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How parentheses appear...As you age, your skin changes. For example, it reduces production of a naturally hydrating substance called hyaluronic acid (HA). Over time, the loss of HA in your skin results in facial wrinkles and folds, like those “parentheses” lines around your mouth.JUVEDERM® injectable gel replaces the HA your skin has lost, bringing back its volume and smoothing away facial wrinkles and folds. A breakthrough in HA dermal fillers, JUVEDERM® is the first smooth-consistency HA gel and the only HA filler that’s FDA approved to last up to a year!* |
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Q: What makes JUVEDERM® different?
A: While other HA fillers on the market have a more granular consistency, JUVEDERM® injectable gel is the first smooth-consistency HA gel. This is due to an innovative manufacturing process called HYLACROSS® technology. HYLACROSS® gives JUVEDERM® its unique smooth-gel properties as well as an optimal gel structure that holds up over time. That’s why JUVEDERM® injectable gel is the only HA filler that’s FDA approved to last up to 1 year.
Q: How do I choose between Restylane® vs JUVEDERM®?
A: This all depends on the person, location, personal preference, and provider's experience with the product. Restylane® and JUVEDERM® both contain hyluronic acid and are used to soften lines and wrinkles and are used to restore volume. Even though, Restylane® and JUVEDERM® have many similar properties, they are very different. I have some patients who love one or the other. Some say there is a better "look" to one product over the other which is something that person will know only after they have tried both.
Now, JUVEDERM® is definitely smoother. Once JUVEDERM® is injected into the skin, you don't feel it. So for the lips and the nasolabial folds, these are great areas to do JUVEDERM®. If you are person who doesn't want to “feel” the product, JUVEDERM® probably will be the better choice.
Some patients like the feel of the product because they feel better knowing that they have the product and it is doing something in that desired area. For underneath the eyes, I prefer to use Restylane® because as the injector I feel I have more control of where the product goes. Also, I feel the granular consistency in Restylane® gives a better correction.
Longevity is also an issue. Restylane® around the nasolabial areas last 4-6 months. For JUVEDERM®, it could be the same or it can last longer. JUVEDERM® uses hylacross technology which provides more cross linking between the different hylaronic acid molecules whereby it requires more time for the body to degrade it. Some of my patients feel it can last 9-12 months. This is certainly a determining factor for a lot of patients.
The JUVEDERM® representatives say that injected JUVEDERM® is less painful. I am not sure if I could say that yet.
Cost could be an issue. JUVEDERM® is slightly more expensive. Restylane® does have a rewards program which gives cash back with every treatment and eventually a free syringe which is always nice. JUVEDERM® does not have rewards program.
Another difference is that the JUVEDERM® syringe has 0.2 cc less per syringe than Restylane®. Whether that makes a difference in correction requiring more syringes is still open for debate. This could theoretically require more syringes which will increase the total cost.
Q: What should patients do prior to treatment?
A: JUVEDERM® requires no pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, St. John's wort, omega 3’s, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence. You should notify your injector prior to having your injection so that you can get started on prophylactic antibiotics.
Q: Is JUVEDERM® safe?
A: Yes. JUVEDERM® is composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. JUVEDERM® is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary injection-site redness, swelling, pain/tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, and bruising. These effects typically resolve in less than seven days.
Q: What are the Precautions of JUVEDERM®?
• The safety of JUVEDERM® for use during pregnancy, in breastfeeding females or in patients under 18 years has not been established.
• JUVEDERM® injectable gel should not be used in patients with a history of allergies to Grampositive bacterial proteins.
• The safety of JUVEDERM® in patients with increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring has not been studied. JUVEDERM® should not be used in patients with known susceptibility to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring.
• The patient should be informed that he or she should minimize exposure of the treated area to excessive sun and UV lamp exposure and extreme cold weather until any initial swelling and redness has resolved.
• If laser treatment, chemical peeling or any other procedure based on active dermal response is considered after treatment with JUVEDERM® there is a possible risk of eliciting an inflammatory reaction at the implant site. This also applies if JUVEDERM® is administered before the skin has healed completely after such a procedure.
• The safety and effectiveness of JUVEDERM® injectable gel for the treatment of areas other than facial wrinkles and folds (such as lips) have not been established in controlled clinical studies.
Q: How long does JUVEDERM® last?
A: JUVEDERM® is proven to deliver long-lasting results. It has been FDA approved to last up to 1 year.
Q: How often should I have JUVEDERM® treatments done?
A: Treatments are typically scheduled at 6 months to 12 months intervals depending on the treated area. Dr. Tang will discuss the appropriate follow-up treatments during your visit.
Q: Will I have any scars from the injections?
A: No.
Q: Will I be able to go back to work after the JUVEDERM® injections?
A: Most of the time patients are able to go back to work the same day or the next day. All patients will have some redness and swelling immediately following the procedure which usually last 1-3 days. The redness and swelling are easily covered with makeup. Some patients will have some bruising which may last several days to 1 week. Some areas tend to bruise easier ie around the eyes. However, there is no absolute way of predicting who will bruise beforehand. There are several ways to help lessen bruising including icing, arnica, and avoiding medications such as Aspirin, anti-inflammatories, Vitamin E, and omega 3’s prior to the procedure. For more details, Dr. Tang will discuss all available methods to minimizing any potential bruising prior to the procedure.
Q: Do the injections hurt?
A: JUVEDERM® is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient, and the results are practically instantaneous. Some areas are more sensitive ie lips. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, we anesthesize the area prior with a topical anesthetic and often will use dental blocks (similar to what dentists use). Medications prior to the treatment are not necessary.
Q: Can JUVEDERM® be combined with lasers?
A: Yes. JUVEDERM® can be combined with different types of lasers including laser resurfacing, IPL photofacials, and tightening lasers. Dr. Tang or his staff will discuss which types of treatments will provide the most optimal results.
Q: How much do JUVEDERM® treatments cost?
A: JUVEDERM® is a customized procedure based on your specific needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient. In general, the cost of JUVEDERM® will be depend on the number of syringes used. Dr. Tang or his staff will be able to give you an estimate prior to the procedure at no extra charge.
Q: How is JUVEDERM® different from Botox®?
A: JUVEDERM® is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, Botox is a compound that blocks nerve transmission which relaxes the underlying muscles. They are used for different indications and because of this, they can be combined to enhance each other effects.
Q: How is JUVEDERM® different from bovine collagen?
A: Bovine collagen is derived from animals (cow) and requires an allergy test. JUVEDERM® can be administered without pretesting, so no waiting is required. With JUVEDERM® there is no risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.
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Lip Augmentation Procedure with Dr. Hall
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Note: The above pictures demonstrate actual patients results. However, individual results may vary and these results may not occur with all patients. |