Juvéderm

Juvéderm is the latest dermal filler being introduced by Allergan, Inc. to help reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds, fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and to create fuller lips. This innovative smooth gel is a non-animal derived hyaluronic acid dermal filler that offers patients a natural look and feel with long lasting results for up to six months and possibly longer. Juvéderm's longevity and smoothness can be attributed to the high concentration of hyaluronic acid and its special formulation process. Juvederm has the highest concentration of cross linked hyaluronic acid of any dermal filler currently available in the US market. Juvederm differs from other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers because of its smooth consistency. Juvéderm's smooth gel is positioned into the skin and creates a smooth natural appearance.
Juvederm was approved by the FDA in 2006 and is the first such hyaluronic acid general dermal filler that is FDA approved to last up to one year. Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar found in all living organisms, including men and women, that retains water. It absorbs more than its weight and can add volume to the skin's surface. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in numerous areas of the body such as the maintenance of skin volume and hydration, eye volume and shape and joint lubrication and cushioning. Hyaluronic acid will bind with elastin and collagen to transport essential nutrients. The combination of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid provides structure, elasticity and volume to the skin.
The skin cells age and are exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays, this causes them to diminish their ability to make hyaluronic acid. This is what causes skin to lose volume causing facial wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers crossed linked with hyaluronic acid are used to help temporarily replace lost hyaluronic acid and restore the skin's volume and smooth appearance.
Juvederm is administered as an in office procedure. The difference is noticeable immediately. Either a topical anesthetic for an injectable anesthetic is used prior to the procedure. The gel is then administered using a very fine needle.
The most commonly reported side effects are temporary injection site redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps, and bruising. Laser treatments, chemical peels or any other active dermal procedure done after Juvéderm may cause inflammation around the injection site.
Patients should notify Dr. Garramone and his staff, if they are on any medication that may prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen or Vitamin E. This may cause increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site. As with all injection procedures, there is a risk of infection. The safety of Juvéderm injectable gel in patients with a history of excessive scarring and pigmentation disorders has not been studied.
Juvéderm injectable gel should not be used if a patient with a history of anaphylaxis or multiple severe allergies. Juvéderm should not be used with patients who have allergies to gram positive bacterial proteins. The effectiveness of Juvéderm, as with all other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, for the treatment of areas other than facial wrinkles and folds has not been established in controlled clinical studies. This text does not contain all the information known about these products. For more information, please consult www.juvederm.com .