JUVÉDERM Ultra injectables contain hyaluronic acid and is injected into facial tissue to smooth folds and wrinkles, particularly those around the nose and mouth. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in the human body that helps to deliver nutrients, hydrate the skin by retaining water, and to act as a cushioning agent. Treatment temporarily adds volume to the skin and restores a smoother appearance to the face.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC injectable gel also contains a small quantity of local anesthetic (lidocaine) to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC, on the other hand, is for injection into the lips and perioral area for lip augmentation in adults over 21.
Benefits
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC temporarily adds volume to facial tissue and restores a smoother appearance to the face. The lidocaine in the injection minimizes discomfort during the injection.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC injections will help to minimize the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Most patients only need one treatment for optimal results that can last up to one year.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC injections are minimally invasive, which means patients won’t need to take any extended time off from work. One treatment can help improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and increase lip fullness.
What to Expect
The treatment session for both JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC and Ultra Plus XC is fairly quick, simple, and painless. Patients will need minimal prep and aftercare for each injection. Total treatment time will depend on how many injections they will be getting. The entire procedure may take up to one hour.
Since JUVÉDERM® contains lidocaine, the treatment provider won’t need to apply a topical anesthetic to the patient’s skin before making the injections. They will gently cleanse the skin and then inject the product into the target areas.
Patients may feel slight pressure and a tingling sensation as the product is injected, but shouldn’t experience any pain. Once the injections are completed, patients are free to leave.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Patients may experience the following side effects after treatment: redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, itching, swelling, bruising, and discoloration. Allergic reactions are rare, but may include breathing difficulties, hives, and rash.
Recovery Process
Within the first 24 hours after treatment, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, exposure to extensive sun or heat, and alcoholic beverages. Exposure to any of the above may increase the risk of temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the injection sites. If patients observe any swelling, they may need to place an ice pack over the swollen area.