JUVÉDERM®
JUVÉDERM is an injectable gel that plumps skin just enough to fill out facial wrinkles and restore youthful volume. This colorless dermal filler is made of hyaluronic acid (HA). This substance occurs naturally in the body and helps keep skin hydrated and cushioned. Moderate to deep facial lines and creases can be reduced with the use of JUVÉDERM.
Good Candidate Profile
If you have deep smile lines running from your nose to your mouth, JUVÉDERM may significantly minimize the appearance of these creases. This dermal filler can also be used on other facial areas where loss of volume has permitted wrinkles to form. The results are designed to make your face look noticeably smoother and more refreshed without any of the tell-tale signs of plastic surgery.
Many patients who choose BOTOX are also good candidates for this injectable gel. However, subsequent laser treatments or chemical peels don't always interact well with the HA present under the skin.
Precautions
If you have a history of serious allergic reactions (such as anaphylaxis), JUVÉDERM treatment is not recommended. Individuals who take blood thinning painkillers such as NSAIDs or aspirin may experience more bruising and swelling than average.
The Procedure
As with any cosmetic treatment, your medical history including information about any medications and allergies will be reviewed. Then, the lines on your face will be examined carefully to develop the best treatment approach for you. The dermal filler will be injected into the mid-deep layers of your skin depending on the placement and depth of your wrinkles.
There are two formulations of JUVÉDERM. Ultra is for filling shallow lines. Ultra Plus is designed to correct deeper creases. These are both HA injectables with a smooth (not granular) texture.
A very small gauge needle will be used to administer these substances to keep discomfort to a minimum. The area may also be numbed before the injections take place depending on your pain tolerance. In all, you can expect the JUVÉDERM procedure to last about 15 minutes.
After Care - First 24 Hours
This is an out-patient procedure and you should have no problem driving yourself home. You can go about daily activities with the exception of strenuous exercise. Stay out of the heat and sun after you are treated with JUVÉDERM. Avoid alcohol during this initial 24 hour recovery period as well.
Normal Reactions
During the first week, you are likely to experience some mild to moderate symptoms around the treatment area. These may include:
- Swelling
- Itching
- Bruising
- Redness
- Tenderness
These are usually manageable and will go away. If the swelling is bothering you, brief application of an ice pack can reduce this side effect. You will need to go sans makeup until there is no risk that it will interfere with the healing of the injection sites.
JUVÉDERM Results
You should begin enjoying an improvement in your appearance immediately. A single JUVÉDERM treatment is generally sufficient to plump up skin and make it look youthful. As with other temporary non-surgical solutions, maintenance appointments are required to keep your skin looking healthy and smooth. Typically, results last for about 6 months. However, some patients may experience improvement lasting up to 1 year after the procedure.
Patient Testimonials
"From the moment I first interviewed with you, I have felt I was in very kind, gentle, sophisticated and extremely talented hands. It is very exciting to find a hidden treasure in a sea of cosmetic surgery offices. My heartfelt thank you to you all."
- GS
"I feel so fortunate to have had somebody who not only performed my surgery exceptionally well but also did it with compassion. I will forever be grateful for your efforts."
- PH
"I had a surprisingly positive experience! Dr. Bolitho's work is top notch and I am completely pleased with the results. He and his staff were exceptionally caring, attentive to detail and knowledgeable. My surgery and recovery went off without a single complication. I will be recommending Dr. Bolitho to anyone who asks for a referral. I couldn't be happier with the care I received!"
