Juvederm is one of the most versatile medical products in the world of noninvasive cosmetic enhancement. It has been FDA-approved since 2006 for the alleviation and removal of nasolabial folds (the “smile lines” that tend to appear between the nose and mouth corners of people “of a certain age”). Effective off-label uses of Juvederm include the plumping of cheeks and the reshaping of noses through nonsurgical rhinoplasty. In general, Juvederm can revitalize the appearance of the entire face by treating areas that surround the lips, the nose, and the jawline.
How Juvederm Works
Using an extremely fine needle, medical professionals administer Juvederm through a series of localized injections. The active ingredient in these injections is hyaluronic acid. Because hyaluronic acid binds chemically with water, it instantly interacts with cellular fluids to revitalize living tissue.
A substance that occurs naturally in human skin, hyaluronic acid dissipates over time, leaving skin with less elasticity and increasing the prevalence of creases and lines. When injected under the skin, hyaluronic acid formulations such as Juvederm augment existing hyaluronic acid levels to restore skin’s youthful vigor and correct existing wrinkles. Over time, the popularity of hyaluronic acid cosmetic treatments has increased significantly, particularly when compared to older and more medically problematic injectable such as botulinum toxin and bovine/human collagen.
Different Juvederm Formulations for Different Purposes
In order to better address a broader spectrum of aesthetic issues, Juvederm’s parent company Lea Derm obtained FDA approval for two different product formulations at the same time. Each of these injectable gels has unique attributes to fulfill specific purposes.
Juvederm Ultra is comprised of small particles that may be less powerful than those of its sister formulation but offer excellent treatment for fine facial lines and less severe folds and creases. The benefits of Juvederm Ultra include an ultra-fine feel that promotes exceptional skin softness and pliability.
Employing particles of larger size, Juvederm Ultra Plus is not as soft as Juvederm Ultra, but is essential for the correction of severe facial wrinkles, deep furrows, and sunken cheeks. Its thicker formulation also lasts longer than Juvederm Ultra, providing results for as long as nine to twelve months (compared with the six to nine months of effective benefits that are associated with Juvederm Ultra).
Both Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus also come in XC formulations, which contain 0.3 percent lidocaine that instantly numbs the treatment area within seconds of injection.
Is Juvederm Right for You?
Although its versatility makes it stand out in a cluttered dermal filler marketplace, Juvederm isn’t ideal for all cosmetic and medical issues. Find out if it’s right for you. Get more information about the scientific properties of Juvederm and the differences between Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus by contacting Dr. Charles Dietzek and the rest of the professionals at New Jersey’s Vein & Vascular Institute.