It’s only natural

MANILA, Philippines - Trust doctors, dermatologists in particular, to come to a medical lecture dressed to the nines. The lady doctors who lined up at the registration table were given fascinators while the gentlemen wore a medal on their lapels. After all, making people look good is an important part of what they do.

They came to listen to renowned Brazilian plastic surgeon, Dr. Mauricio de Maio, speak at the sit-down dinner held recently at the ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La. The event was hosted by Allergan Philippines to introduce its latest medical aesthetic breakthrough, Juvederm Voluma with Lidocaine.

“Allergan brings the science of rejuvenation to another level,” notes Dr. Camille Angeles, Allergan Healthcare Philippines medical affairs manager and fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society. “With hyaluronic acid as its key ingredient, Juvederm Voluma helps temporarily restore facial volume that has diminished due to weight loss or age-related facial fat loss.”

We know only too well those tell-tale signs of aging — wrinkles, pigmentation, skin texture, loss of elasticity and volume. “Juvederm Voluma with Lidocaine has been specifically developed to restore lost facial volume, particularly in the cheek area or to enhance where there is volume deficit like the chin,” Dr. Angeles shared.

“Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring, biodegradable complex sugar found in the human body,” Dr. Angeles explains. “It is one of the most popularly used fillers in the world. It is noted for its volumizing and hydrating properties, which stem from its ability to retain water and absorb more than 1,000 times its weight.”

In addition, Juvederm Voluma with Lidocaine uses patented ‘Vycross Technology,’ providing “better lift and longevity of results.”

According to a paper published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, one treatment lasts up to 18 months. Moreover, “98 percent of patients rated aesthetic results as “good” or “very good” at six to 18 months following the treatment.”

An injectable, it must be administered by a trained physician. There are sensitive areas, such as the tear through and the nasolabial fold, where there are major arteries that can be damaged if improperly applied, Dr. Angeles points out.  A good thing about the use of hyaluronic acid as a filler is that it is reversible.

The 0.3% preservative-free Lidocaine in its breakthrough formulation “numbs the treatment area within seconds, potentially reducing the need for an additional anesthetic,” says Dr. Angeles. “As a result, it offers a more comfortable injection experience and potentially less time spent in the physician’s office.”

The doctor’s skill and technique are also important to achieve a natural look, so the face does not look over filled or over treated. “Fuller cheeks result in a more youthful face,” asserts Dr. Angeles, who received her treatment from no less than the master, Dr. Maio.

Juvederm Voluma with Lidocaine appeals to a wide range of women, from young adults to older women. The younger group would usually seek the treatment for facial enhancement, while the older women would get it for facial rejuvenation. It works for sagging skin by adding volume aswell as contouring, for greater nose definition, for example. It alsoprovides hydration for a smooth, natural-looking youthful appearance.