What is Juvéderm?

Juvéderm is a biosynthetic gel made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a polysaccharide (sugar) found naturally in the body that helps the skin retain moisture, nutrients, and softness. The gel contains a smooth consistency that helps to restore volume in the skin and smooth facial wrinkles and folds. This FDA-approved injectable dermal filler reduces signs of aging and restores a more youthful appearance.

FDA-approved
Minimally-invasive procedure
Non-surgical
Soft and subtle results
Minimal downtime

The family of Juvéderm fillers includes Juvéderm Ultra, Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Juvéderm Voluma XC, Juvéderm Vollure XC, and Juvéderm Volbella XC. The “XC” indicates that the gel has been synthesized in a lab to include local anesthetic such as lidocaine to reduce pain during the injections. Each of these fillers has a different specialty.

Juvéderm Ultra & Juvéderm Ultra Plus

Juvéderm Ultra & Juvéderm Ultra Plus spread out into the facial tissue more efficiently than similar facial fillers, making them ideal for treating deep wrinkles, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and augmenting the lips and cheeks. After they’ve been injected, they tend to absorb more water than other fillers, which can cause more significant swelling (one reason they’re not recommended for the delicate eye area).

Since Juvéderm Ultra Plus has a larger particle size than Juvéderm Ultra, it’s perfect for deeper penetration and the results last longer; Juvéderm Ultra lasts 6-9 months whereas Juvéderm Ultra Plus lasts 9-12 months.

Juvéderm Voluma XC

Do your cheeks appear to be concave when they were once convex? Perhaps they have acquired a shallow, sunken appearance. Juvéderm Voluma® XC, the thickest and strongest gel out of the Juvéderm filler family, is specifically formulated to treat the cheek area to correct age-related volume loss in adults 21-65 years of age. This anti-aging treatment restores a youthful, attractive lift in the cheek area.

Juvéderm Vollure XC

Are you unhappy with tell-tale lines that reveal your age? Juvéderm Vollure XC is perfect for treating marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and smile lines while maintaining the patient’s natural expressions. This filler has medium particle size, which makes it less spreadable than other fillers but allows it be injected deeper into the dermal layer for longer lasting results – up to 18 months.

Juvéderm Volbella XC

Juvéderm Volbella XC, the finest, most spreadable gel, works well for filling in fine lines and details, such as the delicate lip region and eye area. It smooths crows’ feet and augments the lips, with results lasting up to 1 year.

A board-certified dermatologist will know which dermal facial filler to select, depending on your overall cosmetic goals, skin type, and personal preferences. Sometimes a combination of the Juvéderm family of fillers is the best way to get the most satisfying, long-lasting results.

What to Expect with a Juvéderm Treatment

The first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified provider to discuss your medical history, concerns, and optimal treatment. Although the treatment is minimally-invasive, there may be some discomfort.

A topical lidocaine cream or anesthetic may be applied to the injection site, followed by alcohol or antiseptic. Your provider identifies where the injections should go by marking the target area with a pen, then gently injects the target area using a ready-made syringe filled with Juvéderm gel. The treated area is massaged to ensure the gel is evenly distributed.

The injections are typically more comfortable than alternative dermal fillers since the provider can use less gel and minimal pressure. The session takes about 30 minutes. There may be up to 2 weeks of downtime as the bruising slowly fades.

Most fillers, including Juvéderm, require repeat visits since the filler will eventually be absorbed by the body during natural processes. The effects of Juvéderm last up to 6-12 months. Juvéderm has been known to last up to two years (for optimal treatment procedures) and at follow-up treatments, fewer injections were necessary. Juvéderm injections can be combined with Botox® Cosmetic for more dramatic results.

Recommended Pre-Treatment Instructions

Stop taking anti-inflammatory medication 7-10 days before your treatment. The target area should be free of makeup and topical agents the day of the appointment. If you use Juvéderm while involved with immunosuppressive therapy, the risk of infection increases, so be sure to communicate with your provider during the consultation.

Juvéderm injectable fillers may not be recommended for patients with strong allergic reactions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with a history of excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders. We do not recommend scheduling a laser treatment or chemical peel until a week after your Juvéderm treatment since there is a risk of inflammation in the target area.

What Happens After a Juvéderm Treatment? Aftercare Instructions

You may continue your regular skin care regime and apply makeup the day after your appointment. Some patients need a touch-up session after a few months, but each patient is different. Your treatment plan will be discussed during your consultation and you may have to wait and see how well the target area accepts the injectable gel.

Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after your treatment.
Avoid alcohol and blood-thinners
Avoid Vitamin E, fish oil, ginseng, garlic, and ginkgo
Protect your skin from the sun to avoid the risk of uneven pigmentation

If you experience a skin injury at the injection site, the risk of side effects increases, so be sure to be cautious during the healing process.

Are There Any Side Effects to a Juvéderm Treatment?

Any injection carries a risk of infection. If the side effects with Juvéderm dermal filler last longer than 30 days, ask your provider if you can use antibiotics, steroids, or hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down HA.

Some patients experience redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, discoloration, and itching at the injection site. Most side effects are mild or moderate and clear within 2-4 weeks. If you experience bruising or swelling, simply ice the area for the first several days as needed. For headaches or pain, use Tylenol or Motrin (avoid blood-thinning medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen). Benadryl can be used if you experience redness, welts, or itching. Lumps/bumps beneath the skin at the injection site are completely normal; massage the area with consistent pressure for 2 minutes about 4-5 times a day until they go away, which takes about one week.

If you’re unsatisfied with the results of Juvéderm, you can undo the treatment with an injection of hyaluronidase, which dissolves HA. Results appear within hours.

Disclaimer: Remember, each patient is different. Results will vary.

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