Juvederm is a family of injectable hyaluronic acid dermal fillers used to provide 9 months to one year of correction for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth). It is also used for lip augmentation.
Juvederm products are a smooth consistency gel, compared to some hyaluronic gel products that have a granular consistency. Juvederm products are developed using the Hylacross technology to allow a smoother, malleable gel. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in the body. Hyaluronic acid works by holding in water at the injection site and acting as a cushioning agent. It adds temporary volume and a smoother appearance to the skin. Most patients need more than one treatment to achieve optimal results.
There are several products in the Juvederm family. They all are used to help people address the facial signs of aging. Each product in the Juvederm line features different bonding and concentrations of hyaluronic acid. The different products are each tailored to target specific problems when injected into different areas and depths. Juvederm fillers have a smooth, gel-like consistency.
Juvederm types:
- Juvederm Voluma XC adds volume beneath your skin’s surface to increase the size of your cheeks.
- Juvederm XC and Juvederm Vollure XC address the loss of skin elasticity and fill out wrinkles and lines around the mouth and nose — known as smile lines.
- Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Volbella XC work as nonsurgical lip enhancement treatments.
Juverdem and Bumps
As with any injection, you’ll likely have some tenderness, bruising, and swelling in the first few days after treatment, users have reported lumps, bumps, or asymmetry from poorly placed injections.
Fillers like Juvederm aren’t effective for treating sagging skin, and they’re not a substitute for any plastic surgery, including a surgical facelift. They work best for people who’ve lost some facial volume but still have good skin elasticity.
Will Juvederm Bumps Go Away?
Yes, Juvederm bumps or lumps are generally temporary and resolve on their own. The most common cause of lumps or bumps after a Juvederm treatment is swelling and bruising from the injections themselves. These should naturally subside within the first week.
However, it is advised that you check with your provider to ensure that the lump is not an uncommon complication, like an infection or a vascular block; if you’re in the clear, there is no need to worry. You can minimize the swelling by icing or applying a cold compress.
What are the other side effects of Juvederm?
The most common side effect is injection site bruising, which typically takes one-to-two weeks to completely resolve. This can be covered with concealer (Dermablend’s concealer has a specific indication for post-procedure bruising). Topical or oral arnica may also speed the recovery of bruising, but you should discuss this with your physician before starting.
A less common but possible side effect is the development of small nodules underneath the skin weeks to months after treatment. These are typically not noticeable to the eye but can be felt by the individual. These can be treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory injections, or by dissolving the filler. In some cases, they dissolve on their own if nothing is done.
Vascular occlusion is a rare but serious potential side effect of injectable dermal filler. This occurs if the product is inadvertently injected into a major artery. There are techniques to minimize this occurrence, but it is a possibility. If pain or large bruising occurs after treatment, you should notify your physician immediately to dissolve the product causing the occlusion. The skin may heal normally, but there is a possibility of developing a scar over the affected area.
The most severe potential side effect is blindness from vascular occlusion. This is extremely rare but has occurred with high-risk injection areas. The risk of vascular occlusion is why the choice of injector is so important.
More serious side effects are typically associated with unprofessional handling, like injecting Juvederm into a blood vessel unintentionally. Complications can include permanent scarring, vision abnormalities, blindness, or stroke. That’s why it’s very important to choose your doctor wisely.
