Juvederm® is an injectable filler that is used to plump up lines and wrinkles. It contains the carbohydrate, hyalouronic acid, which is normally found in ones skin. Similar to Restylane®, it is injected into the skin to plump up wrinkles. It often lasts 6 months or longer, and can be used to improve smile lines and lip lines, reduce frown lines, enlarge lips, and reduce acne scarring. This product has quickly become a popular filling agent used in the United States with results similar to Restylane® and Perlane®.
How long does Juvederm® last?
Typically, the treatment will last six months, although individual results will vary. Acne scars on the cheeks or temples tend to last longer than treatment of the lips, where four to six months of correction is expected.
Does the treatment hurt?
The treatment consists of multiple tiny pinpricks and pressure that can be mildly to moderately uncomfortable. For those who are afraid of needles, a topical numbing cream (Elamax-4 or LMX-4) to minimize any discomfort. The numbing cream must be applied 1 hours before treatment and is available without a prescription. You may purchase this product at a local pharmacy or at our office. A thick, heavy amount of cream must be visible for the entire time it is applied in order for the cream to work. Do not rub it in or allow it to dry completely. Reapply the cream as necessary. Alternatively, we can apply a similar, but stronger, cream at the time of your appointment.
Do I need to be tested for allergy?
No. This product contains no protein so allergy testing is not necessary.
How many treatments are needed?
For many patients, results after one treatment session will be adequate and results are immediate. Occasionally, a touch-up procedure may be needed in one- to two-weeks following treatment to achieve optimal re sults.
Are there any other restrictions?
There are a few restrictions prior to treatment to reduce the risk of bleeding. It is recommended that one does not take aspirin or aspirin containing products for at least 7 days before treatment. Additionally, one should not take Vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, or any anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve) for at least 3 days prior to treatment. One should not consume alcohol for 3 days prior to treatment.
What is the difference between Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus?
Juvederm Ultra® is similar to Restylane® and is used for finer to moderate lines. Juvederm Ultra Plus® is thicker and is used to plump medium to deep lines.
What is the XC line of Juvederm®?
These versions of Juvederm® contain lidocaine, making the procedure much more comforable. We only recommend using this line unless there is a history of lidocaine allergy in which the older line can be used, which does not contain lidocaine.
What is Juvederm® Volbella and Juvederm®Vollure?
They have since added new products to the Juvederm line including Juvederm Vollure XC, which has similar indications as Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, and Juvederm Volbella XC for lip augmentation and the treatment of perioral lines. These products feel a little different under the skin than the original line of products.