A Closer Look at Juvederm

Last week on the Faceliftnet.com blog we took a look at dermal filler Restylane, and how well it works to provide what is known in the industry as a ‘liquid facelift’. This week, we’re looking at Juvederm, which is a similar product (also a dermal filler administered by injection, containing hyaluronic acid), but with a few fundamental differences.

Both Juvederm and Restylane are made up almost entirely of hyaluronic acid; a compound found within skin. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are substances within our skin that make it firm and youthful, so when our collagen reserves recede as we age, our skin becomes saggy and wrinkled. Injecting Juvederm into the subdermal layers of the skin will restore that youthful look, but only temporarily, for up to 9 months. After that time Juvederm is absorbed into the body harmlessly, so in that way it’s entirely natural and  safe to use. You can, however, opt for Juvederm Ultra Plus, which essentially just lasts longer in clinical trials and isn’t absorbed until 12 months later.

It’s mostly used to fill hollows in the face, nasolabial folds, and to plump the lips, and these individuals can usually expect to use one-two syringes. Most first-timers opt for normal Juvederm, to see what the short term results will be like. They often then move on to Juvederm Ultra Plus and some then choose to undergo fat grafting, which is a more long-lasting option. (Find out more about Multi-level fat grafting on the Faceliftnet.com page: http://www.faceliftnet.com/multi_level_fat_grafting.html).

One of the main advantages to Juvederm (and other hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane), is that there is an ‘antidote’ (hyaluronidase) to the effects it brings. So, if you have a treatment and are not happy with the result, or you find your facial expressions are hindered, you can have another injection of hyaluronidase that essentially ‘dissolves’ the acid substance, and your original skin is restored.

Overall we feel that Juvederm and Restylane are much the same product, but which one you opt for should be a subject to discuss with your physician. They will be able to decide which will perform better with your skin type, and also which they feel more comfortable working with. For instance, Juvederm works better for the lips, whereas Restylane tends to produce slightly more dramatic effects that work better for under eyes. Take a look around our site, and our Liquid Facelift pages to see which options you could choose from.