Facial lines and wrinkles are caused by a gradual breakdown of the body’s collagen and elastic fibers in the skin and no one is immune from this normal aging process. Smiling, squinting worrying, and frowning are just a few of the expressions that inflict stress on the underlying collagen in our skin accelerating the formation of furrows and wrinkles. Until recently, injectable collagen was the most widely used cosmetic filler available until science gave us a better alternative known as Juvéderm®. The latest advanced dermal filler, Juvéderm® is a “next generation” non-animal filler offering a natural look with results lasting up to twelve months or longer. Juvéderm® dermal filler lasts longer because it is the only dermal filler currently available with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid and a special formulation process. Juvéderm® smoothes and plumps both deep facial wrinkles and creases as well as the finer lines around the mouth and eyes and it can also be used to safely augment the lips. The results of your Juvéderm® treatments are immediately noticeable thus allowing your doctor to know if an additional injection is needed, although one is usually all that is necessary. Juvéderm® injectable gel for the treatment of areas other than facial wrinkles and folds have not been established in controlled clinical studies. The Juvéderm® process minimizes discomfort while helping you achieve the smooth, youthful appearance you dream of. Juvéderm® offers the same cosmetic benefits provided by animal-based hyaluronic acid skin fillers, but without the risk of allergic reaction. Juvéderm® comes in several concentrations for treatment of different types of wrinkles and creases.
Why Does Juvéderm® Have Two Formulas?
Juvéderm® is available in two formulations to allow your physician to tailor a treatment to your unique needs. Juvéderm® Ultra provides versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds while Juvéderm® Ultra Plus is a more robust formulation for correcting deeper folds and wrinkles. Both Juvéderm® Ultra and Juvéderm® Ultra Plus contain 24 mg/ml of hyaluronic acid, but Juvéderm® Ultra Plus has a higher proportion of cross-linking than Juvéderm® Ultra. Juvéderm® is a homologous gel with the highest degree of cross-linking of any of the hyaluronic acid fillers and thus has a smooth consistency. In 2010, both Juvéderm® Ultra and Juvéderm® Ultra Plus became available with lidocaine, to reduce pain with injection, both labeled as Juvéderm®.
The Juvéderm® Treatment Process
Juvéderm® is an FDA-approved treatment program that uses a crystal-clear gel to produce a smooth, youthful appearance. It is used to fill wrinkles and enhance lips made from a naturally occurring substance that lives in all living things. Juvéderm®treatments are relatively pain-free as a prescription numbing cream is available to be applied to the area prior to the injection. The injection process takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes and the results are immediate with minimal recovery. You should also allow time to consult with your doctor or nurse prior to treatment and if you choose to do topical numbing, we recommend you allot an additional 30 to 60 minutes. Side effects are rare but may include minor bruising or swelling which usually subside within 24 to 48 hours and treatments are typically scheduled twice a year. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but rarely will you experience pain. Juvéderm®™ products are sold by the syringe and the number of syringes required for maximum result will be discussed with you during your consultation. Juvéderm® is injected into the area to be treated and can be smoothed or sculpted after injection, which results in a natural look. Adding volume and hydration, Juvéderm® gives a very smooth appearance that can last up to one year. A Juvéderm® treatment is noticeable immediately and normal activities can be resumed as soon as the treatment is completed. Any minor bruising or redness occurring at injection site can easily be corrected with makeup. Injections may cause some discomfort during and after the injection but the smooth consistency gel of Juvéderm® allows your doctor or nurse to administer it easily. Juvéderm® is injected directly into the skin using a fine needle to reduce injection discomfort however you may choose to anesthetize the treatment area with topical numbing cream to further minimize discomfort.
Is Juvéderm® for Everyone?
People who are not good candidates for other dermal fillers are often able to undergo a Juvéderm®treatment safely. Almost everyone is an excellent candidate for hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, as they have been proven safe and effective on patients of all skin types, ethnicities, and all ages. Juvéderm®treatments should not be used however by women who are pregnant or breast feeding, or patients with weakened immune systems. Juvéderm® filler may be a good option for patients who wish to fill in deep folds or creases in the face, or for those who would like to augment their lips. Juvéderm® is also effective on fine lines around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid already occurs naturally in human skin, and the hyaluronic acid that is used in Juvéderm® is created through biosynthesis and is not of animal origin, so it is highly biocompatible.