Juvederm Fillers

Once injected, the product is deposited into the skin.  Precise, expert injection techniques allow for even distribution of the product and placement of the product into the correct tissue planes.  The filler material attracts water to volumize the wrinkles and hollows of the skin. It also stimulates the body’s surrounding collagen to increase, a process that can continue for numerous months.

Juvederm is a versatile contouring product that can be used for:

• Lip augmentation
• Nasolabial fold reduction
• Temple rejuvenation
• Earlobe rejuvenation
• Cheek augmentation
• Chin augmentation
• Jawline redefinition
• Hand rejuvenation
• Filling depressed acne scars

Juvederm injections are generally not too painful as the product also contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic that minimizes discomfort associated with the procedure.  In patients who require more pain control, a numbing cream can also be applied to reduce injection related discomfort.

The actual procedure itself can be relatively quick, depending how many areas are targeted and the actual area injected.

Results are immediate.  Patients are able to see volumization of the skin, contouring of the face, or wrinkle reduction immediately after the procedure is finished.  However, right after the procedure, there may be some mild injection-associated swelling, which will then increase in the next several days and resolve in the following week(s).  Some physicians choose to start with smaller injection volumes during a patient’s first filler session, to gauge individual response and as a precaution to prevent “over-filling” the area.  The success of the procedure can be determined after all the swelling dissipates, and patients may return for more injections should more volume be desired. Pain or discomfort should be mild and only last a few days.  Any persistent or increasing pain needs to be brought to your dermatologist’s attention immediately

For facial wrinkles and folds, there are other options available in the market other than Juvederm. They include:

Injectable neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin: Used for movement-induced wrinkles but not for volumization.  Effects last for an average of 3 months.
Restylane: Restylane is also a family of injectable fillers, which like Juvederm, is comprised of hyaluronic acid.

Juvederm vs. Restylane

Similarities:

Both are hyaluronic acid injectable fillers.
Similar cost.
Similarly safe and effective.
Similar longevity

Differences:

Juvederm is somewhat “smoother” than Restylane, and may be more appropriate for certain types of cosmetic procedures and certain locations of the face.

Juvederm vs. Botox

Similarities:

Juvederm and Botox can both can help with wrinkle reduction.

Differences:

Botox works by relaxing muscle movements that are responsible for the creation of wrinkles, while Juvederm works by filling the volume caused by aging skin.  Therefore, locations of the face targeted by Botox are different from the locations of the face targeted by Juvederm.

Common side effects of Juvederm injections include swelling, pain, and bruising.  Less common side effects include “lump and bump” formation, infection, and allergic reactions.  Although extremely rare, medically serious complications can result from incorrect placement of filler into the body.  Therefore, it is important for patients to find an expert injector, such as a dermatologist, who is skilled in injecting Juvederm in the right tissue plane of the body.

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of connective tissue disease, or are allergic to Juvederm should not receive injections of Juvederm.  Consult your dermatologist to find out whether you are a candidate for Juvederm.

To find out how Juvederm® Fillers can correct wrinkles and folds and restore the contour of your face, please call Wall Street Dermatology at 212-931-0538.