Over time, permanent furrows and deep wrinkles develop in the skin as a result of aging, overuse and constant muscle contractions. These lines can make you look older, sad, angry or tired, most often developing around the eyes and mouth, as well as between the eyebrows and on the forehead. Fortunately, dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel can diminish these signs of aging to restore a younger and more refreshed appearance.
JUVÉDERM® is an FDA-approved smooth consistency gel capable of restoring volume to the skin while smoothing away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This injection is made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that adds volume and hydration. But unlike other hyaluronic acid fillers which usually have granular consistencies, JUVÉDERM® is easily injected into the skin and produces immediate natural-looking results.
Patients can achieve a fuller, younger appearance while still maintaining the natural features that define who they are. JUVÉDERM® is most effective in reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the bottom of the nose to the corner of the mouth on both sides of the face.
Candidates
JUVÉDERM® injections are ideal for any patients who are unhappy with the signs of aging present on their skin and are looking to enhance their overall appearance. JUVÉDERM® is the first hyaluronic acid filler FDA-approved for safe and effective use on persons of color. There are no major risks associated with this treatment. In order to achieve satisfactory results, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations for their treatment and understand that JUVÉDERM® injections will not completely alter your look. Dr. Kurtzman will help you decide if this treatment is right for you after a physical examination and discussion of your desired goals.
Procedure
JUVÉDERM® injections take about 15 minutes to administer in Dr. Kurtzman’s office with no need for anesthesia. Dr. Kurtzman may choose to apply a topical or injectable anesthetic to numb the treatment area and reduce the risk of any potential discomfort. The injection is then administered under the skin in the targeted area to add volume or fill in wrinkles and folds. After the injection, your doctor may gently massage the treated areas.
Once treatment is completed, patients can return to their regular activities right away, with virtually no downtime. For the first 24 hours after treatment, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure and consumption of alcoholic beverages to reduce the risk of complications after treatment. Some patients may experience mild side effects such as redness, swelling or itching, but these usually go away on their own after a short time.
Results
The results of a JUVÉDERM® injection are visible immediately after the procedure, and will continue to improve over the next few days as any swelling and bruising subside. Results are expected to last six to nine months, but in many cases can last up to year. JUVÉDERM® is the only hyaluronic acid filler to last that long. Most patients achieve their desired results in just one treatment session and may only require yearly touch-up treatments in order to maintain results. Procedure results may vary but most patients are more than satisfied with their enhanced appearance after JUVÉDERM®.
Risks and Complications
While JUVÉDERM® is considered safe for most patients, there are certain risks associated with any kind of treatment. Some of these risks may include temporary redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, bruising, itching, discoloration and infection. Most of these risks are considered rare, and can be further reduced by choosing an experienced doctor to administer your injection.