Aesthetic fillers are substances that are injected under the skin at various depths to reduce signs of dermal aging, such as nasolabial folds and other wrinkles. Having a wide range of uses, dermal fillers can also be injected into the nose and chin for contouring. Some formulations help to define and volumize the lips, while others add volume to sunken cheeks for a lifted appearance. Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus are some of the most popular hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Juvederm Ultra Plus is essentially a thicker version of a similar dermal filler, Juvederm Ultra. Juvederm Ultra Plus is indicated for the treatment of deep nasolabial folds, which are the lines that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth, and more severe facial wrinkles. It also minimizes the look of marionette lines, which are the lines that extend from the corners of the mouth downwards to the jawline and can effectively fill in depressed regions in the cheeks. On the other hand, Juvederm Ultra is indicated for the correction of moderate to severe folds and wrinkles on the face. Plus, it can be used to add volume to facial tissues and restore smooth skin.
Coming from the same brand, it comes as no surprise that both fillers spread out in a similar manner. Indeed, compared to other brands, Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus absorb more water when administered and, therefore, swell more. It is generally not recommended to use these fillers for treating areas around the eyes.
Both fillers are available with lidocaine, which helps to alleviate injection-related pain and discomfort.
Juvederm Ultra vs Juvederm Ultra Plus: How are they different?
Despite their striking similarities, there are some differences between Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus. While both fillers are indicated for treating facial wrinkles and lines, Juvederm Ultra Plus is substantially thicker than Juvederm Ultra. Juvederm Ultra Plus also has a higher viscosity, which is why Juvederm Ultra Plus can deliver better results in the treatment of skin hollows and deeper lines. The thicker Juvederm Ultra Plus is designed to be injected into the mid-to-deep dermis. Due to its unique formulation, Juvederm Ultra Plus can be used over a large area for greater volume deposition. Having a higher viscosity, Juvederm Ultra Plus is able to lift wrinkles and folds that are deeply embedded in the cheeks, face, the smile lines, or nasolabial lines.
Juvederm Ultra, on the other hand, is best suited for treating areas with fine wrinkles and lines. Generally, Juvederm Ultra is more suitable for superficial locations, where lines tend to be more delicate and finer. It is also ideal for the treatment of skin hollows around the lips.
Both Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus contain hyaluronic acid as their key ingredient, but they have different strengths and consistencies of this acid Made of repeating units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine, hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide (sugar) commonly found in human connective tissues. Apart from making the joints move smoothly, it also helps to maintain the plumpness of the skin. One of the main differences between Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus is the degree of chemical cross-linking, which confers different levels of stability and viscosity; in this regard, the degree of cross-linking for Juvederm Ultra is 6%, while it is 8% for Juvederm Ultra Plus. The common treatment practice with dermal fillers is to combine several fillers of different characteristics, such as thinner and thicker fillers, to achieve optimal volume restoration. At the same time, this treatment practice helps to smooth out product placement for even, natural-looking results.
Another difference between Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus is their duration of action. Due to its larger particle size, Juvederm Ultra Plus is last longer than Juvederm Ultra. Typically, Juvederm Ultra Plus can last for somewhere between nine to 12 months, while Juvederm Ultra has a length of action of that is somewhere between six to nine months.
The bottom line
While containing similar ingredients, Juvederm Ultra is different from Juvederm Ultra Plus in terms of consistency and viscosity and, as a result, its indications and target areas. When choosing between Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus, it is important for doctors to take in account factors such as patient preference and treatment cost. At the same time, doctors should consider the skin characteristics and severity of the concerns of their patient during the selection of the dermal filler. Perhaps more importantly, practitioners should choose the filler they are going to use based on the location of the area(s) to be treated.