Many people considering facial fillers like Juvederm wonder if getting just 1 syringe will make a noticeable difference. With 1 syringe costing several hundred dollars, it’s understandable to question if the investment is worthwhile for subtle changes. This article examines if a single syringe of Juvederm can provide visible improvements in wrinkles, lips, cheeks and other facial areas. We’ll also explore how long results may last and factors that influence outcomes.
What is Juvederm?
Juvederm is a smooth gel dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. It is injected under the skin to instantly add volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds. Juvederm is FDA-approved for:
- Filling and smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth (marionette lines)
- Plumping thinning lips
- Adding fullness to cheeks
- Smoothing vertical lip lines
There are different formulations of Juvederm for different treatment areas:
- Juvederm Voluma XC: For adding volume to the cheeks
- Juvederm Volbella XC: For lips and vertical lip lines around the mouth
- Juvederm Vollure XC: For nasolabial folds and marionette lines around the mouth and nose
- Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC: For lips and facial wrinkles/folds
Can 1 syringe of Juvederm make a visible difference?
In most cases, yes, a single 1 mL syringe of Juvederm can create noticeable improvements when injected by an experienced provider:
Lip augmentation
One syringe is often sufficient to subtly enhance thin or uneven lips. It can add just enough volume to smooth out lip lines and create better definition.
Nasolabial folds
These are the deep wrinkles that run from the corners of the nose to the mouth. One syringe can soften these wrinkles for a more youthful, smoother appearance.
Marionette lines
These are the lines that run vertically from the corners of the mouth down to the chin. One syringe can minimize their appearance and prevent further deepening.
Cheeks
Depending on the extent of volume loss, one syringe may provide a light lift to accentuate the cheekbones. It likely won’t offer dramatic improvements but can restore a more youthful contour.
Smile lines
These are the creases that form from the sides of the nose to the mouth when smiling. One syringe can lessen their severity and smooth out the folds.
Factors that influence results
While most patients see subtle but visible improvements with 1 syringe, your individual results will depend on:
Treatment areas
Some areas like the lips show improvements with less filler compared to deeper folds around the nose and mouth. If you only treat a single area like the lips or cheeks, 1 syringe may provide more dramatic results versus splitting a syringe between multiple areas.
Extent of volume loss/wrinkles
The more exaggerated your wrinkles, folds and volume loss, the less impact a single syringe may have. Mild to moderate issues generally see better results from 1 syringe than severe cases.
Elasticity of skin
If your skin still has good elasticity, it can better mold to the filler for smoother improvements. More aged, less elastic skin may not show the same level of correction.
Injector’s skill
An injector with an artistic eye and advanced technical skills can maximize your improvements using strategic placement. Less experienced injectors may waste product yielding less dramatic results.
Filler type
Denser fillers like Juvederm Voluma XC tend to create more lifting and volume per syringe compared to lighter gels. So you may see greater cheek enhancement from 1 syringe of Voluma vs. 1 syringe of lighter Volbella XC for the lips.
Popular treatment areas for 1 syringe
Lips
The lips are often an ideal area to see results from a single syringe. With precise injection, 1 mL can enhance shape, increase fullness and reduce fine lines around the mouth. First-time patients generally prefer starting with a conservative 1 syringe improvement.
Under eye hollows
Under eye bags can also benefit from just 1 syringe. Strategic placement in the tear troughs can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and sunken-in undereyes.
Nasolabial folds
Because these folds around the nose and mouth tend to be deeper, 1 mL may not erase them completely but can soften their appearance. This can make you look more energetic and well-rested.
Marionette lines
Filler placed along the corners of the mouth can smooth out these etched lines for a more youthful look.
Cheeks
One syringe can help restore mild volume loss in the cheeks. This subtle enhancement can provide just enough lift for a more sculpted look.
Benefits of starting with 1 syringe
There are several advantages to beginning your filler treatments with a conservative 1 syringe approach:
Less risk and downtime
Using less product means less risk of complications like swelling, bruising or unevenness. It also typically equates to quicker recovery with minimal downtime.
Natural-looking results
You’ll look refreshed and rejuvenated, not obviously “injected.” Subtle improvements are hard for others to detect.
Reversible results
If for any reason you’re unhappy with the changes, hyaluronic acid fillers are easily dissolvable with injections of hyaluronidase. So results from 1 syringe are temporary and reversible.
Lower cost
Just 1 syringe saves you money on both the filler product and the injector’s services. This allows you to try it out without a huge investment. Additional syringes can always be done at a later date.
Less swelling/bruising
Using more syringes in a single session increases risk of swelling, bruising and tenderness. You’ll likely recover quicker after just 1 syringe.
How long do results last?
With optimal placement, you can generally expect results from 1 syringe of Juvederm to last:
- Lips: 4-6 months
- Nasolabial folds: 9-12 months
- Marionette lines: 9-12 months
- Cheeks: 12-18 months
Touch-up injections can help prolong your results. Some fat padding in the treated areas like the cheeks and lips will remain, creating more longevity.
Should I splurge for 2 syringes?
While 1 syringe provides subtle improvements, 2 syringes allows for more dramatic volume replacement and wrinkle smoothing. The upsides of using 2 syringes include:
- More significant filling of folds and hollows
- Greater plumping and enhancement of lips
- Longer-lasting results
- A more youthful facial contour and proportions
However, the downsides of 2 syringes may include:
- Higher cost
- Potentially more swelling, bruising and recovery time
- Less reversibility if unhappy with results
- Possible unnatural or “overdone” look
Experienced injectors often recommend a blended approach – starting with 1 syringe focused only on key areas. Additional syringes can be added at follow-ups if desired.
Who is a candidate for just 1 syringe?
One syringe of filler is ideal for patients who:
- Want to subtly improve early signs of aging
- Have mild volume loss or wrinkling in select areas
- Desire a very natural result
- Want to conserve cost
- Prefer minimal swelling and downtime
- Are new to fillers and want to start slow
Who may need more than 1 syringe?
Patients who may see better results from multiple syringes include those who:
- Have significant wrinkles, folds or hollowness
- Want dramatic improvements
- Are willing to spend more for optimal results
- Don’t mind extended swelling, bruising and recovery
- Have had injectable fillers before and know what level of correction they desire
Risks and side effects
As with any cosmetic injectable, potential risks and side effects from Juvederm to discuss with your provider include:
- Bruising, redness and swelling at injection sites
- Tenderness and discomfort
- Asymmetrical or uneven results
- Lumps or nodules under the skin
- Allergic reaction in rare cases
Choosing an experienced, licensed provider minimizes these risks. Always follow proper aftercare instructions to aid healing and optimal results.
Takeaway
While 1 syringe of dermal filler may not provide dramatic age-reversing effects, strategic placement by a skilled provider can create subtle but visible improvements in wrinkles, lips, cheeks and other facial areas. Starting with a conservative 1 syringe approach offers a natural-looking enhancement, convenience and minimal downtime. But those seeking more significant volume replacement and correction may find better outcomes from multiple syringes. Discuss goals and expected results with your injector to determine the ideal number of syringes to suit your needs and achieve aesthetic objectives while minimizing risks.
