Doctor Vallecillos utilizes Juvederm very strategically to manage the facial aesthetic. As we know, Juvederm is an injectable gel implant made of hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar that supplies elasticity to the skin. Although naturally produced by the body, its production decreases with age, which can lead to deep wrinkles and folds in the skin. Juvederm plumps and fills loose skin, making the face appear both smoother and firmer.
Juvederm has a specific line of products known as the Hylacross Line, which consists of the Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus fillers. These fillers tend to be water-loving or “hydrophilic”, and thus have very specific uses on the face. Doctor Vallecillos prefers to use Juvederm Ultra Plus on the lips, as it is able to create great lip definition while adding volume as indicated. Other areas where Juvederm Ultra and Ultra may be utilized include the jawline, temples, forehead, naso-labial folds, dorsum of hands, and much more.
During your consultation with Dr. Vallecillos, he will determine if Juvederm is the ideal product for you and your specific needs.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: To prepare for a Juvederm treatment, you should avoid medications containing aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, as well as some herbal supplements for at least one week prior to your appointment. This will help minimize bruising and bleeding at the injection sites. In general, skin allergy testing is not required prior to beginning treatment, though you should be sure to discuss any allergies or history of scarring with Dr. Vallecillos during your consultation.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthetic is generally not needed for Juvederm treatments since the injection solution contains a numbing agent known as lidocaine. However, additional numbing agents or topical anesthetics may be used to further minimize patient discomfort.
- Juvederm: is injected into the treatment area(s) using a very fine needle. Juvederm lifts and fills trouble spots – such as the nasolabial folds running from the nose to the mouth and wrinkles around the mouth – making skin appear smoother and firmer.
Results can usually be seen immediately. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body, it will eventually be metabolized, usually within 6-9 months after treatment. Follow up treatments are therefore necessary to maintain results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for Juvederm?
You should consider Juvederm if you are an adult who suffers from moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
What is the recovery time for Juvederm?
Since Juvederm is a non-surgical injection, recovery time is minimal and generally patients return to their normal routine within the same day. However, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and exposure to sun and heat should be avoided for at least 24 hours following the procedure. Side effects are mild and temporary, usually lasting less than one week, though results can vary and should be discussed with Dr. Vallecillos prior to the use of Juvederm.
Are there risks or side effects with Juvederm?
The most common side effects include swelling, redness, itching, bumps, and firmness at the injection site. However, as with all injection procedures, there is a risk of infection. Hyaluronic acid is biocompatible, which means allergic skin reactions are rare and testing is not required.
How long do the results last?
The results of a Juvederm injection can last up to six months or longer. Since the injection is made up of a naturally occurring complex sugar, the body will absorb it within a 6-9 month period.
You can prolong results by following up with additional treatments shortly after the initial procedure.