Juvederm

How Does It work?

While Botox eliminates some wrinkles by paralyzing the facial muscles that form the ridges, Juvederm is a clear gelatinous agent that is injected into the skin to smooth lines.

Under its surface the skin contains a thick tough layer of protein that provides the scaffolding for a smooth covering over the facial muscles. The dermal proteins, collagen and hyaluronic acid, combine to hold water and keep the skin appearing youthful.

Before Juvederm

After Juvederm

As we age, the thickness and moisture of the dermis diminishes and wrinkles appear. Sun damage and cigarette smoking accelerate this wrinkling. Juvederm is a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid that is injected into the skin to restore its thickness and moisture. Juvederm lasts about 6 months before the body dissolves the hyaluronic acid. Its duration depends on the type of Juvederm, its volume, where it is used on the face and a person’s skin type.

Discounts:

For the first-timers, there will be a $50.00 discount.
For every friend that you refer to this office for a treatment, you will receive a $100.00 discount.

Where is it used?
Juvederm can be used in several areas of the face, but appears to work best in the central forehead, around the lips and in the deep folds between the lips and nose. It can be used in combination with Botox, particularly in the forehead region.

Is it safe?
Serious complications are rare. The hyaluronic acid does not appear to cause immediate allergic reactions. Delayed inflammatory reactions which appear as lumps can appear months or years after injection are unusual (about 1 in 2000 patients). There have been few reports of infection and tissue necrosis (ulcer and scarring). It is approved by the FDA.

History of cold sores?
Injections into the lips can reactivate a cold sore (herpes simplex). If you have suffered from cold sores, your doctor can prescribe an antiviral prophylactic medicine, such as Valtrex 1 gram one hour before the procedure and 1 gram twelve hours later.

What to expect?
The injections of Juvederm usually are administered in less than half an hour. They can be uncomfortable. The options to numb the area include ice, topical anesthetic cream or local anesthetic injections. There can also be tenderness at the injection sites up to a week. There can also be bruising, itchiness and swelling that may take 2 weeks to resolve.

Recommendations:

Avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as Advil), St. John’s Wort, high doses of vitamin E or excessive alcohol for the week before the procedure. This is the best way to minimize bruising.
Do not massage or rub the treated area for 2 days.
Until any swelling and redness goes away, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. in a solarium or by sunbathing) or extreme cold
Avoid work and social events for 3-5 days after injection because of the chance that your face may be bruised and puffy.

Juvederm for marionette lines – I did not have any pain- just a little pinch feeling during the procedure. It takes very little time. No recovery time necessary. A little discoloration for a few days – easily covered with make-up. Eileen Walsh

For Post-op care, please click here to go to our Patient Only area.