Juvederm®
Atlanta, Georgia
If you have noticed that your face is developing creases, such as those between the nose and mouth called marionette lines, Juvederm® can help. Juvederm is a facial filler that adds volume to your face, plumping it up and smoothing out lines and creases. Results are immediate and most people are highly pleased with their new and more youthful appearance.
How Juvederm Works
Juvederm is placed in the skin’s middle layer, the dermis, with a very thin needle. The dermis is the layer that holds many structures such as hair follicles, oil glands, blood vessels, nerves, and the small muscles that create goosebumps. It also has a matrix of collagen and elastin fibers that provides skin support, creating a smooth surface.
As we age, the body produces less collagen. With less matrix support, the skin starts to sag. There are other factors that contribute to wrinkles such as sun damage, dry skin, and repeated facial expressions. But Juvederm can have an excellent smoothing effect because it is based on hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid attracts water. It binds to water molecules and holds the water in that location, and this creates more volume beneath the skin surface. The human body naturally has hyaluronic acid in connective tissue such as collagen, nerve tissue and the skin. A person weighing about 150 pounds has about half an ounce of it.
You can choose from two forms of Juvederm:
Juvederm® Ultra -- for recontouring and plumping facial folds and wrinkles; and
Juvederm® Ultra Plus – a stronger formulation for smoothing deeper folds and wrinkles.
Dr. Kim will examine your skin and help you choose the most appropriate type of Juvederm.
The Juvederm Procedure
Anesthesia is not required, but Dr. Kim will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area, if you would prefer that. He will gently inject the Juvederm beneath the skin surface and then massage those areas to help the Juvederm spread evenly. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
For a day or so afterwards you should avoid vigorous exercise, alcohol consumption, and excessive sun exposure. This will help reduce the temporary swelling, redness and itching. You can also use an ice pack to further reduce them.
Juvederm Results
Results are instant. Juvederm is the type of cosmetic treatment often called a “lunchtime” treatment because you can immediately return to your normal activities. One treatment is usually enough to give you excellent smoothing, and the results can last as long as 12 months. You can have periodic touch-up treatments to maintain the results.
Juvederm was approved by the FDA in 2006 for treating facial folds and wrinkles. It is made by Allergan, Inc., the same company that makes BOTOX® Cosmetic.
If you would like to have a personal consultation with Dr. Kim and learn more about Juvederm, please call or email us today. Our facial plastic surgery office serves the entire Atlanta, Georgia area.
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