What Is JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel?

As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. But, with Juvéderm™ injectable gel, you don't have to just sit back and let it happen! Recently approved by the FDA, Juvéderm™ is a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds—the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

Juvéderm™ is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. In fact, studies show superior results of Juvéderm™ compared to a collagen-based dermal filler. And, almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm™ and another dermal filler preferred Juvéderm™! In addition, Juvéderm™ is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

Benefits of JUVÉDERM™

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Juvéderm™ injectable gel offer a safe and effective nonsurgical option for smoothing facial wrinkles and folds. In fact, they are the fastest growing nonsurgical aesthetic procedure in the United States according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Here are some of the advantages of choosing Juvéderm™ injectable gel:

• A "next-generation" filler: Juvéderm™ is a non-animal dermal filler that is made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance that plays a vital role in hydrating your skin and replenishing its natural volume. No allergy skin tests are needed prior to receiving treatment.
• Advanced technology for long-lasting results: Juvéderm™ employs its unique manufacturing process to provide the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any currently available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for long-lasting results. This advanced manufacturing process also creates a smooth consistency gel that flows consistently and easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel.
• Proven safety and effectiveness: Juvéderm™ is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in persons of color.
• Quick and easy procedure: Juvéderm™ is a nonsurgical physician-administered treatment that requires no allergy skin test and minimal recovery or downtime.
• Personalized treatment: Juvéderm™ injectable gel is available in two formulations— Juvéderm™ Ultra for versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds, and Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus, a more robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles. This allows us to tailor treatment to meet your unique needs. Click here for the Juvéderm™ Facial Assessment Tool.

How JUVÉDERM™ Works

We place Juvéderm™ under the skin using a fine needle to augment, or fill, the soft tissue of the dermis—the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis—to add volume and diminish wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm™ is used most effectively for those wrinkles and folds in the lower third of your face, like your "laugh lines," "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds), or "marionette lines" (oral commissures).

Juvéderm™ is a "next-generation" filler. It is made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to hydrate and add volume. Hyaluronic acid may diminish with age, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm™ injectable gel works to correct this by restoring hyaluronic acid in your skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and folds.

By employing a unique manufacturing process, Juvéderm™ provides the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any currently available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for long-lasting results. This advanced manufacturing process also works to create a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin during the injection process and provides a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know!).

Is there any downtime:

Because Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a simple, nonsurgical treatment, there is minimal recovery or downtime. So you can make an appointment to stop by for treatment on the way home from work or the gym, or even while the kids are at soccer practice—and get right back to your life.

Before your treatment:

It is best to avoid any medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), for at least a week prior to treatment in order to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site.  Vitamin E, gingko biloba, and St. John's Wort should also be discontinued. 

When you arrive:

If this is your first visit, we will ask about your medical history, including any allergies you may have or medications you may take, and will tell you more about wrinkle treatment with Juvéderm™. Juvéderm™ does not require an allergy test.

Determining your treatment needs:

 We will examine the soft tissue of your face to assess the depth of wrinkles and folds to determine your treatment. Juvéderm™ injectable gel is available in two formulations—Juvéderm™ Ultra for versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds, and Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus, a robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles. This allows us to better tailor treatment to your unique needs.

Before the procedure:

Although anesthesia is not required, we may use topical or injectable anesthesia to numb the treatment area first.

The procedure:

We will place the Juvéderm™ gel under your skin to augment, or fill, wrinkles and folds. Following the injection, we gently massage the treated areas. The procedure is quick and easy.

After the procedure:

With Juvéderm™, there is minimal recovery or downtime. For the first 24 hours following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to help minimize the risks of temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the treatment sites. After the treatment, some temporary injection-related reactions may occur, including redness, pain, firmness, swelling, and bumps. Studies have shown that these are usually mild to moderate in nature and clear up on their own in 7 days or less. If you experience swelling at the injection site, you can apply an ice pack for a brief period.

Seeing results:

You should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing, and the results may last up to 6 months or more. However, results may vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental “touch up” treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results.