Juvederm

Juvederm is an FDA-approved, injectable gel filler used for temporary facial rejuvenation and soft tissue augmentation.  Manufactured by Allergan, the makers of Botox, Juvederm competes with other hyalurornic acid fillers, such as Restylane and Perlane, and offers many of the same facial rejuvenation and anti-aging benefits.

Are you a candidate for Juvederm?

Juvederm is typically recommended for adults aged 18-65 years who wish to add volume and plump the face or the backs of the hands, diminish wrinkles, fill skin depressions, such as scars and acne scars, and augment facial features, such as the cheeks and lips.

Before recommending Juvederm, Dr. Ljung will consult with you about your cosmetic goals and problem areas, as well as conduct a thorough assessment of your health and medical history.

How Juvederm Injections Work

Juvederm fillers are available in three formulas of varying density, all composed of a naturally occurring sugar compound found in the connective tissues of the body called hyaluronic acid.

When injected, hyaluronic acid molecules bond to water molecules, plumping the skin and restoring volume to sunken, creased and depressed areas of the face and hands, as well as to thin lips.  Thus, Juvederm is ideal for:

• Reducing facial folds and creases, especially smile lines
• Filling under eye hollows
• Cheek augmentation
• Lip enhancement

A new formulation of Juvederm called Juvederm XC contains Hylacross, a smooth hyaluronic acid gel infused with lidocaine, a pain-reducing anesthetic.  Juvederm XC offers the same benefits of other Juvederm formulations along with pain relief.

After Juvederm injections, volume restoration will be immediately apparent, however it may take a few days for swelling to resolve and for you to see the final results.  Normal activities may be resumed immediately, as there is no downtime associated with Juvederm injections.

Unless directed to massage the area where Juvederm was injected, refrain from rubbing or manipulating the injection site for 24 hours after Juvederm injections to avoid product migration.

About six to nine months after Juvederm injections, the hyaluronic acid molecules will start to dissolve, and Juvederm results will fade.  To maintain results, additional injections of one to two syringes of Juvederm are necessary.

Juvederm side effects

Temporary redness, bruising and swelling may be present for a few days after Juvederm injections, as is the case with all injectable filler treatments.

In order to prevent most bruising, it is best to avoid aspirin and all over-the-counter pain medication except Tylenol, as well as fish oil, glucosamine and other supplements.

Swelling and redness may also be relieved by using a cold compress after Juvederm injections, and makeup may be used to cover any skin discoloration about 24 hours after treatment.  If lumps or bumps occur as side effect of Juvederm, hyaluronidase, a product that quickly dissolves hyaluronic acid gel fillers, may be injected to diminish the Juvederm.

Juvederm vs. Restylane

It is difficult to compare Juvederm vs. Restylane because the two hyaluronic acid fillers are so similar, however Juvederm Ultra is often characterized as a softer, more pliable filler ideal for under eye hollows, lips and softer facial wrinkles.  Restylane, on the other hand, is firmer and often noted to work best for filling deeper facial folds, enhancing the cheeks and filling the depressions in the backs of the hands.

Juvederm cost is nearly identical to Restylane cost, but Juvederm sometimes costs slightly more than Restylane just because the results of Juvederm may last longer (six to nine months vs. four to six months).