As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. Recently approved by the FDA, JUVEDERM injectable gel is a "next-generation" dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds-the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).
JUVEDERM is a smooth consistency, synthetic gel made of hyaluronic acid-a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. In fact, studies show superior results of JUVEDERM compared to a collagen-based dermal filler. *And, almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both JUVEDERM injectable gel and another dermal filler* preferred JUVEDERM! In addition, JUVEDERM injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.
With JUVEDERM the injection process takes only about 15 minutes and results are immediate. Plus, there's minimal recovery or downtime. So you can step into your doctor's office for treatment and step right back into your life.
How JUVEDERM Works
JUVEDERM injectable gel is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment. JUVEDERM is eased under the skin using a fine needle to augment, or fill, the soft tissue of the dermis-the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis-to add volume and diminish wrinkles and folds. JUVEDERM injectable gel is used most effectively for those wrinkles and folds in the lower third of your face, like your "laugh lines", "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds), or "marionette lines" (oral commissures).
JUVEDERM is a "next-generation" filler. It is made from hyaluronic acid-a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to hydrate and add volume. Hyaluronic acid may diminish with age, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and folds. JUVEDERM injectable gel works to correct this by restoring hyaluronic acid in your skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and folds.
A unique manufacturing process
JUVEDERM employs its unique manufacturing process to provide the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for long-lasting results.
Side effects were usually mild to moderate lasting 7 days or less and included temporary injection site reactions like redness, pain, firmness, swelling and bumps.
What to Expect During Treatment
Because JUVEDERM injectable gel is a simple, nonsurgical treatment, there is minimal recovery or downtime. So you can make an appointment for treatment get right back to your life right after. Here's what to expect:
Before you go: Some doctors recommend that you avoid any medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), for at least a week prior to treatment in order to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
When you arrive: If this is your first visit, your healthcare professional will ask about your medical history, including any allergies you may have or medications you may take, and will tell you more about wrinkle treatment with JUVEDERM. JUVEDERM injectable gel does not require an allergy test.
Before the procedure: Although anesthesia is not required, your healthcare professional may use topical or injectable anesthesia to numb the treatment area first.
The procedure: Your healthcare professional will ease the JUVEDERM injectable gel under your skin to augment, or fill, wrinkles and folds. Following the injection, your healthcare professional may gently massage the treated areas. The procedure is quick and easy. The injection itself usually takes only about 15 minutes.
After the procedure: With JUVEDERM, there is minimal recovery or downtime.
For the first 24 hours following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to help minimize the risks of temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the treatment sites. After the treatment, some temporary injection-related reactions may occur, including redness, pain, firmness, swelling, and bumps. Studies have shown that these are usually mild to moderate in nature and clear up on their own in 7 days or less. If you experience swelling at the injection site, you can apply an ice pack for a brief period. Your healthcare professional will tell you when makeup may be applied after your treatment.
Seeing results: You should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing, and the results last up to 6 months or more. However, results may vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental "touch up" treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results.
The Author has no financial interest with Allergan.
Cost of JUVEDERM
The cost for a JUVEDERM treatment ranges from $800 - $1300.
Before and Afters
By DermaNetwork.org Staff
Updated: July 23, 2007
