What is Juvederm?
Juvederm is a type of hyaluronic acid dermal filler injected to offer skin improvements for those who have wrinkles or other types of age signs. These corrections last roughly six months to two full years. Patients also often seek this procedure for lip enlargement purposes.
Juvederm products are different than your general gel products because they are smooth and do not have that sandy consistency that can hurt people with sensitive skin. These products are developed using a unique process that allows for a more consistent and flexible gel.
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that is naturally produced inside the body. It acts as a cushioning agent by suppressing water at the site of the injection. This effect creates a smoother appearance of the skin, which in turn creates temporary volume. To achieve sufficiently desirable results, most patients need more than one treatment.
Preparing for Juvederm
If you are planning on getting a Juvederm treatment, always speak to a medical doctor about your goals and expectations. This procedure is minimally invasive and typically does not require any preparation. You can even get it done the same day you go in for a consultation.
Some simple directions you can follow before seeking consultation or treatment include avoiding medications like aspirin or ibuprofen. For Juvederm and most cosmetic procedures in general, you will want to avoid alcohol in the weeks before getting anything done. Smoking is also discouraged, as avoiding these types of substances can provide a better healing process and prevent excessive bleeding or bruising.
If you suffer from any health issues, like allergies or you need to take some medication and ensure your doctor is aware of this before beginning the procedure.
How Does Juvederm Work?
The reason Juvederm is so popular is that the procedure is quick, simple, and minimally invasive. The process is straightforward and done by having a doctor strategically inject the hyaluronic acid in the face, which in turn adds extra volume. This acid is naturally found in the body and is exists to stimulate the production of collagen, making the skin look plump, smooth, and ultimately younger.
The older you get, the less hyaluronic acid and collagen you produce. Because of this, the skin begins to wrinkle and sag, increasing the appearance of an older dermis.
While getting treatment, your medical doctor or assistant will use a pen to mark which areas of the body will be managed. Your doctor will inject Juvederm into this specific area. Afterward, they will rub the area lightly to even out its distribution and reduce further swelling or bruising.
The complete procedure can take between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the area or areas being treated.
Because Juvederm injections include some lidocaine, an anesthetic that reduces pain, the discomfort you will feel while getting treated should be minimal and go away quickly.
What to Expect After Juvederm Injections
One of the benefits of getting Juvederm injections is that recovery time is very short.
Doctors usually recommend light physical activity, little to no sun exposure or makeup, and no alcohol for at least 14 hours after treatment.
Most patients see full effects right after getting the procedure or when the swelling begins to go down. Results should last from six months to two years, and this depends on how many sessions you got or which type of injection was used.