Juvedermtm acts as a "skin filler" to gently restore structure and volume to the skin. It is used to either softly enhance your lips, or to smooth out facial wrinkles and folds and provide a natural look and feel.
Alternatives
| Agent | Durability |
| Fat Transfer | 1 - 2 years or more |
| Juvedermtm | 6 - 12 months |
| Perlanetm | 6 - 12 months |
| Restylanetm | 6 - 12 months |
Juvedermtm is made from a natural complex sugar called hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally within the tissues of living cells, including human skin and assists in skin hydrating by attracting and holding water, and also combining with collagen and elastin to provide skin structure and elasticity. In its natural form, hyaluronic acid is a single chain sugar which is naturally broken down by the body within days. It is therefore important that a dermal filler not be metabolised quickly, so that the results last for as long as possible. To achieve this the hyaluronic acid in Juvedermtm is cross-linked, a process by which sugar chains are linked together to form a kind of mesh which takes the body much longer to metabolise. The longevity and smoothness of Juvedermtm is hence reliant on the cross-linking and manufacturing process of the gel. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and volume. Juvedermtm is placed below the skin surface to literally fill in or plump up the static wrinkles and folds that are present at rest, and by treating the border of the upper and/or lower lip to enhance lip contour and definition.
No allergy testing is required and most individuals can therefore undergo this procedure.
Following treatment, results are immediate, with long lasting duration.
Because the hyaluronic acid in Juvedermtm injectable gel is naturally present within the skin and is not derived from animals, there is no need for allergy pre-tests before treatment. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers have been clinically studied for many years and clinical trials have shown that Juvedermtm injectable gel is well tolerated. The injection itself should cause minimal discomfort and, if experienced, side-effects are generally temporary and are site-related, including swelling, bruising and redness. Less frequently, temporary pain, firmness, lumps, itching and discoloration can also occur at the injection site.
Recovery Time
The majority of patients have no down-time and can resume their normal activities immediately following the procedure.
Some patients may require a local anaesthetic prior to treatment, or the administration of a topical anaesthetic cream to help numb the area being treated, but with the advent of anaesthesia in the product, discomfort experienced without numbing cream or a local injection is minimized.
If possible, avoid alcohol twenty-four hours prior to injection and any Aspirin-containing products should ideally be discontinued two weeks prior to treatment.
On rare occasions, there may be swelling, which can be relieved through taking anithistamines such as Lora-Tabs.
Who Performs the Treament?
The treatment is performed by Dr McKerrow, specialist dermatologist. Dr McKerrow believes that this product should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional and this is the standard of care that every patient should always seek. Dermatologists have an in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and are versed in all different injectable products available. Following consultation with you, Dr McKerrow will determine the best injectable product to meet your concerns, and administer the injections as well. His medical experience and knowledge will benefit you, so you can be assured of the best possible outcome.