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MANILA, Philippines - Fifteen to 30 minutes. That’s all it takes to erase the undesirable signs of aging — wrinkles, sagging skin and jowls — without going under the knife. It’s fast and highly effective. In fact, one can have the procedure done during lunch break and go back to the office right after treatment. No swelling. No downtime.

“The advances in medical aesthetics have made it possible to bring back what time has taken away. Today, the most popular minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation and enhancement are soft-tissue filler injection treatments like Allergan’s Juvederm Voluma with Lidocaine,” explains top plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Sy, speaking before the members of the press during a round-table discussion for Allergan’s new product.

According to Dr. Sy, soft tissue fillers or dermal filler treatments work like magic.

“You can see the results in an instant. Dermal fillers restore facial volume because they ‘fill’ the defect or the area where there is fat loss (sagging skin). You’ll notice the deep lines on your face plump up right after the injection. Restoring volume brings the person closer to having a more youthful and vibrant look. And since Juvederm Voluma hydrates  the skin, it makes the skin smoother,” notes Dr. Sy.

Juvederm Voluma with Lidocaine is an advanced formulation that helps temporarily restore facial volume that has diminished due to weight loss or age-related fat loss. It is injected into parts where volume is needed for contouring, such as where the mouth meets the cheeks, between the eyes, or just above the cheekbone.

Dr. Sy adds that there are vast uses  for fillers and these have to be used appropriately and wisely in order to have impeccable and successful results.

“That’s why it’s very important to have or consult a reputable doctor, one who is licensed to perform the procedure. And just like in all plastic  surgeries that we do, everything that is done correctly and in moderation always looks natural,” says Dr. Sy.

To be young and beautiful — again!

Facial assessment of the patient is a very important tool doctors rely on before performing facial enhancement with the use of fillers.

“And when we talk about facial evaluation, we also need to discuss the concept of what beautiful is,” explains Dr. Rene del Castillo Valerio, a fellow of the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons

A beautiful woman has an oval-shaped face, with a small nose, prominent cheekbones, full cheeks, and a defined jawline. In men, an angular face, lower to upper face proportion, larger nose than female’s, a  wider mouth and a deeper set of eyes do the trick.

“Many of us may have been born with these features, but lose them as we age,” notes Dr. Valerio. “Through the use of dermal fillers, we are able to rid the face of unwanted folds and wrinkles, while plumping it up and lifting the skin. The result is a face that looks young and refreshed,” he adds.

The truths and myths about dermal fillers

Doctors Valerio and Sy have had long experience in using dermal fillers, especially Juvederm Voluma with Lidocaine, for clients seeking facial rejuvenation and treatments.

While some prefer this highly effective treatment to enhance their facial beauty, others are still hesitant to have the procedure done due to several risk factors. And so Dr. Sy went on to debunk common myths about dermal fillers.

“Many think the procedure is extremely painful, but in fact, most of our patients say that the pain ranks two to three on a scale of one to 10,” explains Dr. Sy. “Juvederm Voluma has been combined with Lidocaine (an agent that causes numbing), which lessens patient discomfort.”

Moreover, dermal filler treatments are often thought to require long downtime, or to last forever.

“Just like I’ve mentioned, the procedure may be over in just 15 to 30 minutes and patients can resume their usual activities the following day. And since Juvederm Voluma is made of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, the drug will break down in time, although its volumizing and lifting effects can be expected to last for up to 24 hours,” notes Dr. Sy.

And since Juvederm Voluma is  non-invasive, it’s safe, effective, and the results are long-lasting.

“We know that our product is set to change the game for facial rejuvenation and enhancement,” enthuses Seungje Cho, Allergan country manager.

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Allergan is a multi-specialty health care company established more than 60 years ago with a commitment to uncover the best of science and develop and deliver innovative and meaningful treatments to help people reach their life’s potential.