Volbella is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler manufactured by Allergan. It may be right for you if you have concerns about smoker’s lines, thin lips, or asymmetrical lips. Today, our aesthetic experts at Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX are taking a closer look at this injectable dermal filler to help you determine whether it is right for you. If you’re wondering how long this injectable lasts and how you can extend the results, read on.
How Long Does Volbella Last?
You can generally expect the results of your Volbella injections to last for 18 months. While the results of your injections won’t last as long as they would if you had plastic implanted into your lips to augment them, you can feel confident that the results will look completely natural. This is because the results of this treatment are derived from your skin producing extra collagen in response to the injected hyaluronic acid and the penetration of your fibroblasts.
It is also worth noting that it is hard to find a dermal filler that provides long-lasting results when it comes to lip augmentation and mouth wrinkle treatment. This is because the more your mouth is used to suck beverages through straws, smoke, breathe, talk, and chew, the more the injectable breaks down. In fact, it is so hard for dermal fillers to last for a significant amount of time in the mouth that most fillers last a mere six months at most.
Can I Do Anything To Extend My Results?
Yes, there are steps you can take to extend the longevity of your results. Since the results of this treatment are derived from extra collagen production, protecting the health of your collagen after your treatment will extend the longevity of your results. For example, it is highly advisable that you do not consume tobacco products following your treatment because nicotine is extremely damaging to your existing collagen. It also reduces the rate at which you produce more.
Another effective step you can take to extend the longevity of your results is to protect your lips from sun damage. It is highly advisable that you apply a lip balm to your lips that contains a broad-spectrum sun protection factor of at least 50 before you go outside during the day. Even if it is overcast outside, the collagen in your lips can still be damaged by the sun’s UVC rays.
What Else Can I Do To Extend the Longevity of My Results?
Another effective step you can take to extend the longevity of your results is to eat nutritiously most of the time. It is important to keep in mind when deciding what to eat that it’s not just important to get all of the micronutrients and protein you need in your diet. You should also remember that eating too much sugar can decrease the longevity of your results.
Moreover, it is crucial that you remain sufficiently hydrated for the sake of maintaining your collagen health. If you notice your lips are chapped, apply a moisturizing lip balm to your lips and make a point to drink more water. If you are chronically dehydrated, start setting alarms on your phone to remind you to drink eight ounces of water every hour. Alternatively, buy a water bottle that will help you remember or download an app on your phone.
Will Exercise Help Me Extend the Longevity of My Results?
Yes, exercise will help you extend the longevity of your results. Specifically, cardiovascular exercise is good for the strength of your circulatory system. Your circulatory system is responsible for circulating growth factors, nutrients, and oxygen throughout your body. If you get at least 2.5 hours of moderate cardiovascular exercise every week will help to keep your blood flowing properly so your skin can remain nourished, healthy, and young.
It is important to understand that while anaerobic exercise is good for your joints, it is not the most effective way to support your cardiovascular health. It is also worth noting that any cardiovascular exercise will benefit your circulatory system. Finally, you should note that if you don’t have 2.5 hours to dedicate to exercise, you can get the same circulatory system benefits from getting 1.25 hours of intense cardio exercise weekly.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
To find out whether you are a good candidate for Volbella injections, you need to come in for an evaluation and discussion of your health and goals. Most people who are at least 22 years of age and worried about the appearance of their lips and mouth are considered good candidates for this injectable dermal filler. However, it is very important that your areas of concern are evaluated to ensure this injectable is appropriate for you.
Depending on the location and severity of your cosmetic concerns, a different injectable dermal filler may be more appropriate for you. Furthermore, it is important to understand that you need to be in relatively good health to qualify for this treatment. For example, you will be considered a poor fit for this treatment if you have certain blood or heart conditions. Also, you won’t qualify for this treatment if you have breastfed or been pregnant in the past three months.
How To Prepare for Your Treatment Session
You should understand that you must be able to follow all preparation instructions safely to qualify for this treatment. One of the most important preparation steps you must take is to not consume any blood-thinners in the 48 hours preceding your treatment. Following this instruction mitigates your risk of bruising.
You should also ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible by not drinking alcohol or smoking. Notably, not drinking alcohol will also help you extend the longevity of your results if you abstain once your treatment is over.
What Can I Expect During My Treatment Session?
We will advise you on exactly what you can expect during your treatment session once we have discussed all of your cosmetic concerns. The precise length of your treatment will depend on numerous factors, including the severity of your cosmetic concerns, the number of cosmetic concerns you have, and the types of cosmetic concerns you have. Depending on your unique goals, you may need more than one cosmetic treatment during your session.
The more types of injectables you need to achieve your desired results, the longer your treatment session will take. Also, the more severe your cosmetic concerns are, the longer your treatment will take. This is because a larger dose of hyaluronic acid will be required to achieve the desired results, so you will need more injections. Generally, you can expect your Volbella treatment to take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete.
Is This Treatment Painful?
There is no need to be scared of your lips or mouth hurting during your treatment session. We use a tiny needle to administer the medication, and the injectable contains a local anesthetic. You will feel a bit of pressure when the first injection is administered. However, within 15 seconds of your first injection, the treatment area will be numb.
If needles make you feel uncomfortable, let us know during your initial consultation. We are more than happy to use a topical medication to numb your treatment area before your injections are administered. Just keep in mind that it can take around 30 minutes for a topical anesthetic to take full effect. You may need to take a long lunch break or schedule a little time off from work if you go this route.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect Volbella injections to last for 18 months. This is three times longer than the results of other injectable fillers, and you can also take steps to extend the longevity of your results. For example, you can eschew tobacco products, eat nutritiously most of the time, protect your lips from sun damage, and stay hydrated.
Contact us today at Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX to schedule your initial consultation and learn more if you are concerned about the appearance of your lips and mouth. Regardless of your cosmetic concerns, we are confident that we have a safe, effective solution for you. During your consultation, we will advise you on all of the treatments you may need to help you achieve the appearance you desire.