Juvederm is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler to temporarily correct the visible appearance of facial folds and lines. Juvederm injectable fillers add volume to the face, which results in a smooth facial appearance. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance produced in the body. It retains water at nearly one thousand times its weight. As a product of hyaluronic acid, Juvederm naturally fills the spaces between collagen and elastin in the skin to add smoothness and volume. At the same time, Juvederm attracts water to the tissue and keeps the skin hydrated. There are two types of Juvederm fillers available on the market: Juvederm XC, which is used to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles around the mouth and nose, and Juvederm Voluma XC, which works great for adding volume to the cheeks.
Juvederm is a gel substance that is administered via a fine needle directly into the skin. There is no sedation needed, although a numbing cream is usually applied first to help with any discomfort. The injection sites will be sterilized and marked with ink. Once the filler is injected, results are immediately noticeable. The practitioner may massage the treated area so the filler spreads evenly. Other than temporary redness, the treatment has no after effect that will prevent a patient from going back to normal routine. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours. After a Juvederm injection, the face will look refreshed, softer and smoother.
As a natural result of aging, volume is lost significantly in the cheek area, giving an appearance of a gaunt, tired look. Instant cosmetic treatments, such as Voluma injections, help restore volume in the cheeks for more youthful facial contours. It is composed of an hyaluronic-acid base similar to that of Juvederm. The gel is directly injected around the hollows of the cheeks, which consequently reduces wrinkles and creases around the treated area.
Voluma is injected into the skin with fine needles, so some patients may experience some minor pain from the initial prick. Numbing creams may be applied on the injection site to ease the patient’s discomfort. A treatment may last up to 30 minutes. Patients will be able to return to daily activities after several hours. There may be some swelling, discoloration and tenderness around the cheeks, but will subside after a few days. Results are readily evident, and can last up to 2 years.