Juvederm
As people age, their bodies naturally undergo certain changes. One of the most apparent of these changes is the development of wrinkles in the face and loss of volume. Juvéderm is a long-lasting injectable filler that can correct these minor imperfections and restore a youthful appearance for patients in the Brooklyn and Staten Island areas, as well as throughout New York and New Jersey.
What is Juvéderm?
The primary component in Juvéderm is hyaluronic acid (HA). This is a naturally-occurring substance found in skin, tendons and muscles. There are several varieties of Juvéderm that are made from modified forms of HA. Juvéderm was approved by the FDA in 2006.
How does Juvéderm work?
Hyaluronic acid plays a key role in retaining skin’s hydration and volume, and it can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which allows it to add more volume to the skin. It also binds with collagen, a protein found in the skin which gives it its shape, for improved results.
What can Juvéderm be used to correct?
Juvéderm can be used to correct a variety of imperfections, including:
- “Parentheses” lines – Also called laugh lines or smile lines, these are the lines that form along the nasolabial fold, which begins at the nose and extends to the corners of the mouth. Juvéderm can fill in these lines, which tend to deepen over time.
- Loss of cheek volume – Another sign of aging is sagging or flattened cheeks. Juvéderm can lift and contour the cheek area for long-lasting results.
- Loss of lip volume – Whether a patient has naturally thin lips or they have lost volume due to aging, Juvéderm can add fullness to the lips and reduce lines.
- Scarring – Juvéderm can also be used to reduce the appearance of facial scars, such as those caused by acne.
Who is a good candidate for Juvéderm?
Most adults are good candidates for Juvéderm. Since it is made from a naturally-occurring substance in the body, there is no need for an allergy test. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be advised to wait to have the procedure done.
Dr. Biagio Pacifico, a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, will discuss any specific concerns with the patient prior to treatment, as well as the type of results that they can expect.
What is the procedure?
The procedure is very simple and can be completed in a short office visit, typically lasting less than thirty minutes.
First, the doctor will use a local anesthetic on the area of the face that will be treated. This is done to reduce any discomfort. Next, he will inject a sterile syringe of the Juvéderm filler in the designated areas to achieve the desired level of correction. The patient can leave shortly after the procedure and continue their normal routine with minimal downtime.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects of Juvéderm injections are typically very mild. Some patients experience redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising near the injection site. These effects should resolve in less than a week.
New York and New Jersey residents who long to restore a youthful look to their face are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Pacifico Plastic Surgery at our Brooklyn, Staten Island and New Jersey offices today.
