Hockeymom4:
It seems that you been very diligent about keeping up with your aging process as you have used IPL, Titan, and Botox in the past. You deserve kudos for recognizing the advantages of good skin care. As we age, our skin changes. The thickness and volume of youthful skin begins to diminish, as seen by the formation of wrinkles and folds. The nasolabial folds are often times the first lines that are seen around the mouth and can be quite annoying and bothersome.
What is the best treatment? For smoothing the areas of the nasolabial folds that are slight to moderate in degree, my first choice is to use a hyaluronic acid filler such as Juvederm®. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in human skin. Its action is to rehydrate and add volume to the skin and contour the “indentation”. I prefer Juvéderm® because it provides a smooth, natural look and feel. I have found that patients with similar complaints …love it. The good news is that this usually lasts a year.
To be even more specific, Juvéderm® is available in two formulations to allow the treating physician the ability to individualize and tailor the treatment to one’s needs. Juvéderm® Ultra is very effective for correcting the superficial lines similar to those that you described by contouring and volumizing the facial folds. This is what I would use to treat your “indentation”. Juvéderm® Ultra Plus is used more for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles (which you do not need at the present time).
In summary, a hyaluonic acid filler is the way to go. I would recommend that you discuss with your treating physician Juvederm® Ultra as an option.
I hope you find this helpful.
Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
