Aging affects the entire body, but our facial skin is the place where its effects are most noticeable. Although genetics, proper skin care and sun protection can help, there may come a day when you’re ready to do something a little different. Dermal fillers like Juvederm® from Dr. Charles Dietzek of the Vein and Vascular Institute of New Jersey may be the answer to the problem.
How Skin Ages
Although “middle-aged spread” is a cliché to describe the weight gain that often occurs as people age, our faces actually lose fat. Subcutaneous (under the skin) fat is what gives skin the plump, smooth look of youth. As the fat disappears, the muscles under the skin are closer to the skin surface. In addition, the skin stretches and becomes less resilient, which leads to wrinkles and facial lines like crows feet or smile lines.
All About Dermal Fillers
Treatment for facial wrinkles and lines includes substances called dermal fillers. Dermal means skin, and the term fillers hints at the action of increasing volume under the skin to replace lost subcutaneous fat. Dermal fillers like Juvederm® can help plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and diminish wrinkles. They may also help improve the appearance of scars. They can be used alone or in combination with other procedures like a face lift.
What is Juvederm®?
Juvederm® is an FDA-approved injectable gel used to treat facial thinning, lines and wrinkles. The gel is injected in multiple places under the skin. It contains lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic meant to relieve any discomfort from the procedure. The gel contains a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is normally found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the tissues and adds volume, smoothing lines and wrinkles. Although long-lasting, it is not permanent, and repeated treatments may be necessary.
Juvederm® Treatment
You can receive a Juvederm® treatment in a physician’s office. After carefully cleaning the skin surface, the doctor will inject the gel under the skin using a tiny needle. The procedure can take as little as 15 minutes and you don’t need to take off work or curtail social activities. Side effects like bruising, swelling or tenderness are usually minimal and last less than two weeks. Allergic reactions, although uncommon, may also occur. A treatment usually lasts about six to nine months and may last as long as one year.
Dr. Charles Dietzek of the Vein and Vascular Institute of New Jersey is your resource for Juvederm® as well as other cosmetic procedures. Trained in vascular surgery, he has expanded into cosmetic and esthetic procedures and also specializes in wound healing and minimally-invasive vascular treatments. Contact us today to discuss treatment with Juvederm® or other procedures to help your skin look younger. We offer free skin consultations and many other restorative cosmetic treatments to improve your appearance.