If you’re seeking a youthful look or the perfect pout, Juvéderm Ultra XC makes it easy. As one of the world’s most popular dermal fillers, it’s the perfect treatment for nasolabial fold reduction and lip augmentation.

Like many other fillers in the Juvéderm family, Juvéderm Ultra XC helps reduce volume loss by filling targeted areas beneath the skin’s surface with hyaluronic acid. Thanks to its consistency and versatility, it’s ideal for enhancing the lips and the folds that run between the nose and lips. In this guide, we’ll explain how it works, and why it’s one of our favorite treatments at SEV.

What Is Juvéderm Ultra XC?

Juvéderm Ultra XC is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler with a small amount (0.3%) of lidocaine, a numbing agent. It was approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA in 2010. Its texture, durability, and longevity make it one of the most versatile injectables on the market!

Compared to other fillers, Juvéderm Ultra XC stands out with a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid. Because it falls in the higher end of the range, it has the texture of a crystal clear gel. It’s thin enough for easy injection but thick enough to tackle deeper facial folds and thin lips.

What is Juvéderm Ultra XC Used For?

With so many dermal fillers on the market, it’s natural to wonder what will give you the best results in different parts of your face. Juvéderm Ultra XC can be used for both lip enhancement and nasolabial folds, offering the following benefits.

Enhancing Lip Volume and Shape

You’ll see a visible difference in the size and shape of your lips after Juvéderm Ultra XC. The viscosity of the gel is firm enough to sculpt the lips into a more pleasing form while still retaining natural softness.

Filling In Nasolabial Folds

The nasolabial folds are the lines connecting the nose and mouth. They can occur as a natural result of your facial structure, but can also become deeper with age. Juvéderm Ultra XC’s balanced texture is ideal for targeting them with precision, and it adds just enough volume to soften and even erase them completely.

Defining the Vermilion Border and Cupid’s Bow

The vermilion border is the darker red line around the edges of your lips, while the cupid’s bow is the dip on the center top of the upper lip. When injected with care, Juvéderm Ultra XC adds extra definition to both of these areas. That means perfect lips at all times, with no more filters or lip liners!

Correcting Asymmetry

If you’re dealing with any asymmetry or imbalance in your lips, an expert aesthetic injector can do wonders. Whether it’s a heavier top or bottom lip, or differences in lip height and shape from side to side, Juvéderm Ultra XC lets your injector correct these differences and bring harmony to your face.

Minimizing Perioral Lines

Perioral lines (also known as smoker’s lines) are thin but often deep wrinkles. They run vertically up from the upper lip and down from the lower lip. They’re exacerbated by smoking, and can be highly visible when you’re drinking from a straw. By plumping up the lips from below, Juvéderm Ultra XC can help soften them significantly. That said, your injector might recommend an even thinner and more subtle filler, like Juvéderm Volbella XC.

Am I a Good Candidate for Ultra XC?

The best candidates for Juvéderm Ultra XC are those over the age of 21 who wish their lips were thicker or fuller, or that the folds between their nose and mouth were less prominent. Juvéderm Ultra XC can help plump up these areas with precision, for a naturally healthy, youthful, and lush look.

Of course, as with all fillers, skip dermal fillers if you have a bleeding disorder, take medication that can increase bleeding, have an autoimmune disease, are allergic to lidocaine or another filler ingredient, or have an active skin breakout. As part of our commitment to your safety at SEV, we’ll make sure you’re a good candidate for treatment with a quick consultation!

Juvéderm Ultra XC Injection Techniques

Understanding different injection techniques will help you when you’re communicating with your nurse injector! There are several different injection methods that your injector can use for lip augmentation or nasolabial fold treatment.

  • Linear threading involves a row of small injections running along the length of a line or wrinkle, ideal for adding volume while also enhancing lip line definition.
  • Microdroplet injection uses even smaller amounts of filler and more individual injection sites, for very subtle lip shape correction.
  • Tenting requires lifting the skin slightly with the needle during injection to make a filler “pocket,” ideal for more dramatic lip volume and contouring.

Cannula Vs. Needle Approach

There are two different kinds of injection devices. The needle has a sharp tip that is just thick enough to let the gel pass through, allowing for very precise and/or small injections. The cannula is fractionally bigger but blunter, allowing more Juvéderm Ultra XC to be injected in one spot.

The needle is best for very precise injections, but requires more injection sites, which can cause more discomfort. The cannula isn’t as good for extremely precise injections, but much better if you’re trying to maximize volume in a particular area with minimal bruising. It also works particularly well for the nasolabial folds, as the injector can adjust the cannula below the skin.

At SEV, your nurse will always choose the ideal tool depending on your facial anatomy and desired results.

Juvéderm Ultra XC vs. Other Fillers: Juvéderm Voluma, Juvéderm Ultra, Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC, and Restylane Kysse

Juvéderm Ultra XC is a balanced filler with medium thickness. The only difference between it and the original Juvéderm Ultra is that it contains the numbing agent lidocaine, to reduce discomfort.

Other Juvéderm fillers like Ultra Plus XC and Juvéderm Voluma are thicker. They are better suited to very deep creases in the mid-face area or for cheek augmentation. Meanwhile, Juvéderm Volbella is a thinner filler, better for extremely subtle lip enhancement or for treating fine lines and hollows under the eyes.

Compared to Restylane Kysse, Ultra XC’s versatility is a major factor. While Restylane Kysse is great for natural lip volumization, its thinner texture means it can’t help with nasolabial folds.

Side Effects and Risks

After any Juvéderm Ultra XC injections, you can expect some mild bruising, redness, itchiness, and/or and swelling. These will go away within just a day or two if you follow aftercare instructions.

More serious side effects would be an allergic reaction or vascular occlusion (blockage of a blood vessel), both of which require immediate emergency medical attention. Both of these complications are rare, and more likely to occur as a result of poor screening or poor injection technique, which is why seeing a professional nurse injector is key.

Dissatisfied with Juvéderm Ultra XC after a month or so? Good news: You don’t have to wait for it to wear off. Hyaluronidase, a natural filler dissolver, can break down the HA quickly and safely.

Post-Treatment Care

After getting Juvéderm Ultra XC, you can use gel ice packs to gently reduce after-effects. Make sure to use minimal pressure, and avoid massaging your face or lying face-down. The key point here is no pressure at all for the first few days. Shield the treatment areas from direct sunlight and amp up your sunscreen routine.

You’ll be able to see immediate results after your treatment, but it will take a week or two for the gel to “settle” at which point your final results will be visible. Some people come back for a refinement session to further enhance their appearance.

Juvéderm Ultra XC FAQ

 

How Long Does it Last?

Your Juvéderm Ultra XC results can last up to 12 months, depending on how quickly your body absorbs the HA. You can maintain your look with proper hydration, regular skincare, a good diet, and touch-ups at least once a year.

How Much Does Juvéderm Ultra XC Cost?

The cost of Juvéderm Ultra XC can vary widely. At SEV, we pride ourselves on keeping our prices accessible, with both full and half-syringe options. You can review our pricing page to see the exact cost at your nearest SEV location.

Book Your Juvéderm Ultra XC Treatment

Ready to plump up your lips or reduce your nasolabial folds? At SEV, you can enjoy a tailored treatment carried out by one of our specialized nurse injectors. Our team members have experience in many different techniques, to guarantee optimal results. To treat yourself to a transformation with Juvéderm Ultra XC or get a recommendation for one of our other cosmetic injectables, just book your appointment or consultation at SEV!