Juvederm is an excellent dermal filler to use for replenishing volume in the face.  Common uses include:

1)   Mild nasolabial folds (laugh lines)

2)   Lip augmentation

3)  filling acne scar depressions in the skin

Juvederm – Hyaluronic Acid Filler

The active ingredient of this dermal filler is a natural sugar found in our bodies called hyaluronic acid. This compound is present in the extra cellular matrix, muscles, tendons, the synovial joint fluid and deeper skin layers, among other regions.

During the 1930’s Columbia researchers studied hyaluronic acid from a cow’s eye. They discovered that it plays a significant role in maintaining the skin’s volume and keeping it hydrated.

In more recent years, researchers have been interested in how well Juvederm performed to a collagen filler called Zyplast.  In a group of 146 subjects, Juvederm was injected on one side of the face to treat smile lines while Zyplast was injected on the other side. The results of Juvederm greatly surpassed the other filler.

After passing a number of tests for safety, Juvederm was finally approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2006.

Although hyaluronic acid is found in the human body, the actual Juvederm product is derived from bacteria in a lab setting to avoid the risks of allergic reactions.

One of the main hallmarks of an aging face is volume loss.  Regaining a youthful looking appearance can be achieved by replenishing depleted tissue with a filler like Juvederm.

Juvederm is able to hold numerous water molecules. This not only plumps the skin, but also adds hydrates it as well.  Hyaluronic acid will anchor itself below the skin by binding to collagen and elastin.

It will also stretch fibroblast cells, causing them to produce new collagen.

Duration of Juvederm

In its original form, hyaluronic acid is quickly metabolized within a day’s time. Therefore, in order to be effective as a dermal filler, its molecules have to be cross linked together to form a gel-like consistency.  This involves binding the acid chains together.

The final Juvederm filler is therefore able to last between six to nine months.

Juvederm – How It Works

A key characteristic of hyaluronic acid is that it is able to to bind to a large number of water molecules.  Therefore it not only adds volume, but also hydrates the skin.

Once injected, Juvederm binds to the collagen and elastin fibers within the skin. It also causes the fibroblast cells to stretch, thereby promoting the synthesis of new collagen fibers. Simultaneously, Juvederm also protects existing collagen fibers from breaking down.

Juvederm and Lip Augmentation – Patient Photos

Juvederm is a very popular choice for enhancing the shape of the lips and making them look fuller.  These procedures are technical and an art form at the same time. Proper balance and proportion are essential for natural looking results.

Here is an example of a patient who wanted her outcome to look very subtle. Dr. Umar was able to achieve a slight increase in volume, while maintaining the contour of her lips. As you can see from her video, she is very pleased with her results.

Juvederm for Fuller Lips| Before & After Photos of Redondo Beach Patient

Los Angeles patient before and after her Juvederm procedure for lip augmentation.*

Here are two other  patients who received  lip enhancement procedures.

Juvederm|Treatment For Thin Lips|Before & After Photos of Patient

Juvederm was able to create a natural looking enhancement of the lips for this patient*

Juvederm| Best Lip Plumping Filler| Natural Looking Results on Patient

Juvederm helped restore volume loss in the lips due to aging*

Patient Videos

Juvederm for Laugh Lines

Juvederm can also be used to fill mild forms of  laugh lines (also known as nasolabial folds). Here is a photo of a patient which illustrates what this looks like:

 

Nasolabial Folds|Laugh Lines - Patient Before Treatment

photo of female patient with moderate level nasolabial folds around her nose & mouth*

These creases resemble parenthesis and develop around the nose and mouth. They develop as a result of volume loss in the lower face.

This usage of Juvederm is best used for laugh lines that are still in their earliest stages and don’t require structural support for the overlying skin. The addition of natural looking volume through a hydrating filler like hyaluronic acid would help make these mild creases appear less pronounced and create a fresher, more youthful looking appearance.

Here is a patient who wanted to address mildly developed  laugh lines. Her treatment used hyaluronic acid to visibly soften these grooves. See the difference in her before and after photos.

Juvederm - Hyaluronic Acid Filler| Mild Laugh Lines

Patient before and after receiving hyaluronic acid to fill laugh lines*

Juvederm’s Side Effects

Patients should be aware that there are side effects associated with all pharmaceutical products.

On average, the potential for adverse side effects of Juvederm are fairly minimal. Examples of such reactions include:

  • pain
  • redness
  • bruising
  • swelling

Although Juvederm is sourced from bacterial hyaluronic acid, allergic reactions are still possible, especially in those who are allergic to proteins in bacteria. The use of this filler should be avoided in these individuals. Also, it is not recommended for use in those who are extremely sensitive to proteins and drugs, or individuals with past histories of anaphylaxis (a severe form of allergic reaction)

Testing for allergic reactions can be achieved by injecting a small quantity of Juvederm in the arm and observing the area to see if swelling occurs.

Other adverse consequences may include:

  1. clumping
  2. light phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect

Juvederm is clear colloid suspension of hyaluronic acid particles within a gel. If injected too close to the skin’s surface, these molecules may aggregate and form visible lumps.

Also with superficial injections, light rays will pass through the injection mass and refract. What then appears is a bluish discoloration called the Tyndall effect.

Although an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be applied to dissolve the filler, patients should always make the effort to seek the help of a highly experienced service provider.

Free Consultations At Fine Touch Dermatology for Juvederm

If you are interested in lip enhancement or using Juvederm for laugh lines, sign up for a complimentary consultation to ask questions , learn more about what a procedure would entail. Fill out our online form at the top of the page. Or call us at 877-337-6424 to schedule an appointment.

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