Reducing the Appearance of Facial Wrinkles Using Juvederm


Published: 12/12/2011


Approved by the FDA in 2006, Juvederm is a dermal filler used to treat moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles. During treatment, a doctor uses a syringe to inject the clear gel into the facial dermis--the subsurface layer of the skin that contains blood vessels, oil and sweat glands, connective tissue and nerve endings. The injectable gel includes natural hyaluronic acid, a sugar that enhances skin elasticity and promotes a supple, smooth appearance.﻿﻿ Once inside the dermis, the filler adds volume to and lifts the skin around the folds and wrinkles targeted for treatment.﻿ 

The name "Juvederm" is an umbrella term referring to a family of products. The "Ultra" product is typically used to treat relatively minor wrinkles, while the "Ultra Plus" version is used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of significant folds, such as the lines extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds). Injections are also often used to improve the look of folds between the cheeks and nose (nasogenian grooves) and to reshape cheek contours and enhance lip volume.

 Juvederm Advantages 

Because Juvederm has a pliant consistency, it tends to provide a more natural-looking, smoother appearance than the older, more rigid injectables of the past. It also lasts for six to nine months, and benefits can last even longer when patients seek follow-up treatments just a few weeks after their initial procedures. Also, because the filler is biocompatible, it acts to supplement the natural hyaluronic acid in the body that depletes due to aging. After six to nine months, the body naturally absorbs the compound, and patients may repeat treatment to regain the desired effects.

Potential Sife Effects

Though rare, side effects may include pain, tenderness or redness at the injection site; as well as potential bruising, swelling, bumps and firmness of the skin. However, all of these side effects are temporary, usually subsiding within three to seven days.