Juvederm, generically known as the hyaluronic acid gel, sometimes referred to as hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can be used to correct your facial wrinkles and folds.
It is commonly selling as Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra XC, Juvederm Ultra Plus or Juvederm Ultra Plus XC.
Juvederm is an injectable treatment and it mainly focuses on the cheeks, lips and around the mouth area.
Also, it is one among many types of hyaluronic acid-based fillers approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as a safe procedure, in 2006.
According to the 2016 Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank Statistics, compiled by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 2.4 million procedures, utilizing hyaluronic acid-based fillers, were performed in 2016.
Types of Juvederm
Based on the target part of the face that you want to treat, there are three main types of Juvederm. These include:
- Juvederm Voluma XC which increases the size of the cheeks by adding volume beneath the skin’s surface.
- Juvederm XC and Juvederm Vollure XC which fills out wrinkles and smile lines, and addresses the loss of skin elasticity.
- Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Volbella XC which enhances lips without any need for surgery.
How Juvederm Works
This procedure works by injecting hyaluronic acid to the facial tissue. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that quickness the production of collagen which is the connective tissue that plumps the skin.
As people age, hyaluronic acid and collagen levels, in the body, decrease. This is why most old people have sagging and wrinkled faces.
Before the injection, with the pen, the doctor first marks the area to be treated.
Juvederm injection takes between 15 and 60 minutes. After the injection, the doctor will then softly massage the treated area to avoid any chance of swelling.
After the procedure, the results can be instantly noticed. To fasten healing, ensure that you avoid exhausting activities, sun contact, applying makeup, and drinking alcohol for at least 1-day post-treatment.
Depending on the type of Juvederm product used, the results can last for 12 to 24 months.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you always ask yourself this question, then don’t worry because we have answers for you. Juvederm products are not for you if:
- You have acute allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis or a history of allergies to Gram-positive bacterial proteins or a history of allergies to lidocaine.
- You use substances that may lengthen bleeding or bruising like aspirin, or ibuprofen, or naproxen.
- You are on immunosuppressive therapy because it may expose you to increased infection risk.
No studies have been done to establish if Juvederm products are safe for use during pregnancy, in breastfeeding, or in patients under 18 years.
Also, it’s yet to be established whether it’s safe for patients with excessive scarring such as hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation and pigmentation disorders to use the Juvederm.
Juvederm Cost
Averagely, a Juvederm, like other hyaluronic acid-based fillers, cost about $620 per syringe.
But, the Juvederm cost may vary from patient to patient depending on the doctor’s reputation, geographic location where the treatment takes place, the type and number of syringes used.
Most insurance companies do not cover Juvederm because it is a cosmetic treatment.
Risks and Side Effects of Juvederm
Because Juvederm is a nonsurgical treatment, it is less invasive and it requires less preparation time.
However, precautions should be taken before the procedure such as avoiding alcohol, smoking and other medications that may cause bruising and swelling.
Apart from swelling and bruising, other likely side effects of Juvederm treatment include soreness, lumps or bumps, minor pain, and irritations.
Most of these side effects normally lessen after two to four weeks from the time of treatment and considered as normal for any injectable treatment.
However, if due to unprofessional medical conduct, such as unintentional injecting Juvederm into a blood vessel, more serious side effects are likely to occur.
This may include permanent scarring, vision abnormalities, blindness, or stroke.
To avoid this, always ensure that you choose your doctor wisely. A doctor performing Juvederm should be well trained, certified, and licensed.
