Juvederm

Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, are injectables used to restore facial contours. This treatment focuses on the face and helps improve the signs of aging. Dermal filler treatments help smooth out fine lines on the face. The most common treatment areas include the cheeks, around the mouth, and the lips. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 60 minutes, depending upon the size of the treatment area. With little to no recovery time, Juvederm treatments do not interfere with a person’s day-to-day routine.

Facts

Here are some facts about Juvederm and the associated treatments:

It is an injectable dermal filler

It uses a base of hyaluronic acid

It is one of the most common cosmetic procedures (non-surgical) in the country

The Food and Drug Administration approved it in 2006

More than two million procedures using hyaluronic acid-based fillers are performed annually (including the use of Juvederm)

The average cost of Juvederm starts at $500

Some patients see results immediately

Results can last anywhere between one to two years

What is Juvederm? 

Acid-base dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, are used to help address signs of aging in the face. There are many different products in the Juvederm line of fillers.

Areas targeted by Juvederm products include around the mouth, frown lines, around the nose, and for lip augmentation. The fillers used in the Juvederm line have a smooth, gel-like consistency. Other similar fillers use a more granular-like gel filler.

Different Juvederm products include:

*Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Volbella XC: Focuses on lip enhancements.

*Juvederm Voluma XC: Add volume under the skin’s surface, increasing the size of the cheeks.

*Juvederm XC and Juvederm Vollure XC: Targets skin elasticity and fills in smile lines around the mouth and nose.

Juvederm uses hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar naturally found in the body. The process works as the filler retains water at the injection site. The process acts as a cushioning agent adding temporary volume to the target area. The process results in smoother appearing skin. For optimal results, most patients need more than one treatment.

Juvederm XC products contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to help ease discomfort. The lidocaine in the injection numbers the treatment area within seconds.

Preparing for Appointment

Before scheduling an appointment to receive dermal fillers of any kind:

1. Ask to speak with a medical professionals about any cosmetic goals.

2. Speak with the doctor about any concerns, why the injections are wanted, and discuss any expectations. The doctor will help decide if Juvederm is the best procedure for the patient’s needs, wants, and expectations.

3. During this time, don’t forget to tell the doctor about any sensitivities and allergies.

The injection process is minimally invasive, and some doctors will administer the injections the same day as the consultation. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there is very little preparation to do prior. If wanting to receive the injections the same day as the consultation, there are some things patients should do.

Avoid taking medications certain medicines and avoid drinking alcohol in the weeks leading up to the appointment. Do not smoke before treatment. Avoiding these things will help limit bruising caused by the injections.

Juvederm Procedure

Juvederm works by increasing volume to facial tissue through injectables. The active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, stimulates the production of collagen, resulting in plumper skin. Plumper skin ultimately results in smoother skin with fewer lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body. As the body ages, the production of this acid, along with collagen, decreases. This decrease results in sagging skin and the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face.

During the procedure, the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse marks the treatment area with a pen. The doctor injects Juvederm into the target area and lightly massages the area to ensure even distribution and reduce swelling. Juvederm injections also contain a small amount of lidocaine to help minimize discomfort. From start to finish, the procedure takes between 15 to 60 minutes. Based on the target area, some treatments may take longer than others.

Are Juvederm Treatments Painful?

As with any injection, there is some discomfort during and after Juvederm treatments. This dermal filler is injected directly into the skin, through multiple injections, using a fine needle. Because Juvederm products contain lidocaine, discomfort is minimized by the local anesthetic. Depending upon the treatment area, some doctors will use topical anesthesia or other methods to numb the site before injections are administered.

Patients concerned about the needles and pain associated with the process should speak with their doctor. The doctor will discuss any concerns and will offer options to reduce the discomfort. Doctors may also suggest other alternatives to Juvederm for patients who are truly afraid of needles.

Side Effects

Patients’ side effects differ based on the treatment area, age, underlying medical conditions, and the individual patient’s health. Most side effects diminish within two to four weeks. Common side effects experienced by patients include:

Discoloration

Firmness

Lumps or bumps

Itching

Minor pain

Redness

Tenderness

Some patients experience more severe side effects. These side effects can result from a patient’s sensitivity, allergies, or underlying medical conditions. Complications can also arise when the treatment is not administered correctly or by a trained, certified, and licensed medical doctor. Contact the doctor immediately if experiencing any severe side effects, such as excessive swelling of the body, trouble breathing, or severe stomach issues.

As with any injection or procedure, there is always a risk of infection. Signs of infection may include fever, nausea, severe discoloration at the injection site, or puss coming from the injection sites. Patients not feeling well after Juvederm treatments should seek medical attention to determine if there is an infection.

After the Procedure

Recovery time after the procedure is very minimal. Many patients can return to their daily routines without any downtime. After receiving Juvederm, patients are advised to avoid any form of strenuous activity, wearing makeup, consuming alcohol, and sun exposure for 24 hours. Exposure to these could cause temporary redness, swelling, or itching near the injection site. Place an ice pack over the swollen area and consult a physician on what to do if swelling persists.

Many patients notice the effects of the procedure immediately. Others see improvement once swelling diminishes. Depending upon the Juvederm product used, patients see results typically lasting between six months and two years. Some patients need to repeat the process within nine months to one year after the initial treatment for continued results.

Juvederm Costs

The average cost of Juvederm injections depends upon the number of units needed and the doctor’s experience administering the injections. Other factors that affect the cost of the procedure include geographic location and discounts and rebates offered by the office. Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, are an elective cosmetic procedure, which means health insurance does not cover the costs.

Juvederm vs. Botox

Juvederm and Botox are products used for elective cosmetic procedures. Both products aim to help diminish the signs of aging and give patients more youthful-looking skin. Both products use injectables to treat fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead creases, acne scars, and dark under-eye circles. Additionally, both products help plump lips and rejuvenate skin.

The most significant difference between Juvederm and Botox are the ingredients in the injections. Juvederm uses a hyaluronic acid-based gel to fill in wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin. Botox uses an advanced solution of botulinum toxin type A, which paralyzes the muscles limiting movement. Juvederm essentially plumps the skin, temporarily compensating for missing collagen levels, while Botox restricts facial expressions, which cause lines and wrinkles.

Both products offer anti-aging results shortly after treatment. Juvederm offers more long-lasting results. Post-injection, Juvederm lasts from six to nine months for most patients. Some patients experience effects for as long as one to two years. Botox treatments last for approximately three to six months, with some patients experiencing results for up to one year. With both products, patients wanting long-lasting and continued results need to follow up procedures and additional injections.

In Addition

In addition to being used for cosmetic procedures, Botox is also used to help treat an assortment of medical conditions. Botox can be used to help aid with medical conditions such as chronic migraines, nerve twitching, and overactive bladders. Juvederm is solely used for cosmetic procedures.

Costs for both procedures are similar and reliant upon the number of units needed to treat the target area. Those unsure if Juvederm or Botox is the best option for their anti-aging needs should speak with a physician. Talk with the doctor and discuss concerns and desired results. The doctor can help determine which procedure is the best option for the patient’s wants and needs.

Finding a Physician

Only a licensed, certified, and trained health care provider should be administering Juvederm treatments. In some offices, a physician’s assistant will assist with the treatment, but only under the healthcare practitioner’s close supervision. When searching for a doctor to administer this type of treatment, speak with a general practitioner for a recommendation. If not, search for physicians who are trained and experienced in Juvederm treatments.

Ask for a consultation to discuss aging concerns and desired results. The doctor will share options best for concerns and desired outcomes. The doctor may suggest Juvederm as an option and recommend alternative products, giving patients a choice. Patients are encouraged to choose the best treatment for their needs, and the more information provided, the better-prepared patients are to make a decision.

During the consultation, share with the doctor any medications currently taking that may prolong bleeding or bruising. Also, inform the doctor of any recent cosmetic procedures, which can interfere with Juvederm injections. Additionally, discuss any health problems to ensure the doctor fully understands how the injections may potentially affect the patient. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18 should not undergo Juvederm treatments.

In Conclusion

Patients asking for Juvederm treatments need to be prepared, based on the doctor’s decision, treatment might be given right after the consultation. The only time a doctor may wait is if the patient had taken any aspirin or other blood thinners before the appointment. The doctor may also delay treatment if other health concerns are a factor, or the doctor feels the day of the consultation is not the best day to start treatment.

Juvederm helps reverse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by aging. This natural dermal filler helps boost collagen production in the target areas, making the skin look more youthful. Like Juvederm, dermal fillers help different target areas, giving patients customized results and more youthful-looking skin. Always consult with a physician to determine if Juvederm is the best treatment possible for desired results