Indianapolis Institute for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kimberly Short, Indiana

JUVEDERM^TM: OUR NEWEST INJECTABLE

Juvederm^TM is the most exciting injectable yet. Similar to Restylane^TM, Juvederm^TM is also made from hyaluronic acid but is formulated to last twice as long with a "smoother and "softer" feel. Juvederm^TM provides fullness and volume to lips, and to wrinkles, lines, and folds. It is a very popular filler in Europe and is now FDA approved in the United States.

The following is helpful information about Juvederm^TM.

What is JUVEDERM^TM?

JUVEDERM^TM injectable gel is a new, nonanimal-sourced hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler that provides smooth, long-lasting correction of facial wrinkles and folds.

There are 2 formulations of JUVEDERM^TM:

JUVEDERM^TM Ultra injectable gel is for more versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds.

JUVEDERM^TM Ultra Plus injectable gel is a more highly cross-linked robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar that retains water and is found throughout all living organisms-absorbing more than 1,000 times its weight-and adds volume to the skin’s surface. In recent years, HA has been injected into skin to restore volume and corrected the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds. And because HA is already in the body, it is readily accepted.

What does "cross-linked" mean?

Cross linking refers to a chemical process in which individual chains of HA are chemically bound or "cross-linked" together, transforming liquid HA into a soft solid or "gel." The firmness of the gel depends on the degree of cross-linking. The body absorbs cross-linked HA more slowly, resulting in a longer duration of effect.

What do dermal fillers do?

Dermal fillers are placed below the skin's surface to diminish the depth of facial folds and wrinkles. As the body ages, skin loses elasticity and volume.

How is JUVEDERM^TM different from other HA dermal fillers?

JUVEDERM^TM is produced with proprietary HYLACROSS^TM technology for a long-lasting and smooth gel with a softer feel.

How long does JUVEDERM^TM last?

In research studies, JUVEDERM persisted up to 8-12 months or longer.

What precautions should a patient take after treatment with JUVEDERM^TM?

To obtain the best possible result, the following should be avoided for at least 24 hours: Strenuous exercise, Consumption of alcoholic beverages, Extended exposure to sun, and Extended exposure to heat.

Otherwise, you may experience temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the injection site(s). Hydration following the procedure is also highly recommended.

Are there any adverse effects after treatment with JUVEDERM^TM?

Patients may experience redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and/or discoloration at the injection sites. This should resolve in 2-3 days or less.