Frequently Asked Questions
What is Juvederm?
Juvederm injectable gel is a next-generation smooth consistency gel dermal filler that helps to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds like your smile lines (or nasolabial folds) the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth. Juvederm comes in two formulations Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus.
What does Juvederm do?
Juvederm injectable gel temporarily adds volume to facial tissue and restores a smoother appearance to the face.
What is Juvederm indicated for?
Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus injectable gels are indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis (below the outer layer of skin) for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases running from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).
Why does Juvederm come in two formulations?
Juvederm injectable gel is available in two formulations to allow your healthcare professional to tailor treatment to your unique needs. Juvederm Ultra provides versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds. Juvederm Ultra Plus is a more robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles.
What makes Juvederm different from other dermal fillers?
Juvederm injectable gel 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 works to create a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel. All other currently approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are made of granular consistency gels. And, Juvederm is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in persons of color.
How is Juvederm injectable gel different from BOTOX Cosmetic?
Juvederm injectable gel is a next generation hyaluronic acid dermal filler that provides volume and is used to treat wrinkles and folds resulting from a loss of volume beneath the surface of the skin such as perioral lines and nasolabial folds (lines around your mouth and nose). Juvederm restores your skin's volume for a smooth, natural look and feel. BOTOX Cosmetic is not a filler. BOTOX Cosmetic relaxes muscle activity and is used to treat moderate to severe lines caused by the dominant frown muscles between the eyebrows (the glabellar area). This allows the two vertical lines between the brows, often referred to as the “11,  to temporarily diminish for a smoother appearance. For important safety information about BOTOX Cosmetic, see below.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in all mammals that helps to hydrate and add volume to your skin. In addition to its use as an aesthetic treatment, hyaluronic acid has also been used for more than 20 years for injection into arthritic joints to aid movement as well as for eye surgeries and wound repair.
What is cross-linked hyaluronic acid?
Uncross-linked hyaluronic acid in its natural form is in a liquid state. Cross-linking¯ is the process through which hyaluronic acid is made into a gel product that can be injected into the skin for long-lasting results.
How is Juvederm injectable gel used in treatment?
Your healthcare provider eases Juvederm injectable gel into the skin using a fine needle to temporarily fill in and augment the treatment area and smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as smile lines¯ (or nasolabial folds) and marionette lines (oral commissures). Juvederm temporarily adds volume to the skin and may give the appearance of a smoother surface. Juvederm does contain lidocaine (Xylocain) to help numb you as you are being injected.
What will treatment with Juvederm injectable gel accomplish?
Juvederm injectable gel will help to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing, and the results last about 6 months.
Is treatment with Juvederm injectable gel painful?
Injections may cause some discomfort during and after the injection. Juvederm's smooth consistency gel allows your doctor to administer it easily and smoothly. And, Juvederm is injected directly into the skin using a fine needle to reduce injection discomfort. Your doctor may choose to numb (anesthetize) the treatment area to further minimize discomfort.
How long does treatment usually take?
The injection process takes only about 15-20 minutes. You'll also need to allow time to consult with your doctor prior to treatment.
Does the correction last forever?
No, but Juvederm is FDA approved to state that its effect can last for one year. This has been my experience. In general orrections are temporary; therefore, touch-up injections as well as repeat injections are usually needed to maintain optimal corrections.
How long do results last?
Juvederm's unique formulation provides results that last up to 12 months or longer.
What are the possible side effects of Juvederm injectable gel?
Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less). The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injections site reactions such as: redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures there is a risk of infection.
Can people with different skin tones/colors be treated with Juvederm?
Yes. In fact, Juvederm injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has proven its safety and effectiveness in persons of color. Studies with Juvederm showed no increased risk of hyperpigmentation or hypertrophic scarring in patients of color.