What Is Juvéderm?

Juvéderm injections provide an excellent way to counteract age-related skin conditions like sagging and wrinkling. When administered by a qualified medical professional, this injectable gel temporarily adds volume to facial skin. Let's take a closer look at Juvéderm and its various benefits.

The Role of Hyaluronic Acid

• Found in various types of human tissue, hyaluronic acid plays an important role in skin health. The aging process gradually robs skin of hyaluronic acid, resulting in loss of fullness and elasticity. Frequent sun exposure accelerates this process.

• Juvéderm injections help treat this common age-related problem.

The Two Types of Juvéderm

Juvéderm injectable gel comes in two varieties:

1. Juvéderm XC is used to treat facial wrinkles in the nose and mouth area.

2. Juvéderm Voluma XC is used to add volume to the cheeks. This gel has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What Happens During the Treatment?

• It should take only fifteen minutes or so to administer the injection. The treatment uses a very tiny needle, which should cause only minimal discomfort.

• Juvéderm is biodegradable and does not contain animal ingredients that might cause allergic reactions.

What to Do After an Injection

• After receiving your Juvéderm injection you should avoid certain activities for at least 24 hours. Do not engage in heavy exercise, drink alcohol, or expose yourself to intense sunlight or heat.

• Failure to heed these guidelines may result in swelling, redness, and/or itching at site of injection.

How Long Will It Last?

• The benefits of a Juvéderm XC injection should last for 9-12 months, while Juvéderm Voluma XC can work for up to two years.

• Reinjections may be necessary after 9-12 months. These follow-up treatments use only around half as much Juvéderm as the original injection.

Side Effects • There are several possible side

effects associated with Juvéderm injections, most of them mild in nature.

• The most frequent side effects are temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, firmness, itching, lumps, and bruising, all of them associated with the injection area.

• Most of these side effects last seven days or less for Juvéderm XC, and 2-4 weeks for Juvéderm Voluma XC.

Contraindications • Juvéderm injections are not

recommended for persons with a history of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). It is also not recommended for those who are allergic to lidocaine or the proteins associated with the hyaluronic acid used in this product.

• Your doctor may advise you against taking a Juvéderm injection if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are taking certain prescription drugs, or if you are under 18 years of age.

About Above Lasers The Above Lasers medical center specializes in

comprehensive skin care treatment, including age spot removal, wrinkle reduction, scar revision, laser hair removal, and more. Directed by Dr. Kerry Evnin, M.D., About Lasers is

located in Ceres, California.

Sources • http://www.abovelasers.com/our-

services/juvederm/ • http://www.juvederm.com/ • http://www.wrinkles.org/juvederm/ • http://www.drugs.com/juvederm.html

Summary

Juvéderm injectable gel has proven highly effective in treating age-related skin conditions like wrinkling. When administered by a licensed medical professional, it enhances the appearance of facial skin for months or even years.