JUVÉDERM®
JUVÉDERM® XC injectable gel is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved dermal filler that, according to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., is designed to "temporarily treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds" in people older than 21. Unlike the original JUVÉDERM injectable gel, JUVÉDERM XC is infused with lidocaine to make its injection more comfortable.
JUVÉDERM XC is a smooth-consistency gel that restores volume to the skin, and smooths away moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar that occurs naturally in the body. In terms of the skin, HA's role is to deliver nutrients and hydration, and act as a cushioning agent. Young, healthy skin contains a lot of HA, but factors that include aging and sun exposure reduce the amount, causing skin to lose structure and volume. JUVÉDERM XC is most effective in improving the appearance of nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the bottom of the nose to the corner of the mouth on both sides of the face.
JUVÉDERM XC Injectable Gel Procedure
JUVÉDERM XC injections take about 15 minutes to administer in a doctor's office. A fine needle is used for the injection, which is given under the skin in the targeted area to add volume or fill in wrinkles and folds. Because JUVÉDERM XC contains lidocaine to improve comfort, an anesthetic may not be needed. However, a doctor may still elect to use a topical anesthetic on the area to be treated before giving the injection. Afterword, the doctor may gently massage the treated area(s).
Once treatment is completed, patients can return, with virtually no downtime, to their regular activities. For the first 24 hours after treatment, to reduce the risk of complications, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and alcohol consumption.
Results of JUVÉDERM XC Injectable Gel
The results of JUVÉDERM XC are visible immediately after injection; any swelling and bruising, to which ice can be applied, should subside during the next few days. Results can last 6 to 9 months, and, in some cases, up to year. However, according to its manufacturer, "Results from injectable dermal filler vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental 'touch up' treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal correction of . . . wrinkles and folds."
RADIESSE®
RADIESSE® volumizing filler is a synthetic injectable filler that has been U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for reducing moderate-to-severe wrinkles, folds and creases around the nose and mouth by augmenting the skin's natural collagen supply. It is a safe, effective and long-lasting alternative to injectable collagen and other dermal fillers for smoothing wrinkles and adding facial volume and contour.
RADIESSE filler is composed of microspheres in a water-based gel; the microspheres are made of a substance called calcium hydroxylapatite, which stimulates the production of collagen. When injected into lines and wrinkles, the additional collagen that is produced smooths out the lines and wrinkles, and adds volume to the skin.
RADIESSE Volumizing Filler Applications
RADIESSE volumizing filler can be used on various areas of the face and body. In addition to correcting scars that leave depressions, it is effective in improving the look of the following:
- Nasolabial folds (run from corners of nose to corners of mouth)
- Marionette lines (run downward from corners of mouth)
- Downturned corners of the mouth
- Jowl pre-sagging
- Chin wrinkles
RADIESSE filler has also been approved by the FDA to restore and correct the signs of lipoatrophy (loss of fat beneath the skin) in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
RADIESSE Volumizing Filler Procedure
Before a patient is given RADIESSE filler, the treatment area is cleaned. RADIESSE injections are then made with a fine needle, and typically take only 15 minutes to perform. There is little-to-no downtime; many patients return to their normal activities right away. RADIESSE volumizing filler is also FDA-approved for mixing with the anesthetic lidocaine, which makes the injections less painful. Typically, only 1 or 2 treatments are needed to achieve the full benefits of RADIESSE volumizing filler.
RADIESSE Volumizing Filler Results
Results are visible immediately after injection, and sometimes last up to a year. Because results are temporary, treatments must be repeated to sustain them. Touch-up treatments may prolong the effects of RADIESSE filler.
RADIESSE Volumizing Filler Side Effects
Side effects of RADIESSE filler are usually not serious, and go away on their own. They occur at the injection site, and include the following:
- Mild irritation
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness
- Bruising
- Tenderness
Allergy testing is not necessary before treatment because the calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in RADIESSE filler are similar to minerals that occur naturally in the body.