clinical experience, and knowledge of patient needs, and should always consult the full product prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before use. Health Supplies Plus does not provide medical advice.