A dermal filler is a substance that is injected into the “dermal” layer of the skin to augment and reduce the look of wrinkles. Therefore, fillers produce volume under the wrinkle which causes it to be lifted up and smoothed out. There are multiple dermal fillers that are available for aesthetic purposes and they range in durability within the skin, ease of use, the locations it can be used in the face and price.

Restylane and JUVÉDERM® are both hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers. HA is a natural complex sugar molecule that is found in all of the cells in our body. Since hyaluronic acid is not foreign to our body, unlike animal collagen, no allergy testing is needed prior to a treatment.

Restylane was the first HA filler to be FDA approved and is therefore the name that most people think of when discussing dermal fillers. However, Restylane only lasts for 3-6 months and is often hard and bulky under the skin. This left most patients with the desire for a superior dermal filler with a smoother and more natural texture.

In 2006, the FDA approved JUVÉDERM® which provides the highest concentration of HA molecules. The molecules are chemically bonded together in a unique fashion that slows the body from degrading the product. JUVÉDERM® typically lasts 6-9 months, but has been shown to last 1 year in clinical trials.

JUVÉDERM® can be used for smoothing out folds and wrinkles, enhancing the lips and shaping facial contours. The most common areas are the nasolabial folds (from the outside of the nose to the angle of the mouth), on/around the lips, marionette lines, glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), cheeks and under the eyes.

Pain control and anesthesia is a priority to me and therefore you are encouraged to ice the area extensively which allows for substantial numbing, as well as minimizing bruising. Numbing cream and nerve blocks (similar to the anesthesia used for dental procedures) are also available and allow for procedure to be easily tolerable. For dermal filler treatments involving the lips, which are a very sensitive area, I suggest all patients to have a dental block.

After all of the questions and expectation have been discussed, I will help you to find a comfortable position—either lying down or sitting up. I will wipe off any make-up or cream from the skin and thoroughly cleanse it with alcohol. The actual procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes. The clear gel is injected into the dermal layer of the skin with a very fine needle. Finally, the area is massaged to ensure that the product is smooth and evenly placed.

Immediately after the treatment, you can expect slight redness, swelling, tenderness or an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection and usually resolves in 7-10 days.

JUVÉDERM® treatments are long-lasting but not permanent. The length of time a treatment maintains its effect is very individual and depends on many factors, such as your age, skin type, injection site, life-style and muscle activity. Experience shows that most of the JUVÉDERM® treatments in the nasolabial folds can effective for up to one year, and up to six months for lip enhancements. Most patients choose to have a follow-up treatment six to twelve months after the initial treatment.

During the first 24 hours after your treatment, do not massage or rub the treated area. If you have had a lip enhancement, avoid puckering your lips for the first two days after the treatment. You can apply make-up to the treated area within hours of the treatment.