Juvéderm Treatment

What is Juvéderm?

The Juvéderm Collection stands out as one of the premier lines of FDA-approved injectable fillers. Crafted by Allergan, these fillers harness the power of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring molecule renowned for its remarkable ability to attract and retain moisture. HA can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, aiding in the restoration of plumpness, suppleness, and youthful appearance to the skin.

When injected beneath the skin, these gel-like fillers work swiftly to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, soften creases, refine contours, and replenish lost volume. Research suggests that HA dermal fillers may even encourage the body’s natural collagen production in the treated areas, promoting improved skin firmness and elasticity over time.

As hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin, the body readily accepts it, allowing the filler to persist until it gradually dissipates over time. All Juvéderm fillers feature cross-linked hyaluronic acid, which means that the molecule chains are interconnected. This structure helps the HA gel remain cohesive, slowing down its absorption rate and ensuring longer-lasting results.

Each unique formula within the Juvéderm collection of fillers offers distinct properties, duration, and targeted treatment areas, providing versatile solutions tailored to individual needs.

Cheek, chin, and jawline fillers

• Juvéderm Voluma XC enhances facial contours by providing projection to the chin and defining the upper arch of the cheekbone.
• Juvéderm Volux XC stands out as the sole FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler specifically designed for defining and sculpting the jawline.

Lip fillers

• Juvéderm Ultra XC enhances lip volume for a plumper appearance.
• Juvéderm Volbella XC offers a subtle enhancement to lip fullness while smoothing vertical lip lines.

For lines and wrinkles

• Juvéderm XC effectively smooths parentheses lines around the nose and mouth, known as nasolabial folds.
• Juvéderm Vollure XC targets and softens lines around the nose and mouth.
• Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC is specifically designed to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles, particularly those around the nose and mouth.

For under-eye hollows

• Juvéderm Volbella XC is the inaugural dermal filler endorsed by the FDA for filling tear troughs and diminishing the visibility of dark circles.

For hydration and skin quality

• Recently FDA-approved, SkinVive by Juvéderm enhances cheek smoothness. As the inaugural “skin booster” available in the U.S., it’s designed for injection into the dermis, beneath the skin’s surface, using microdroplets to hydrate and volumize skin internally. According to a company announcement, a clinical trial revealed that six months post-treatment, 63% of participants were content with their facial skin’s radiance, 72% with its hydration, and 83% with its overall health.

What are the pros and cons of Juvéderm?

Pros

• Provides effective facial rejuvenation, sculpting, and augmentation, yielding instant results.
• All formulations within the Juvéderm line contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to minimize discomfort during and after the procedure.
• Since hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal.
• Similar to other hyaluronic acid fillers, these products can be dissolved using hyaluronidase in case of dissatisfaction or complications.
• Juvéderm Vollure and Voluma offer the longest duration among HA fillers, with results lasting up to 18 months and two years, respectively.

Cons

• Like all FDA-approved dermal fillers, results are temporary and will require maintenance treatments to sustain.
• Dermal fillers are not suitable for addressing sagging skin or severe facial wrinkles and should not be considered as a replacement for surgical procedures such as facelifts. They are most effective for individuals with diminished facial volume but preserved skin elasticity.
• Common side effects following injection may include tenderness, bruising, lumps, and swelling during the initial days post-treatment.
• Serious complications such as vascular occlusion can occur with any injectable filler and should be considered rare but possible risks.

How long does Juvéderm treatments last?

In clinical trials, the duration of Juvéderm fillers has been observed to range from 6 to 24 months, although individual experiences may vary. Factors influencing longevity include the specific formulation used, the volume administered, the injection site, and individual metabolic rates.

SkinVive typically delivers results for up to 6 months, while Ultra XC, Ultra Plus XC, Volux XC, and Volbella XC offer effects lasting up to 12 months. Vollure XC boasts longevity of up to 18 months, whereas Voluma XC exhibits results lasting 12 months or more in the chin area and up to 24 months in the cheeks. Generally, fillers tend to last longer in areas with thinner skin and minimal movement.

The rate at which the body metabolizes the filler plays a significant role in its persistence. Individuals with a rapid metabolism may notice the filler dissipating more quickly. However, with subsequent injections, patients often observe prolonged duration as the body acclimates to the treatment.

What happens during a Juvéderm treatment?

Every Juvéderm treatment at Direct Aesthetics is tailored to your specific needs, but here’s an overview of what to expect:

Initially, you’ll have a detailed consultation with your injector to discuss your objectives, facial structure, and the most suitable filler type to achieve your desired outcome while ensuring safety. We’ll also review potential risks together.

If discomfort is a concern, we can provide numbing cream, and applying ice or cold packs can further numb the area and minimize the risk of bruising at the injection site.

We’ll discuss the injection technique beforehand. Using cannulas may reduce swelling and bruising. Cannulas, featuring a flexible needle with a blunt tip, are less likely to puncture blood vessels than sharp-tipped needles, although certain facial areas may require the precision of a sharp tip.

After cleansing your skin with alcohol or an antiseptic, we’ll carefully inject the filler into your facial tissue, gently massaging the treated area to ensure even distribution.

Multiple injections may be administered in the treatment area to achieve uniform coverage.

Most Juvéderm formulations include lidocaine for immediate tissue numbing. While the treatment is generally well-tolerated, you may experience mild discomfort, particularly with lip fillers due to their heightened sensitivity.

How soon will you see Juvéderm results?

You’ll notice increased fullness, contour, or smoother skin almost immediately after the injection. In most cases, the results are noticeable right away, although minor swelling and bruising may occur initially.

It may take up to two weeks for all swelling to fully subside, particularly in sensitive areas like the lips, before you can appreciate the final results.

In the event that you’re unhappy with the outcome, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be dissolved using an injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase.

What are Juvéderm’s most common side effects?

Juvéderm treatments typically involve minimal downtime, but you may experience some side effects:

• The injection site may feel tender, with mild bruising and swelling persisting for a week or two following treatment. Applying intermittent ice or cold compresses can alleviate swelling, and gentle skincare can help prevent irritation.
• Swelling is more common with Juvéderm lip filler due to the rich blood supply in the lips. However, it can occur at any injection site. Learning how to reduce swelling after lip fillers can be beneficial.
• Other temporary side effects may include mild to moderate redness, itching, and discoloration.
• Lumps and bumps may develop, especially in sensitive areas like the lips. While your provider will attempt to smooth them out during injection, they may become more noticeable once swelling subsides. In most cases, these resolve on their own, but if not, they can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Keep in mind that highly cross-linked, longer-lasting fillers are more challenging to dissolve.
• Direct Aesthetics recommends scheduling injectable treatments at least two weeks before special events to allow for any side effects to diminish. However, makeup can often conceal these effects effectively.

To minimize side effects, consider the following precautions:

• Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs, as well as omega supplements and certain herbal supplements (such as garlic, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba) for 7 to 14 days before injections.
• Limit strenuous exercise for 48 hours after injections to reduce the risk of bruising and minimize migration or displacement of the filler material.
• Consider taking arnica tablets before and after treatment to alleviate pain and swelling and prevent bruising. Additionally, arnica gel or cream applied post-treatment may offer relief.

Is Juvéderm safe?

Serious problems with hyaluronic acid fillers are rare due to its natural compatibility with the body.

However, one significant concern is the inadvertent injection into a blood vessel, resulting in vascular occlusion. This blockage can lead to severe complications such as tissue necrosis, permanent scarring, vision impairment, or stroke.

This risk underscores the preference for hyaluronic acid-based fillers, as they can be dissolved if such a situation arises.

Our skilled injectors are adept at selecting the appropriate filler type, a critical factor in ensuring the success of your treatment outcome.