Dermal Fillers: Juvéderm® Injectable Gel

by Dr. Michael Fiorillo, Plastic Surgeon

As time goes by, permanent furrows and deep wrinkles develop in the skin due to aging, overuse and constant muscle expansion and contraction. These lines and wrinkles can make you look prematurely older, not to mention tired, sad or angry.

These signs of aging most often develop around the eyes and mouth, as well as between the eyebrows and on the forehead. The good news is that dermal fillers such as Juvéderm® Injectable Gel can help to erase these signs of aging and restore a younger, more refreshed appearance.

What is Juvéderm?

Juvéderm is an FDA-approved smooth-consistency gel that can restore volume to the skin while smoothing away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This injectable wrinkle-filler is made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring compound in the skin that gives it volume and hydration. However, unlike other hyaluronic acid fillers which usually have granular consistencies, Juvéderm can be easily injected into the skin to produce immediate and natural-looking results.

Many of my patients have been able to achieve a fuller, younger appearance while still maintaining their own unique and natural features. From my experience, Juvéderm is most effective in reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds. These are the lines that go from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth on both sides of the face.

Who is a Good Candidate for Juvéderm?

Juvéderm injections are best-suited for individuals who are unhappy with the signs of aging visible on their skin and are looking to improve their overall appearance. Juvéderm is the first hyaluronic acid filler approved by the F.D.A. for safe and effective use on persons of color. There are no major risks associated with Juvéderm treatments.

In order to achieve satisfactory results with Juvéderm, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations for their treatment. They need to understand that Juvéderm injections will not completely alter one’s appearance. Consultation with your doctor will help you decide whether or not this treatment is right for you. Such a consultation should include a physical examination and discussion of your desired cosmetic goals.

The Juvéderm Procedure

Juvéderm injections take about 15 minutes to administer in your physician’s office, and there is no need for anesthesia. Your physician may choose to apply a topical or injectable anesthetic to numb the treatment area and reduce the chances of any potential discomfort.

The Juvéderm injection is then administered under the skin in the targeted area to add volume or fill in facial wrinkles and folds. After the injection, your doctor may gently massage the treated areas to enhance the effects.

Once treatment is completed, individuals can return to their regular activities immediately, with virtually no interruption of one’s normal routine. To reduce the risk of complications after treatment, for the first 24 hours patients should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive exposure to the sun or heat, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Some patients may experience mild side effects like redness, swelling or itching, but these usually go away on their own in a short period of time.

Results of a Juvéderm Injection

The results of a Juvéderm treatment are visible immediately after the procedure, and will continue to improve over the next few days as any swelling and bruising diminish. Juvéderm results should last from six to nine months, but in many cases may last up to year. Juvéderm is the only hyaluronic acid filler with results that last this long.

Most of my patients are able to achieve their desired results in just one treatment session and may only require yearly “touch-up” treatments in order to maintain their results. As always, the results of this procedure can vary, but most of my patients are more than satisfied with their enhanced appearance after the use of Juvéderm.

Risks and Complications of Juvéderm

While Juvéderm is considered safe for most individuals, there are certain risks associated with any kind of cosmetic treatment. These risks may include temporary redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, as well as bruising, discoloration, itching and infection. Most of these risks can be considered rare, and they can be further reduced by choosing an experienced physician to administer your injection.

(published April 19, 2012)

Michael Fiorillo, M.D., is a highly-respected and well-known New York plastic surgeon. Board-certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Fiorillo graduated with his medical degree at the top of his class at Chicago Medical School, and completed residency training in general surgery at Staten Island University Hospital. Dr. Fiorillo’s New York plastic surgery practice is located at 350 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014, with additional offices in Montvale, NJ and Pearl River, NY and can be reached at 866-537-0954 or http://www.drfiorillo.com.