Juvederm

Juvederm is a smooth injectable gel that is FDA approved for treating moderate to severe facial wrinkles and creases. At our Long Island and Manhattan surgery offices, we typically use Juvederm to reduce the appearance of the nasolabial folds – the “smile lines” that travel from your nose to each side of your mouth.

Juvederm has also been used to treat conditions such as these:

• Marionette lines – lines that extend downward from the mouth
• Sunken cheeks – age related loss of facial volume
• Hollowness under the eyes
• Thin lips

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm is composed of hyaluronic acid, a very important natural component of the skin that gets depleted over time. Hyaluronic acid functions as a space filler and cell protector that provides structure, volume, and hydration. When we lose this important component, the skin begins to lose its youthful contour and wrinkles, folds, creases, and other undesirable imperfections start to appear. A precise injection of Juvederm can be really effective in correcting such age-related imperfections, so your skin maintains its youthful volume.

How is Juvederm treatment performed?

Using a fine (27 gauge) needle, Dr. Pfeifer injects Juvederm into the tissue at a specified depth. Anesthetic or nerve blocks can be used to manage discomfort during treatment. In fact, many Juvederm treatments are actually pain-free. After injection, the area may be massaged to ensure a smooth result. The treated area may feel fuller than normal right after treatment, but this condition should resolve on its own quickly.

How long do Juvederm results last?

Although the cosmetic results of Juvederm treatment will typically last about 6 months, many patients (about 80 percent) can benefit from a follow-up treatment a few weeks later. This will ensure a longer lasting, more satisfying cosmetic improvement.

The likelihood of side effects or complications is relatively low with Juvederm. However, there are some possible side effects patients should know about. To minimize the risk of side effects, you should follow postoperative instructions carefully. Documented side effects include redness, pain, firmness, swelling, lumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration. A minor amount of bruising is normal after treatment with Juvederm.

To learn more about Juvederm, contact one of the New York offices of Tracy Pfeifer MD today.