Am I a Good Candidate for Juvederm?
By Neel Kanase | Published on October 15, 2010 | 0 Comments
Becoming more and more popular in medical spas and dermatologists’ offices across the country, Juvederm promises smoother, younger-looking skin with results that lasts upward of a year. Are you a good candidate for Juvederm? If you’re concerned about deep lines or wrinkles on the lower half of your face, then you probably are, says Neel Kanase, MD of Amarillo Laser Clinic, a popular medical spa in Amarillo, Texas. Juvederm, says Dr. Kanase, has become very popular with his patients, and for good reason. This highly effective filler offers good results, minimal downtime and fewer risks than other injectables.
How Juvederm Works
Juvederm, Dr. Kanase says, is a synthetic collagen used to fill in lines and wrinkles and plump the skin by bridging the gaps between collagen fibers, which become more pronounced with age. Injected just beneath the surface of the skin, Juvederm smooths lines and produces a plumping effect for a more youthful look.
Risks and Benefits
The benefits of Juvederm, according to Dr. Kanase, are many. First, it produces instant, noticeable results. “Patients can see right away that their wrinkles are gone,” says Dr. Kanase. Next, the results are quite long-lasting, often between 12 and 15 months. This represents a big improvement over the “cutting edge” injectables of only a few years ago, which offered results lasting about four months.
Because the results of Juvederm are not permanent, Dr. Kanase says, it is a wonderful alternative to a surgical facelift for patients who are reluctant to “commit” permanently to cosmetic changes. It is also much more affordable than cosmetic surgery and involves very little recovery time. While there may be some redness, minor swelling or minimal bruising, these side effects are usually gone within a few days.
Like most cosmetic procedures, Juvederm is not completely without risk. According to Dr. Kanase, however, the risks are minute. A few patients experience more pronounced swelling or “lumpy” skin at the injection site. When these side effects do occur, they generally subside within days.
Is It Right for You?
Because Juvederm does not pose the same risks of allergic reaction as some other fillers, it is appropriate for nearly anyone. Unlike fillers made using animal materials, Juvederm is completely allergen-free and quite safe.
Juvederm is most effective, says Dr. Kanase, on deep creases like pronounced nasolabial folds (the lines running from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth), also called “marionette lines,” and the vertical lines that sometimes form between the nose and the upper lip.
“Patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their skin and would like a smoother, more youthful appearance can benefit from Juvederm,” says Dr. Kanase. “While the results are not as dramatic as with a surgical facelift, many people find Juvederm to be a satisfactory alternative thanks to its safety and effectiveness.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.