Juvéderm is a hyaluronic acid (HA) based filler, which is meant to restore and refill naturally occurring HA to areas where it has been depleted. The type of Juvederm chosen will depend on the location and severity of the patient’s wrinkles, creases, and volume loss. Because JUVÉDERM aids in restoring the volume beneath your skin, this treatment is also great for increasing volume in the cheek area or plumping lips.

There are several different fillers included in the JUVÉDERM® family, each of which has its own unique set of applications and characteristics. During your initial consultation at Sona Dermatology, one of our knowledgeable and highly experienced providers will thoroughly evaluate your concerns and help you determine which JUVÉDERM® option can best help you achieve your goals. In some cases, using more than one JUVÉDERM® product may help to further enhance your results.

The JUVÉDERM injection process takes less than an hour in the doctor's office, making it a popular “lunchtime procedure” for those who are looking for a quick improvement in their appearance. A topical numbing cream can be used, though the injections are virtually pain-free. The Juvederm gel is injected through a thin needle into targeted areas of the face. The injected gel increases the volume of tissue lying directly underneath the skin, filling in the wrinkles from inside the body. Sometimes filler can be a little uncomfortable, but with the proven techniques our providers use, we make sure this process is as comfortable as possible.

A topical numbing cream and very fine needle is used to administer JUVÉDERM® so the pain associated with the injections is minimal to none. With topical anesthetic, a filler procedure can be virtually painless. Even without a numbing agent, pain is minimal, and you may only feel a little pinch. Some patients report that being injected with filler feels like a pinch or splinter. Your provider may also use ice to help numb the treatment area.

In a one-on-one consultation with your provider, he or she can assess your unique needs and help you determine if JUVÉDERM® is right for you. Typically, most individuals are good candidates for dermal fillers, though the ideal candidate would need minimal permanent work done, does not smoke, and is in overall good health. Additionally, if you are considering dermal filler treatments, it is important to have realistic expectations of the results you will receive and the fact that it is possible for multiple treatments to be necessary to achieve them.

Injectable dermal fillers can be used to address signs of aging in several places and give patients a more youthful look. Some of the areas and/or concerns that are most commonly treated with JUVÉDERM include:

• Temple depressions
• Undereye hollows
• Nasolabial folds
• Loss of volume in cheeks
• Smoker’s lines
• Marionette lines
• Lip lines
• Thin lips
• Weak jawline
• Weak chin
  

Unlike injectable neurotoxins like BOTOX®, which can take up to 7–10 days to become effective, the results of JUVÉDERM can be seen almost immediately. Some patients may experience mild bruising or swelling after treatment, which can mask the actual results temporarily, but this should resolve quickly.

There is no downtime after JUVÉDERM®. The treatment takes very little time, and after your appointment, you can return to your daily routine right away. Right after the treatment, you may have a small amount of redness and swelling – this will usually resolve within a day or two. Recovery time varies for each patient and for each type of filler injected. You can resume most activities right away, but it is generally recommended that you avoid intense physical activity for the first 24-48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. Be sure to discuss your specific recovery plan with your provider prior to scheduling your injections. *We typically recommend scheduling your filler at least 2 weeks prior to a big event to allow for swelling and bruising to subside.

Some patients may notice swelling at the injection site in the first day or two after treatment. This occurs in response to the injection. Swelling can be greatly minimized by applying a cold compress to the treatment area in the first few hours after surgery. Try applying the compress to the face for 20 minutes, and then remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.

The entire procedure may take as little as 30 minutes or as long as an hour depending on the number of areas being treated. During a filler procedure, your healthcare provider will apply a topical anesthetic to the area/s being treated.

JUVÉDERM® results are not permanent. Like many other treatments, the longevity of JUVÉDERM results can vary from person to person depending on which specific JUVÉDERM product was used, how much filler was injected, the severity of the concerns, and other factors. On average, JUVÉDERM typically lasts about 12 –18 months before a repeat injection is needed. Lip injection with certain JUVÉDERM products may break down slightly faster, with most patients enjoying their newly plumped lips for about one year between injections. Many men and women report longer-lasting results after several rounds of JUVÉDERM injection over the course of a few years.

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)
• Schedule your injection at a time when minor swelling or bruising will not disrupt your social obligations. Each time you are treated, outcomes may vary.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
• Schedule your Dermal Filler and Botox appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the Dermal Filler can be seen immedietly, however, bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.
• Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment. Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (EX: Tretinoin/retin-a, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone)
• You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising
• Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Swelling, bruising, tenderness, numbness, and areas of firm nodules may occur.
• Cosmetic fillers are long lasting, but not permanent. Longevity depends on the areas treated and your body’s metabolism.
• Do NOT manipulate the treated area for 3-5 hours following treatment. Do not massage treated areas after treament
• Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for 24 hours post-treatment to prevent dispersing the product. We recommend you sleep elevated on your back and use pillows to stabilize yourself.
• If experiencing swelling, sleep with head elevated for 2-3 days to decrease swelling.
• Do NOT receive facial/ laser treatments or microdermabrasion after Dermal Filler injections for at least 10-14 days. Ask your provider if you are not sure about the time frame of certain services.
• Do NOT lie down for 4-6 hours after your Dermal Filler treatment. Stay in a vertical position for 4 hours following injection. Do not rest your head or lie down; sit upright.
• Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 6 hours after treatment. This will keep the Filler in the injected area and not elsewhere.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately
• Ice (but avoid firm pressure) for 15 minutes 3 times the day of treatment. You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort
• Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment. Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (EX: Tretinoin/retin-a, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone)

JUVÉDERM® is priced per syringe. You can expect to pay an average of $650-$800 or more for each syringe. In some cases, when having multiple syringes at the same visit, discounted pricing may be applied to your 2nd and 3rd syringe. The number of syringes required to achieve your goals depends on the area treated and desired correction. Depending on your individual goals, your provider may suggest multiple syringes. Please see here for more pricing information.