JUVÉDERM® in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh Juvederm specialist plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, routinely utilizes Juvederm — an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler to temporarily correct the visible appearance of facial folds and lines. — The Juvederm injectable, a product made by Allergan, adds volume to the face, which results in a smooth facial appearance.  Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance produced in the body. It  retains water at nearly one thousand times its weight. As a product of hyaluronic acid, Juvederm naturally fills the spaces between collagen and elastin in the skin to add smoothness and volume. At the same time, Juvederm attracts water to the tissue and keeps the skin hydrated. There are two types of Juvederm available on the market: Juvederm XC, which is used to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles around the mouth and nose, and Juvederm Voluma XC, which works great for adding volume to the cheeks.

Juvederm is a gel substance that is administered via a fine needle directly into the skin. There is no sedation needed, although a numbing cream is usually applied first to help with any discomfort. The injection sites will be sterilized and marked with ink. Once the filler is injected, results are immediately noticeable. The practitioner may massage the treated area so the filler spreads evenly. Other than temporary redness, the treatment has no after effect that will prevent a patient from going back to normal routine. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours. After a Juvederm injection, the face will look refreshed, softer and smoother.

One full syringe of Juvederm may cost between $300 to $900.  According to www.realself.com the average cost is $750. The final cost of treatment will depend on how many syringes of the product were used. Some sessions may take 2-3 syringes. During the consultation, this can be discussed in detail according to the practitioner’s assessments. Another factor to consider in pricing is that this treatment must be repeated after a year as Juvederm will be naturally reabsorbed by the body over time.

This procedure is almost pain-free. This really is determined on a patient’s overall pain tolerance. The product is administered with a fine injection needle and a numbing cream is usually applied first to help with any discomfort. After the treatment, tingling sensations may occur, and there could be some swelling and bruising. These after effects are temporary and usually subside within a few hours.

Derma fillers have an outstanding track record for successfully reducing signs of aging with less risk than surgical cosmetic treatments. Other nonsurgical options include wrinkle relaxers, such as BOTOX and Dysport. Severe cosmetic issues such as loose and sagging skin may be better resolved by a surgical facelift. The approach taken will be based on the patient’s cosmetic condition and aesthetic goals.

It is important to set realistic expectations when undergoing any cosmetic enhancement procedure. While the treatment does take years off the face, it can only do so much for patients who have severe wrinkles and skin irregularities. Juvederm will definitely help decrease fine wrinkles and creases, and the skin will appear smoother and softer.