Juvéderm® is the subject of many articles on cosmetic medicine and skin rejuvenation but many of us may be confused as to what exactly it is. We want to help by providing a basic overview of the background of Juvéderm®, explaining what it is and some of its most common uses in clear, easily understandable terms. By better understanding Juvéderm® and its applications, you can known if a treatment involving its use is right for you!
What is Juvéderm®?
Juvéderm® is an injectable filler that is used in many cosmetic medical procedures. It’s talked about frequently due to it being one of the newest (and most effective) of the injectable fillers currently on the market. Juvéderm® is mainly composed of hyaluronic acid (which is normally found in any mammals’ skin, tendons and muscles) and provides a number of uses for cosmetic therapy that involves the restoration of skin, removal of wrinkles and plumping of lips or other facial contours. Volume in the skin is increased due to the injection of this product. However, because it is a natural agent, the hyaluronic acid that primarily makes up this product is eventually absorbed by the body after injection. After a period of six to nine months, patients that have undergone a Juvéderm® treatment usually need to return for a repeat injection in order to maintain the effects of the initial procedure. The more treatments you have, the longer the results tend to last. The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Juvéderm® for use in June 2006 and, since then, it has become one of the most popular fillers available for use in treatment plans offered by aesthetic medical practitioners.
What is Juvéderm® Used For?
As mentioned above, Juvéderm® is used primarily for treatments involving the softening of facial wrinkles and folds. One of its main applications is in removing “smile lines” (otherwise known as nasolabial folds) in the faces of patients. Smile lines are skin creases that are naturally caused by aging and found running from the corners of the mouth and into the corners of the nose. Juvéderm® is able to, in most cases, remove or drastically diminish the appearance of these lines. Aside from its use in removing smile lines, Juvéderm® is commonly used for lip augmentation and lip enhancement as well as in skin treatments where scars or hollowed areas (like pockmarks) are filled in. Essentially, Juvéderm® is used if the desired improvement can be achieved by adding volume.