Juvederm

Juvederm is great to treat lines and creases around the mouth, nose and forehead, as well as to improve the appearance of acne scars. It is also used to augment or enhance the size and shape of the lips.

The great thing about Juvederm is that the results are immediately rejuvenating.  Juvederm results are longer lasting than many older filler types like collagen.

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid filler, a natural substance found in the body. For this reason, there is no risk of allergic reaction. In young skin, hyaluronic acid naturally produced by the body, delivers moisture to the skin and is responsible for the youthful appearance of volume, suppleness and smoothness. As we age, the ability to produce natural hyaluronic acid diminishes. Juvederm replenishes hyaluronic acid lost due to aging.

Preparing for Juvederm

Bruising is a risk with any filler. Any time the skin is broken it can cause a bruise.

Certain medications can make patients more prone to bruising. To avoid that risk, it is best to stop the use of the any medications that thin your blood for one week before treatment. If you take warfarin, Coumadin or Plavix discuss this will Dr. M. David Cole, MD.

• Aspirin
• Anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin and Aleve,
• Blood thinners like Garlic and Fish Oil
• Vitamin E, Fish oil, Gingko Biloba and St. John’s Wort
• Stop drinking alcohol 1-2 days before injections

Before treatment we advise:

• Application of a cold pack for 5-15 minutes to constrict the blood vessels
• Take Arnica Montana 12X 2-3 days before treatment. Arnica is a dietary supplement that can reduce bleeding and inflammation.

Cold Sores

If you have ever had a cold sore around the mouth or near an injection site be sure to talk to your doctor before treatment. To prevent an outbreak, he will probably prescribe an anti-viral medication. 

The Treatment

Juvederm is a smooth gel injected with thin needles and so should be comfortable. To minimize discomfort Dr. M. David Cole, MD may apply a numbing cream to the areas to be treated before injection.

Dr. M. David Cole, MD will inject Juvederm in to the areas and wrinkles the patient has decided to address. During injection, Dr. M. David Cole, MD may massage the area as he sculpts the product to improve the appearance and texture.

After Treatment

It is not uncommon for patients to experience irregularities, often related to swelling. This usually resolves by itself, and is nothing be alarmed about.

In areas where the skin is thin, especially around the lips and under eye hollows, Dr. M. David Cole, MD may lightly fill these areas, to see how the filler settles. If necessary, when you return to the office he can add more filler as needed. When the patient feels they are unhappy with the placement of the filler, a substance called hyaluronidase can be injected to eliminate the filler completely.

For the first 24 hours’ after treatment, patients should avoid touching or massaging the treated area, and avoid strenuous exercise. Bruising can be hidden with concealer.

For the first two weeks after treatment, patients are advised to avoid unnecessary sun, heat and cold exposure, and any products that contain alcohol. It is important for patients to wear sun screen.

Patients may experience some minor swelling and bruising. Swelling and bruising usually subside within 24-48 hours. However, hyaluronic acid fillers attract water. So you may have extra fullness in the areas injected, that should resolve within 10-14 days when the results soften, and further enhancements become visible.

For this reason, it is best to wait a week or more after the treatment, for the filler to settle, to assess your results. At Horizon Dermatology and Laser Institute, we advise patients to wait two weeks before judging your satisfaction with the treatment. We like to have patients return to the office after that time, to make sure both you and the doctor are happy with the results.

These are just some of the helpful steps to help prevent bruising before, during and after your Juvederm® treatment. During your visit with Dr. M. David Cole, MD and Stephanie Clark, PA-C be sure to address your questions and concerns so that they can provide you with a clear plan to meet your expectations.