What is Juvederm®?

Juvederm® is an injectable substance used in cosmetic procedures to help reduce wrinkling, particularly around the smile lines or to create greater fullness in areas like the lips. It is similar to other injectable products, but testing has shown it to be slightly more effective in accomplishing a smooth look, especially around the mouth, and these studies make it one of the more popular choices. As with products like Restylane®, Juvederm® — which is made mostly from a substance called hyaluronic acid — is a temporary fix to wrinkling. Injections usually have to be repeated every six months or so to maintain a less wrinkled appearance.

Hyaluronic acid isn’t a new substance. Scientists discovered it in the early 20th century. It wasn’t considered for cosmetic use until much later. European physicians used it first in the late 1990s, and it was approved for use in the US in 2006.

There are several ways in which the principal ingredient in Juvederm® works to reduce wrinkles. It acts on existing elastin and collagen present in the skin so that these attract more nutrition from cells. It also absorbs water, which cause fullness in wrinkled areas that helps smooth them. Collagen tends to deplete as people age, and one long-term effect of Juvederm® is that it may prevent this depletion. If the product is used consistently, it could reduce additional wrinkling.

Like many injectable cosmetic products, people receive injections of Juvederm® in doctor’s offices. It’s advisable to get these only from licensed practitioners who have experience with the product. When comparing prices of the treatment at different practices, any quotes that are well below the average should raise suspicion.

Most people have minimal side effects when they use Juvederm®. Some redness of the skin and discomfort where the product is injected are most often reported. Patients occasionally have discolored skin — which usually resolves within a week — or bruises or painful lumps where the product was injected.

A few people have more painful reactions. The immune system may respond to hyaluronic acid by causing swelling and lumps around the skin. This may be difficult to resolve, but it also relatively rare. It’s additionally possible for anaphylactic allergic to occur.

Though initial treatment with Juvederm® can be very successful, the changes to appearance don’t last. The body absorbs the product after some time. This means people require additional injections to retain the look, on average of every six months. Some feel this is a small price to pay for fewer wrinkles.