Juvéderm: The New Frontier in Cosmetic Enhancers

As the body ages, it produces less hyaluronan and fine lines and eventually wrinkles begin to appear. Juvéderm recreates the anti-aging effects of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid.

What is Juvéderm?

Touted as the first of several “next generation” fillers, Juvéderm hit the market in 2006. Brought to you by Allergan—the creators of Botox—Juvéderm is most similar in composition to Restylane, a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler approved for use in the U.S. in 2003.

How Does Juvéderm work?

The body’s connective tissues naturally produce hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid. This viscous acid lubricates and promotes elasticity in the skin giving it a firm supple appearance. As the body ages, it produces less hyaluronan and fine lines and eventually wrinkles begin to appear. Exposure to direct sunlight also decreases hyaluranon. Juvéderm has been biotechnically engineered to recreate the effects of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid.

	Touchups may prove to be cost effective in the long run, as less material is needed for repeat injections.

How is Juvéderm used?

Juvéderm is a clear, colorless gel injected under the skin with a fine needle, then massaged in for even distribution. Some doctors prefer working with it for its smooth consistency and malleability. Clients like the product because they retain full range of muscle motion after treatment.

Benefits of Juvéderm

Juvéderm's three formulas target specific areas of the face:

• The upper dermis, which treats superficial lines like crows feet
• The mid dermis, which corrects forehead wrinkles and brow furrow lines
• The deep dermis areas, such as nasolabial folds (parenthesis from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth) and oral commissures (sagging, downturned mouth, or marionette lines).

Juvéderm must be administered by an experienced, certified doctor. The process may take from fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on the treatment areas. Because clients may experience some discomfort during the injections, doctors may opt to use a topical or injectable anesthetic, or a dental block to numb the area.

How long does Juvéderm last?

Results may last from nine months to a year, although touchups may be necessary after the initial session to satisfy your aesthetic expectations. Touchups may prove to be cost effective in the long run, as less material is needed for repeat injections.

Juvéderm is Safe for People of Color

Juvéderm is the first dermal filler approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use on people of color, as there has been no evidence of hyper-pigmentation or hyper-tropic scarring after use.

Short-Term and Long-Term Side Effects

After Juvéderm injections, some patients may experience redness, pain, swelling, tenderness, firmness, lumps and bumps, bruising, itching, or discoloration of the skin. For twenty-four hours after the procedure, avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun and heat exposure, and alcohol—all of which may contribute to the above reactions. If these side effects do occur, they should last only three to seven days. As with any injections, there is risk of infection. Those with a history of severe allergies, allergies to gram-positive bacterial proteins, or who have a history of anaphylaxis should not use this product. One should not take aspirin or ibuprofen prior to treatment as it may cause an excess of bruising or bleeding.

At this time, there is no evidence of long-term side effects—but there have been reports of the product being administered too superficially, quickly, or unevenly. The result is “pockets” of the product pooling and/or migrating throughout the face. If this happens, consider consulting a more experienced doctor who may be able to massage or inject additional product to even out the skin.

Due to its ease of use and results, Juvéderm is growing in popularity. At the U.S. Open this year, spectators were offered coupons for two free syringes of Juvéderm. Football fans, I hear, had no such luck.