JUVÉDERM®

JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved dermal filler that, according to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., is designed to “temporarily treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds” in people older than 21. It can also be used to add volume to the face, such as the cheeks and lips.

JUVÉDERM is a smooth-consistency gel that restores volume to the skin, and smooths away moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar that occurs naturally in the body. In terms of the skin, HA’s role is to deliver nutrients and hydration, and act as a cushioning agent. Young, healthy skin contains a lot of HA, but factors that include aging and sun exposure reduce the amount, causing skin to lose structure and volume.

JUVÉDERM Injectable Gel Procedure

JUVÉDERM injections take about 30-45 minutes to administer in a doctor’s office. A fine needle is used for the injection, which is given under the skin in the targeted area to add volume or fill in wrinkles and folds. Because JUVÉDERM XC contains lidocaine to improve comfort, an anesthetic may not be needed. However, a doctor may still elect to use a topical anesthetic on the area to be treated before giving the injection. Afterword, the doctor may gently massage the treated area(s).

Once treatment is completed, patients can return, with virtually no downtime, to their regular activities. For the first 24 hours after treatment, to reduce the risk of complications, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and alcohol consumption.

Results of JUVÉDERM Injectable Gel

The results of JUVÉDERM are visible immediately after injection; any swelling and bruising, to which ice can be applied, should subside during the next few days. Results can last 6 to 9 months, and, in some cases, up to year. However, according to its manufacturer, “Results from injectable dermal filler vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental ‘touch up’ treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal correction of . . . wrinkles and folds.”

Risks of JUVÉDERM Injectable Gel

Although JUVÉDERM XC is considered safe, there is a risk of side effects. They are usually limited to the injection site, and include the followin

Redness
Pain or tenderness
Firmness
Swelling
Lumps or bumps
Bruising
Itching
Discoloration
Infection

For customized treatment, Allergan, Inc., offers JUVÉDERM Voluma for cheeks: JUVÉDERM Ultra XC, which is suitable for superficial facial lines and folds, and JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC, a stronger formulation that is used for deeper facial folds and lines. JUVÉDERM Volbella is used to add fullness to the lip and treat perioral rhytids or “smoker’s lines”