Over time, the skin loses collagen, a protein that keeps skin supple and firm. Smoking, basking in tanning beds and sun exposure are a few factors that can lead to premature aging. This may result in unwanted wrinkles and loss of youthful volume. The team at Integrated Dermatology provides several treatments to rejuvenate the appearance. Patients in Cape Cod and beyond visit our offices in Plymouth and Quincy, where we provide various types of dermal fillers and injectables. One of our treatments is Juvéderm, the most popular dermal filler in dermatology.
ABOUT JUVÉDERM
Juvéderm is made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that has incredible anti-aging properties. It is used to treat the chin, cheeks, lips, temples, and laugh lines. The natural looking results of Juvéderm can last many months.
Treatment is generally comfortable. During the procedure, we inject Juvéderm into the area you wish to have treated. Juvéderm can include an anesthetic called lidocaine to provide additional comfort. Treatment is convenient, which is why we offer Juvéderm as well as other dermal fillers at our practice. A treatment session may last 15 minutes or a little longer; however, you can count on returning to work afterwards.
Juvéderm is the only hyaluronic acid dermal filler approved by the FDA to smooth wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Do you want to explore your candidacy for Juvéderm? If you do, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. Following an examination of the areas you wish to have treated, a plan will be tailored to meet your needs.
JUVÉDERM BENEFITS
For those who want to revitalize facial features like sunken cheeks, deep nasolabial creases, smile lines, and thin, wrinkled lips, Juvéderm is a very beneficial option. The gel is injected by a board-certified dermatologist using an ultra-fine needle, and treatment does not hinder patients from going about their day as usual immediately after receiving injections. There is also little to no discomfort during or after treatment, and side effects like swelling and bruising, while normal, are generally minimal as well.
Juvéderm is known to contain a higher percentage of hyaluronic acid (HA) than many of its competitors. Since H.A. is a natural component of the human body, adverse reactions like allergies are rare and the gel is overwhelmingly safe for patient use. This also gives is a smooth consistency that makes the face look all the more hydrated and youthful.
The particular composition of Juvéderm makes it versatile for skin tones all over the color spectrum, where some other injectables can cause problems for darker skinned patients.
While products like Botox may be better known, dermal fillers work in a way that is more in tune with the body’s natural processes. Unlike Botox, Juvéderm does not paralyze the muscles but instead creates better moisture retention in the skin and lends it a healthy, even glow to replace unattractive wrinkles and sagging. Results remain visible for up to nine months, making the frequency of injections much lower and saving patients both time and money. There are also no animal products used in making Juvéderm gel, as this may be an issue for some people.
SAFETY
As an FDA-approved filler, Juvéderm has a demonstrated history of being very safe for patients, as well as very effective. Dr. Reed, Dr. Broderick, and our board-certified dermatologists both can testify to the security of using such dermal fillers in general, and Juvéderm specifically, to combat problems area on the face without issue because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring element in the dermis, or the second layer of the skin.
That said, there are some cases of allergic reaction to the product; however, these are exceedingly rare. Symptoms may include bruising, soreness, and swelling. This method may also not be recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing, as well as people under the age of 18 or above the age of 65.
Rest assured that the team at Integrated Dermatology are experts in the field. Make sure to request a Juvéderm consultation appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists to discuss any concerns or questions you might have in connection with the Juvéderm treatment.
GOOD CANDIDATES FOR JUVÉDERM
To be a good candidate for this dermal filler, you should be in good physical health and not have any severe allergies or medical issues like neurological disease. If you have any scarring or skin conditions in the areas of the face you wish to treat with Juvéderm, or if the skin of the face is too loose or saggy, treatment with Juvéderm may be likewise inadvisable or even impossible. One of our expert Quincy or Plymouth dermatologists will be able to talk over your specific set of medical circumstances to assess your candidacy potential during an in-person visit.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF JUVÉDERM
Juvéderm comes with four different options depending on which part of the face you wish to beautify. These are: Juvéderm Voluma XC®, which combats the loss of volume occurring in the cheeks as the face ages; Juvéderm XC®, which lifts away wrinkles around the mouth and nose; and Juvéderm Ultra XC® and Juvéderm Volbella® which are injected into the lips for a fuller pout.
FOR CHEEKS – JUVÉDERM VOLUMA XC
When Juvéderm Voluma XC is injected into the cheeks, it has the effect of filling out the region and therefore the patient’s whole face for a younger, less sunken appearance. Cheeks are very susceptible to losing volume with time and can create a gaunt appearance if not filled out. The natural-looking plumpness that Juvéderm affords to hollow cheeks can have an enormous effect on your overall look – and feeling.
FOR SMILE LINES – JUVÉDERM XC AND VOLLURE XC
As we age, the lines around our mouths and running between the outer mouth and the nose can become more and more pronounced. Instead of just not smiling, however, patients favor Juvéderm XC to smooth out these deep nasolabial creases and recapture the firm, wrinkle-free smile of their younger days.
FDA approved Vollure XC has most recently been added to the Juvéderm family. It too addresses nasolabial folds, but does so with advanced Vycross® technology for the perfect balance between low cohesivity and gel firmness. Juvéderm Vollure XC offers subtle, natural looking results for up to 18 months.
FOR LIPS – JUVÉDERM ULTRA XC & JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA
Juvéderm can be more than just a dermal filler for facial wrinkles and sagging. Juvéderm Ultra XC is specifically tailored to plumping up thin lips and creating the full mouth so characteristic of classic beauty.
Juvéderm also just came out with an FDA approved lip enhancing product: Juvéderm Volbella. Juvéderm Volbella is the latest and greatest dermal filler injectable for subtly increasing lip size and creating a beautifully defined lip border. Both products can help smooth out fine lines surrounding the lips as well.
CONSULTATION
Requesting a consultation visit at one of Massachusetts locations is necessary to deduce whether or not the Juvéderm procedure is right for you. An expert dermatologist will meet with you to evaluate your medical history, current health and well-being, and the problem areas you wish to address using this dermal filler.
Bring along any questions or worries you have about the process, medical history, and all information regarding medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking at the moment. You may be asked to change your normal medication routine, including stopping certain drugs altogether, before being injected with Juvéderm. Your dermatologist can also answer any queries about the cost and frequency of injections at this time.
BEFORE TREATMENT
As dermal fillers, in general, tend to be minimally invasive, there is not a whole lot you need to do to prep for the treatment. However, several measures are advised by experts: it is best to avoid blood thinning substances like aspirin, Aleve, Advil, ibuprofen, and even supplements like vitamin E or any multivitamin that contains it. Ensure that there is no damage to the skin or lips (this includes cold sores), depending on which areas are to be injected. Further individualized preparation instructions may be given to you at your Juvéderm consultation in either Quincy or Plymouth.
THE JUVÉDERM PROCEDURE
The procedure is very quick and should be pain-free. Your dermatologist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area before the fine needle goes in, and the process of injecting the gel normally lasts about 15 minutes.
After undergoing Juvéderm treatment patients are welcome to return to their daily routine. Integrated Dermatology’s specialists do however recommend avoiding any taxing physical exertion.
RECOVERY & RESULTS
Some patients experience puffiness or slight bruising around the injection site and areas affected, but this should not be very noticeable. You may be asked to stay away from strenuous movement like exercising for a short period following the procedure, and avoid direct sunlight so as not to damage the tender skin. Any swelling should dissipate within several hours of the appointment.
Juvéderm begins acting to bolster the skin on the face and lips almost immediately, and fuller results should be visible within two weeks.
Patients report seeing a decrease in wrinkle depth, as well as smoother, more vibrant and voluminous skin during this time. It is always prudent (and sometimes essential) to schedule a follow-up appointment here at Integrated Dermatology to make sure no complications are arising and the outcome is to your liking.
PRICING
The cost of your Juvéderm treatment will depend on your specific case and if you opt to receive additional treatments or procedures. Please feel free to schedule a private consultation to receive a quote.
