Juvéderm: The Most Powerful Hyaluronic Acid Filler on the Market

According to the manufacturer, Allergan Inc., Juvéderm, is “indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.” Approved by the FDA in June 2006, Juvéderm works by replacing the body's natural hyaluronic acid (HA). As explained by the website LookingYourBest.ca, "hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in all living cells that helps maintain skin volume by attracting and binding over 1000 times its weight in water. However, with time, sunlight and other factors, the hyaluronic acid in your skin diminishes, your skin loses volume, and lines and wrinkles appear." Due to it's HA component, Juvéderm smooths lines and wrinkles when injected just below the skin's surface. As a result, injections with Juvéderm create the appearance of fuller, more youthful looking skin.

According to the FDA, Juvéderm is available in three formulations: Juvéderm 30, Juvéderm 24HV and Juvéderm 30HV. As stated in the FDA’s Summery of Safety and Effectiveness Data report, whereas Juvéderm 30 HV is most effective in the correction of deeper folds and wrinkles, deep furrows, lip and cheek augmentation, Juvéderm 24HV is best used to add contour and volume to facial wrinkles. Finally, their report goes on to say, Juvéderm 30 , which is used to create subtle corrections in facial wrinkles and folds, is most appropriate in the treatment of fine lines.

Containing a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid than its HA competitors, Juvéderm, according to Allergan Inc., is a “smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin during the injection process.” This smoother consistency, they claim, provides a more natural look and feel than other hyaluronic acid injectables. Furthermore, the manufacturers go on to say, Juvéderm is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has proven safe and effective for persons of color.

An outpatient procedure performed with or without a local anesthetic, treatment with Juvéderm usually takes about 15 minutes. Following the procedure, redness, pain, firmness, swelling, and bumps in the treatment area are not uncommon, although these side effects have been found to subside within a week. Usually requiring only one treatment to achieve optimal results, Juvéderm’s effects are immediately visible and the results can last for up to 6 months or more.

Although the cost may vary depending upon the size of the area being treated and the severity of the problem among other factors, according to CNN.com, an international news source, the average cost of treatment with Juvéderm is $500 to $700 per tube with a full facial filling usually requiring 3 to 4 tubes.