Are wrinkles and folds between your nose and mouth starting to bother you? Known as nasolabial folds, these deep wrinkles are a common consequence of aging. You can treat your wrinkles in many different ways, from over-the-counter creams to Botox injections, but many of these treatments are not overly effective for nasolabial folds.

Are wrinkles and folds between your nose and mouth starting to bother you? Known as nasolabial folds, these deep wrinkles are a common consequence of aging. You can treat your wrinkles in many different ways, from over-the-counter creams to Botox injections, but many of these treatments are not overly effective for nasolabial folds.

Thankfully, one treatment does work exceptionally well for patients with nasolabial folds: Juvederm XC. Here are five reasons why Juvederm XC is such a great choice.

1. Juvederm XC Is Formulated With Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally found in your body. It makes skin plump and supple and also helps lubricate your joints. As you age, reduced levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin contribute to the development of wrinkles.

Juvederm XC is formulated with hyaluronic acid, so your body reacts to it well, and it presents little risk of an allergic reaction. Similar hyaluronic acid injections have been used for many years to treat joint pain in arthritis patients and to treat less serious wrinkles, so this treatment has a long track record of testing and safety.

2. Juvederm XC Yields Noticeable Results Very Quickly

Topical wrinkle treatments and creams may improve the appearance of small, shallow wrinkles like crow's feet. However, they take a long time to provide noticeable results, and they are not strong enough to noticeably reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds. Some patients waste months waiting and hoping as they apply creams day after day. With Juvederm XC, however, your folds will be smoothed instantly.

You may have some minor swelling for a few days after the injections, but within about 10 days, all swelling should be gone so you can admire your results fully.

3. Juvederm XC Injections Are Relatively Painless

If you think going under the knife is a drastic measure for just a few nasolabial wrinkles, you are not alone. Many patients want to do something about their skin folds but have no desire for surgery. Juvederm XC injections are relatively painless. Your doctor will generally apply a numbing cream to the treatment area prior to injecting the filler, so you will only feel a few needle pricks. 

The treatment area may be a little sensitive after the injections, but the sensitivity should not be serious enough to keep you from your daily routine. You'll need to avoid strenuous activity for a day or two after treatment, but you won’t have to take time off for a rest or recovery period.

4. Juvederm XC Delivers Long-Lasting Results

Some older-generation wrinkle fillers, like collagen injections, only last for a month or two. Although Botox is not generally used for nasolabial folds, when it is used to treat other wrinkles, the results only last three to six months. Juvederm XC lasts about nine months for most patients. This saves you time, since you don't have to visit your doctor as often for re-treatment.

5. Juvederm XC Results Look Natural

You want people to notice that you look nice, but you don't want them to be able to tell that you had filler treatments. With Juvederm, the results you get look smooth and natural. Your doctor will only inject as much as is needed to fill in and smooth out your folds without giving you that puffy-lip appearance you fear. Plus, there are no incisions as there would be with a face-lift procedure.

You do not have to continue waking up every morning to deep nasolabial folds. Contact Dr. Mackay, Vein & Circulation Specialist, to learn more about dermal filler treatments like Juvederm XC. We offer a wide range of cosmetic enhancement procedures to patients throughout the Tampa Bay area.