Juvederm is an injectable medication that is used to restore volume loss.
Juvederm is made from synthetically produced hyaluronic acids (HA) that mimic the natural hyaluronic acids found in almost all living cells.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar that the body uses as one of the building blocks for cells. When not used as a building material for cells, HA binds to water and creates a gelatin-like substance that is perfect for filling volume loss in the face.
HA was first discovered in 1934 by Dr. Endre Balazs. Through decades of research, Dr. Balazs discovered that HA helped diminish pain caused by arthritis. It was first used as a serum injected into the arthritic knees of racehorses. After using the substance safely on horses, he then had it manufactured as a lubricant for the arthritic knees in humans. Today, you will find it being injected to cushion the joints under the trade names Orthovisc and Synvisc.
There have been thousands of studies and clinical trials using hyaluronic acids. Although all medications carry risk, the extensive research conducted over the past 70 years has confirmed that the long-term risks with HA are minimal.
At Simply Injectables Denver, we choose to use hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm, because they are safe and the results are consistent. Also, on the unlikely chance, a patient is unhappy with his or her results, an enzyme is available to break down the hyaluronic acids.
Juvederm is an injectable medication containing hyaluronic acid that is used to restore volume to the face.
The body gradually breaks down Juvederm over a period of 9 to 12 months.
Juvederm is manufactured and produced by Allergan, Inc. We purchase all of our Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma in Denver directly through Allergan.
Juvederm ranges from $600 to $ 800 dollars
Absolutely not. Juvederm slowly breaks down over a period of a year. Once its effects have worn off, you will return to baseline and will have prevented the aging process during that timeframe.
While it is true that if you want to maintain your best look the product should be repeated yearly, nothing you do with Juvederm will make the aging process worse.
After your consultation, injections usually take less than 15 to 20 minutes.
While no downtime is required, you should allow for the possibility of mild bruising and swelling following your injection.
Some results of your treatment will be immediate. You may also see some minor swelling and bruising. Juvederm is hydrophilic (it loves water). For this reason, you’ll see the full results in 2 weeks.
For the best results, start with one syringe per area.
Since additional syringes are discounted within 1 month of the first syringe, you will be able to utilize more material for a better result once you see the full effects of the first syringe 2 weeks after your initial injection.
The larger amount of product you give us to work with, the better result we can give to you. That being said, our goal is never to overdo an area. We want to give you a natural-looking result that is uniform in nature.
Genetics play a key role in determining the amount of volume loss in each area of the face. Your evaluation will be customized based on the volume loss observed by your practitioner.
Most people lose volume in five main areas of the face: the temples, cheeks, nasal label fold (NLF), marionette, and jawline. The lips also lose volume as we age and should be considered part of the NLF and marionette.
Bruising is the most common side effect of any injectable procedure. It can happen at any time. Even if it has not happened in the past, this does not mean it may not happen at some point. The reality is, when you stick needles in the face, you can bruise!
To minimize bruising as a side effect, decrease blood thinners prior to your injection. Our Denver Juvederm patients should avoid fish oil, flax seed oil, multivitamins, NSAIDs (including Ibuprofen), and alcohol at least 3 days before injections.
You should consult with your physician about stopping aspirin, Coumadin, or other blood-thinning medications. These medications increase the risks of bruising and should be stopped about 7 days before your injections, if possible.
Most patients receive injections with very little discomfort. While pain varies from patient to patient, we use a light hand and a gentle approach. We will never rush you and your injections. We have topical numbing cream and are trained to give dental blocks to those rare patients who require additional relief prior to injections.
Like all medications, there are risks and side effects with Juvederm, but since Juvederm is made from natural sugars that are already present in your body, reactions are rare.
Most of the side effects are caused by the injections themselves, not the Juvederm.
After receiving your injections, expect minor swelling, small visible needle insertion points, and possible bruising. These are all short lived and many patients walk out of the office going about their normal day.
The more rare side effects are listed on Allergan’s website. Feel free to ask any questions you may have during your consultation. We are here to make you feel comfortable.
At Simply Injectables Denver, we are always available for questions and follow up after your injections; however, waiting 2 weeks to see the end result is preferred before deciding if you need more treatment.
Although extremely rare, follow up immediately if you develop intense pain, draining, or extreme heat at an injection site. These could be signs of an infection or adverse reaction to the filler itself.
While most patients love the results, those who do not most likely have not used enough product. If the results are not what you desire, Juvederm can be removed by injecting an enzyme to break it down.
Avoid drinking alcohol and engaging in activities that cause vasodilation (enlargement of blood vessels), such as excessive heat, direct sunlight, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours. All of these things have the ability to cause additional bruising.
If you develop swelling and bruising, use a cool compress on the skin. Avoid direct skin contact with ice because it can cause burns.
Any lumps, bumps, or small needle marks should subside within a few hours. It is OK to cover the areas with makeup if needed.
Arnica Montana and fresh pineapple, which contains Bromelain, are over-the-counter remedies that aid in the breakdown of red blood cells (bruising). These products may shorten the duration of bruises.
Juvederm binds to water to plump up areas. While it is important to stay hydrated during the day, drinking excessive amounts of water is not going to help your Juvederm.
Most patients have little difficulty with these injections and walk out of the office that day with minor swelling and bruising. However, the lips are a sensitive area. Juvederm does contain lidocaine, a numbing agent, but additional pain management is available if desired. At Simply Injectables, we always provide numbing cream and can even give a full dental block before injecting the Juvederm. For most patients, however, these extra tools are unnecessary. And, with extra injections comes the potential for more bruising and swelling.
Please keep in mind that the lips are very vascular. This makes them one of the more susceptible areas to bruising. Allow at least a 4-day window for recovery. During these 4 days, you should expect bruising, swelling, and things to look out of proportion as the Juvederm settles.
In a low percentage of patients, pressure from a bruise can cause movement of the Juvederm and create unevenness. This is typically mild and noticed more by the patient than the people around him or her. If this occurs for you, you may need correction, but should wait about a week until swelling resolves.
Simply Injectables charges $11 per unit for all new patients.
It is always best to have a consultation with a provider to get the most appropriate cost estimate. Consultations are free. If you are a new patient who has never done Botox, expect to pay at least $160 to $228 for your first visit.
For 4 hours after receiving your injections, DO NOT:
• Lay down
• Work out
• Wear constrictive head gear, such as hats, headbands, etc.
For 24 hours after receiving your injections, DO NOT:
• Drink alcohol
• Take blood thinners (unless otherwise prescribed by your physician)
To reduce your chances of bruising, you should minimize agents that thin the blood 3 days before your treatment. Blood-thinning agents include fish oil, flax seed oil, multivitamins, aspirin, NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen), and alcohol.
Arnica Montana and a chemical in pineapples called bromelain help some patients reduce the chances of bruising and shorten the duration of a bruise. If you are one of those unlucky patients who receives a bruise no matter what you do, please try this holistic approach.
Only if you tell them or want a more “frozen” look.
We approach Botox from the standpoint that it looks best when it is natural. Throughout many years of practice, we have mastered the balance of how much is too much and what is necessary for the natural looking youthfulness we all desire.
Not much. Botox begins to work in 3 days, and full effects can be seen after 2 weeks.
If you did not reduce blood thinners before your visit, you may experience some minor bruising the day after your appointment.
Botox is administered safely at all age ranges, however you don’t really need it before you have wrinkles to hide.
Many of our patients have been using Botox for more than 20 years without any side effects.
This is very unlikely to happen. Throughout all of our experience and thousands of injections, we have only had one patient complain of this sensation. This patient reported that the sensation only lasted a couple of days while the Botox was kicking in, and then it resolved.
You should follow up in 2 weeks. Follow up is important to make sure your provider has delivered the best result for your face.
We can always alter and change the look of things by adding a couple of extra units here or there.
The maximum effects of Botox usually wear off 4 months after your injections, at which time you can expect to return to baseline.
Some patients may experience asymmetry after receiving injections initially, but this usually resolves in 2 weeks when the Botox settles.
Just like one arm can be bigger than the other because it is used more frequently, the muscles on one side of the face are often more dominant than the muscles on the other side of the face. Because of this, some patients require additional units on one side.
No, everything will eventually return to baseline. Botox will have prevented the aging process during the time you had it. You may even have residual smoothness and reduction of wrinkles after it has completely worn off.
All three of these will give you a good result. Through our experiences in Denver, Botox Cosmetic is superior to other products on the market. It has been around the longest and has the most research surrounding its use.
If you would like to try one of the other types, please don’t hesitate to ask so we can order the product for you.
Dysport is made by Galderma. It is similar to Botox Cosmetic, but it is slightly different chemically. Much like Botox Cosmetic, Dysport prevents the release of acetylcholine, which prevents the muscles from contracting and thus lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Brilliant Distinctions is a program through Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer of Botox Cosmetic. It helps reduce costs by providing coupons toward your future visits. It is completely free to sign up, so if you are not a member yet, take advantage.
Yes, we honor Brilliant Distinctions. Brilliant Distinctions is a program that issues coupons for future visits based on the services you have been provided.
Each syringe of Juvederm you use will be equal to 200 points, which translates to $20 off your next visit. This adds up over time and essentially becomes free money for patients. If you are not a member yet, please take advantage and sign up here.