JUVEDERM

As you age, your skin thins both dermis and epidermis, from environmental damage. Among many other things, it reduces production of a naturally hydrating substance hyaluronic acid (HA). Over time, the loss of HA in your skin along with the increased thinning results in facial wrinkles and folds, like those “parentheses” lines around the mouth or the “marionette” lines below the corners of the mouth.

Juvederm injectable gel replaces HA you skin has lost, bringing back its volume and smoothing away facial wrinkles. Juvederm is FDA approved and in the form of Juvederm Ultra Plus, the longest lasting form, may last up to one year following the injection.

Juvederm can be injected with a quick in-office procedure with minimal discomfort. It now contains Lidocaine in the product, which is an anesthetic. It can instantly smooth out wrinkles and folds of the face and the results are seen immediately.

Adverse reactions are temporary injection-site redness, swelling, pain/tenderness, firmness, lumps, bumps and bruising. If side effects occur, they are usually mild or moderate and usually resolve over the next seven days or less.

The cost of Juvederm UP is approximately $550 per syringe and the usual amount used is 1 to 2 syringes per treatment.

Juvederm Voluma, the new filler

As I have mentioned in many blogs and articles, the appearance of the aging face is mainly from:

• Loss of Volume
• Damaged skin
• Loss of elasticity
• Loss of hair
• Bad teeth

This article concerns Volume loss, but all in the above list can make significance in creating a younger looking you..

Juvederm Voluma, which will probably be called simply “Voluma,” is the new kid on the block for fillers. Its attributes are over 60% will still be in place at the 2-year mark. This is pretty special as most other products last from 6 to 12 months, with the exception of Sculptra, which also last about 2 years.

Voluma, however, is FDA approved for only volumizing the cheeks and midface. I have used it on several patients and have been very satisfied with it, as have my patients. Volumizing that area can turn back the clock several years—more than you would think.

Conservative injections are the order of the day as far as I am concerned. It’s much better to have another injection session at a a few weeks later than to have over-injected any product. Also it takes a few weeks for some patients to get used to the new look like they did 5-10 years ago.