ACNE | Juvederm Ultra™

WHAT IS Juvederm Ultra™?

Dermal fillers are a group of non-toxic substances that are injected under the skin at various depths to smooth out fine lines, deep wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and acne scars, volumize and define lips, contour the chin and nose, or plump up sunken cheeks or temples for a full, lifted appearance.

Juvederm Ultra is the softest dermal filler in the Juvederm family and is primarily used to treat medium-depth wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth) and marionette lines (the lines from the corners of your mouth down toward your jawline), smooth out depressed scars, and enhance lips. It may also be used as a hand rejuvenation treatment.  Juvederm Ultra XC is the exact same formula, but contains lidocaine, an anesthetic, to make the injection more comfortable.

Juvederm Ultra is made with a hyaluronic acid gel. “Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that’s found naturally in your skin and makes your joint spaces feel slippery. Its function is to absorb water, deliver nutrients, and act as a cushioning agent. So when you inject it into your skin, it acts like a sponge and expands to fill in wrinkles and folds and support sunken areas,” explains Dr. Debra Wattenberg, who specializes in cosmetic dermatology in her New York City boutique clinic, SkincareRX, and is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. The extra water brought to the skin’s surface also imparts a fresh, glowing radiance and a soft, supple skin texture. These injections induce a robust production of collagen, which helps to further firm and plump your skin and reduce wrinkles over time.

There are various brands of fillers comparable to Juvederm Ultra, and they all have slightly different compounds and consistencies and are designed to be injected at various depths within your skin. It’s really up to your cosmetic doctor to choose which ones are best to address your issues, but in general Juvederm Ultra is thicker than Boletero, pretty equivalent to Restalyne, and thinner than Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane. It’s meant to be injected into your dermis layer to correct medium-depth wrinkles and folds. In many cases, a combination of two or more dermal filler brands applied to different areas will be most effective for optimal facial rejuvenation.

A few words of caution: “If a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler gets inadvertently injected into a blood vessel, it can cause some significant side effects such as skin breakdown, ulceration, or necrosis of the skin. Thankfully, a quick injection of hyaluronidase, an enzyme, can immediately reverse those negative effects,” explains Dr. Wattenberg. It’s important you go to a qualified cosmetic doctor who can quickly diagnose this type of situation and administer the antidote. Browse The Book for the best experts in your city. Improper injections can also result in an infection.

WHO IS Juvederm Ultra™ FOR?

Juvederm Ultra treatments show results on all skin types and skin colors, but are ideal for those seeking to smooth medium-depth wrinkles and folds on the hands or face, and plump areas with minor skin depression or fat loss. Juvederm Ultra offers subtle results, so those wishing to fill deep-set wrinkles or folds  should consider more vigorous treatments, like Juvederm Ultra Plus or Perlane.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use dermal fillers. Anyone who has recently used blood thinners or has a bleeding disorder should also avoid dermal fillers. You should be cautious if you’ve had previous bad allergic reactions that have required in-hospital treatment.

HOW IS Juvederm Ultra™ DONE?

Juvederm Ultra treatments are fast and relatively painless. Typically, a topical anesthetic is first applied to eliminate any discomfort. Once that takes effect, the dermal filler, a thin gel-like substance, is injected into the target area using a tiny, fine needle.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

10 to 30 minutes

What is the average cost of Juvederm Ultra™?

$450 to $3,000 depending on how many injections you need.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF Juvederm Ultra™?

There is no downtime associated with Juvederm Ultra treatments. Immediate visible side effects are minimal and may include temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, and can easily be concealed by makeup.

In rare cases, small bumps may appear under the skin at the injection site. If they don’t dissipate within a week, check back in with your doctor.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF Juvederm Ultra™?

Everyone can experience different results. A dose in one woman can result in a dramatic change, while it may have a very minimal impact on someone else. The effects of a Juvederm Ultra injection should be immediately visible, with continuous correction as new collagen regenerates. The area of injection should instantly appear smoother and fuller, with more volume and definition than before receiving the treatment.

RECOMMENDED COURSE FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS?

One injection of Juvederm Ultra tends to last 4 to 12 months, depending how fast your body naturally breaks it down. 1 to 2 treatments per year will help maintain results. Over time, you may actually need less frequent visits and smaller doses thanks to the long-term benefits of creating new collagen.

WHO SHOULD ADMINISTER THIS TREATMENT?

You should only visit an actively board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Dermatologists should be certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). Plastic Surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Both of those boards are part of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a non-profit organization that is considered the gold standard of physician certification. Consult the Charlotte’s Book Premier Provider directory to find a doctor who meets these standards and specializes in this treatment. For more information about how we choose our providers, please read Credentials We Abide By.