Restylane®/Juvederm

Facial lines and wrinkles are caused by a gradual breakdown of the body's collagen and the elastin fibers in the skin. No one is immune from experiencing this normal aging process. Squinting, frowning and smiling also inflict stress on the underlying collagen in the skin and accelerate the formation of these furrows. Until recently, injectable collagen was the most widely used available cosmetic filler to improve the appearance of these lines.

Restylane®, produced by Q-Med and marketed in the U.S. by Medicis, is a long-lasting cosmetic filler that provides dramatic results for improving the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles and folds. This is a non-surgical solution to soften facial lines and wrinkles, restore volume and fullness to the skin, plump up lips, and fill in scars. Restylane® injected into the lips can give back fullness to lips that have receded. The cosmetic results are visible immediately, bestowing you with a more youthful and invigorated look.

Allergan, Inc. has just announced the FDA approval and launch of their latest cosmetic filler, Juvederm, for correction of mild to moderate wrinkles and folds. Juvederm provides the highest concentration of non-animal cross-linked hyaluronic acid in a dermal filler for a longer duration of cosmetic correction. Many clients prefer a non-surgical option for correction versus a surgical intervention. Juvederm provides volume and fullness back to areas of loss for a more youthful, immediate result.

There are two specific types of Juvederm dermal filler. Juvederm Plus is specifically made for more delicate areas such as the lip augmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. Juvederm Ultra Plus is a higher linked concentration for areas that need more correction and volume such as in deeper folds and severe wrinkles.

How are Restylane®/Juvederm different from Collagen?
They have been demonstrated in clinical trials to last much longer than the standard bovine collagen injection. The occurrence of an allergic reaction is extremely rare due to the product's non-animal associated basis. Unlike injectable collagen filler that is made of bovine protein and can cause an allergic reaction in some patients, Restylane® and Juvederm are a natural substance, hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar molecule already present naturally in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® and Juvederm are similar to that found throughout your body, which gives volume and fullness to the skin. It is both biodegradable and compatible with human hyaluronic acid. Because of this compatibility it is not necessary for you to be tested for skin sensitivity.

How is Juvederm different from other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers?
Juvederm has HYLACROSS technology for a longer longevity and possible smoother texture.

What is the treatment like?
Restylane® or Juvederm is injected in small amounts under your skin to fill creases, lines, wrinkles or folds. It is also injected around the lip area to create volume, resulting in a more youthful appearance. A skin test is not necessary prior to treatment, so treatment can be performed at any time. In order to optimize your comfort, the treatment area may be anesthetized with a topical cream or anesthetic block. Treatment results are immediately evident.

Are there any adverse events following Restylane/Juvederm injections?
As with any form of cosmetic injectable, there is a chance of bruising, mild redness to injection site, mild tenderness, and swelling. If you experience any of the adverse events noted, they normally resolve in just a few hours post treatment. You may resume all normal activities following treatment.

How long do the results last?
Depending on many factors, such as your lifestyle, age and skin structure your results may last as long as four to six months. Juvederm may last longer. You may require a touch up treatment 2 to 4 weeks after the first treatment to achieve your desired result. Treatment to enhance the lips is reported to last much longer than treatment using standard collagen filler. When the effect of the treatment begins to diminish, you can replenish the area as needed.

What are the benefits of a Restylane®/Juvederm treatment?

• Immediately you will discern a smoothing of the wrinkles and folds.
• Restylane®/ Juvederm will impart lift and add new firmness to your skin.
• With lip enhancement, the results will be a noticeably fuller and more sensuous contour.
• It is not necessary for you to be tested for skin sensitivity.
• The cosmetic results are visible immediately, bestowing you with a more youthful and invigorated look.
• When the effect of the treatment begins to diminish, you can replenish the area as needed.