Nasolabial Folds, What Treatments Are Good Besides Dermal Filler? (JUVGEN)

In this case, the direction considered first is to restore balance by filling the sunken cheek area above the fold line, rather than the fold line itself. Rather than overfilling along the line, restoring midface volume can be expected to soften the shadow of the crease.

Hyaluronic acid dermal filler is characterized by immediate shaping and the option to reverse it if needed. The poly-L-lactic acid family, represented by Sculptra, works by inducing collagen production to gradually restore volume rather than creating bulk with the substance itself, so changes are gradual and proceed over multiple sessions.

In a randomized controlled study directly comparing poly-L-lactic acid injectables and hyaluronic acid dermal filler for nasolabial folds, both methods showed wrinkle improvement, and the poly-L-lactic acid family was reported to be non-inferior to hyaluronic acid dermal filler. However, you should consider that the product used in the study may not always be the same as the product actually used in the clinic. Which side is appropriate depends on the desired speed of change, downtime, and skin thickness, so it is advisable to make a judgment assuming individual variation.

JUVGEN is a method that alternately injects a very small amount of carbon dioxide gas and hyaluronic acid into the same site, and is introduced under the name autologous dermal regeneration. The focus is on filling the space with a small amount of external substance while simultaneously stimulating the dermis beneath the wrinkle to induce the skin to produce collagen on its own.

The method of injecting carbon dioxide into the skin has been used for a long time under the name carboxytherapy. Reports have accumulated that the injected gas increases tissue oxygen supply and microcirculation and helps rearrange collagen in the dermis, and improvement cases for wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks have been documented in the literature. JUVGEN adds hyaluronic acid injection to this to provide combined stimulation.

Therefore, the way changes appear differs from dermal filler. Dermal filler takes shape immediately upon injection, whereas with JUVGEN, the wrinkle appears filled immediately after treatment due to the small amount of hyaluronic acid, but later effects tend to emerge gradually over several months as new collagen settles. The speed and degree of response vary individually depending on skin age and regenerative capacity.

The difference is relatively evident in narrow, deep-set grooves. Dermal filler works by pushing up the space with volume, so it has strengths in restoring broad volume loss, but injecting a large amount into a narrow etched line can make that area appear thick and prominent or make the surrounding area look heavy.

JUVGEN works to refill the dermis itself with a small amount of hyaluronic acid, so relatively natural results can be expected in such narrow grooves. Since it does not fill with a large amount of substance, it is known to have a lower burden of foreign body sensation or lumpiness, but this varies individually depending on wrinkle depth and skin thickness.

The duration of JUVGEN's effect is generally longer than that of typical hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Newly formed collagen tends to change gradually rather than noticeably deflating at a certain point like dermal filler.

However, if the treatment area is a site with significant movement, such as nasolabial folds or marionette lines, there may be individual variation depending on skin structure.

Since it is a procedure that involves injecting something into the dermis with a needle, we cannot say there are no side effects at all. The most common are redness, pain, swelling, and bruising immediately after the procedure, which usually subside over a few days. Due to the nature of injecting carbon dioxide, the injection site may temporarily swell and feel like bubbles when touched, which is a reaction that disappears as the gas is absorbed.

Because the injection is made very close to the skin surface where the wrinkle is located, you may feel slight unevenness or firmness when touching the treated area after the procedure, which generally blends smoothly with the skin over time.

Because this procedure involves injecting small amounts of hyaluronic acid filler into the skin, ischemic changes due to skin compression or skin necrosis may rarely occur as side effects. Therefore, it is important for safety to receive the procedure from a Dermatologist who is well-versed in anatomy. Additionally, if pain gradually worsens after the procedure or if the skin color turns dark red or becomes blotchy, you should contact the clinic where you received the procedure without delay.

With JUVGEN, significant improvement can be expected even after a single session. However, supplementing areas that are insufficient after the first session can lead to better results. The number of sessions needed may vary depending on the depth and extent of the wrinkles and the skin's regenerative response.

Changes can be felt relatively immediately after the procedure. First, because the wrinkle area is filled by hyaluronic acid, you can observe changes right after the procedure, and over time, collagen production occurs, leading to even better results.

One additional point: if the cause is more related to volume loss or sagging, JUVGEN alone may not be sufficient. It is more rational to approach dermal grooves with regenerative treatments, sunken volume with filling treatments, and sagging with lifting treatments. We recommend consulting with a specialist after directly examining your skin to determine which combination is right for you.