Juvedérm® Injections
Non-surgical Facial Wrinkle and Deep Fold Treatment in the San Diego Area
Dr. Melanie Palm is a Juvederm® injections expert with offices in Solana Beach, CA just north of San Diego.
What is Juvedérm®
Juvedérm® is a gel-based filler composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural constituent of the dermis, the second layer of skin. Naturally occurring hyaluronic acid lends structure, firmness, and volume to the skin. Although abundant in youth, the passage of time and exposure to environmental factors such as ultraviolet light exposure decreases the presence of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Hyaluronic acid attracts water to the area of placement, “plumping” the treated areas and decreasing the presence of facial lines, wrinkles, and folds.
How Long Does Juvedérm® Last?
Hyaluronic acids such as Juvedérm® have now become the gold standard of fillers, meaning they set the bar for which new fillers must be compared in the FDA approval process. Juvedérm® lasts for approximately 6 to 12 months. The product undergoes isovolumic degradation, meaning that as Juvedérm® is broken down in the skin, the hyaluronic acid particles attract more water, allowing consistent wrinkle correction over the life of the filler.
Safety and Side Effects of Juvederm®
There is very little potential for reaction to hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvedérm® unlike earlier generation, more reactive fillers such as collagen. Mild swelling and bruising are the most likely side effects following injection. These side effects can be minimized with proper injection technique.
Where Can Juvedérm® Be Used?
A myriad of facial regions may benefit from tissue augmentation with Juvedérm®. The nasolabial folds, marionette lines, perioral area (around the mouth), cheeks, and temples can be treated with Juvedérm®. Juvedérm® and other hyaluronic acids can be used alone or in conjunction with other injectables to create a liquid facelift (Volumalift).
Small amounts of Juvedérm® can be added to the angry 11s (glabellar region) in conjunction with Botox® or Dysport® to soften wrinkles between the eyebrows. Small amounts of Juvedérm® can be used to accent the brow bone, augment the chin, or even treat traumatic and acne scarring. Juvedérm® can be injected into the earlobe to plump the skin, allowing stud earrings to sit in a proper position on the ear. Small irregularities in the nose can be addressed with hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvedérm®, allowing a liquid rhinoplasty (nose job).
Lip Augmentation with Juvedérm®
Due to the smooth nature of the hyaluronic acid gel, Juvedérm® is ideal as a filler for volumizing the lips. Lip volume and size can be addressed, the lip border augmented, vertical lip lines improved, the corners of the mouth turned upward, and the parentheses about the mouth improved. Accentuation of the lips creates a pleasing facial balance, and lipstick can be applied without lipstick bleeding. Proper and careful placement of Juvedérm® in the lips is crucial to create a youthful, slightly pouty lip with good definition. Poor appreciation for individuals’ distinct lip shape and improper filler placement results in “duck lips,” an unnatural look avoided by experienced physician injectors.
Volume Enhancement in female
Applied to Nose
Do Juvedérm® Injections Hurt?
Unlike some other filler choices, hyaluronic acid fillers are now available pre-mixed with local anesthetic, increasing comfort during injection. Juvedérm® XC incorporates lidocaine within the gel. Ice packs, local numbing cream, and nerve blocks when necessary are all available to patients to increase their ease and comfort during the injectable procedure. An additional added benefit of hyaluronic acid fillers is their “anecdote” in case of overcorrection. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvedérm®, Restylane®, Perlane®) within a matter of hours following placement.
If you are looking for a non-surgical alternative for getting rid of facial folds and wrinkles in the San Diego area, call Dr. Melanie Palm at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule your appointment.
