Question: Can you explain what Juvederm is and what it is best used for?
Answer: Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid filler that is used to fill in folds and wrinkles of the face. It is FDA approved for treatment of the smile lines between the mouth and the nose, but is frequently used in other areas such as the lips, the folds between the corners or the mouth and the chin, depressions in front of a small jowl, and even into the depressions in lower eyelids. It can also be used to augment the cheeks and chin and in reality can be used in almost any location where you would desire more volume. These other location; however, are used in what is considered an off-label use due to the fact that it is FDA approved for nasolabial folds. Juvederm is made up of hyaluronic acid which is a gel-like substance that is naturally found in our bodies. It is essentially small sugar molecules linked together thousands of times and then there is a handful of crosslinks where these chains are linked together. These crosslinks prevent the degradation of the product by the body and this is how this product can last for typically 9 to 12 months in most individuals. It is exceptionally safe and extremely affective and that is why Juvederm is an extremely popular choice for facial rejuvenation.