What are Hyaluronic Acid Dermafillers – JUVÉDERM®?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance that keeps skin moisturized and soft. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are nonsurgical options that contain a modified form of HA. Treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) products by a licensed specialist provides long-lasting, natural-looking results.

In fact, in a survey of aesthetic providers with experience using three or more dermal filler brands, the Hyaluronic Acid (HA) brand was preferred two times more than other dermal filler brands.* Plus, fillers that use HA have been a top choice for patients—over 90% of filler patients receive an HA dermal filler.

Are there any reasons why I should not receive any JUVÉDERM® formulation?

Do not use these products if you have a history of multiple severe allergies or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), if you are allergic to lidocaine or the Gram-positive bacterial proteins used in these products, or if you have had previous allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid fillers or have a bee sting allergy.

What warnings should my doctor advise me about?

• One of the risks of using dermal fillers is the unintentional injection into a blood vessel. The chances of this happening are very small, but if it does happen, the complications can be serious and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin. Most of these events are irreversible.
• If you have changes in your vision, signs of a stroke (including sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headache, dizziness, or confusion), a white appearance of the skin, or unusual pain during or shortly after treatment, you should notify your health care practitioner immediately.
• The use of dermal fillers where skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infections are present should be postponed, as this may delay healing or make skin problems worse.
• The effectiveness of removal of any dermal filler has not been studied.

What precautions should my doctor advise me about?

• The safety of these products for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been studied.
• If you have a history of excessive scarring (thick, hard scars) or pigmentation disorders, treatment in these patients has not been studied and may result in additional scars or changes in pigmentation.
• If you are planning other procedures, including laser treatments or a chemical peel, there is a possible risk of inflammation at the treatment site if these procedures are performed closely before or after the JUVÉDERM® injectable gel treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you are on therapy used to reduce your body’s natural defense system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, and medicines to treat autoimmune diseases, HIV, and AIDs), as these may increase your risk of infection; and medications that can prolong bleeding (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners), as these may result in increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
• Avoid applying makeup for 12 hours after treatment and minimize strenuous exercise, exposure to extensive sun or heat, and alcoholic beverages within the first 24 hours following treatment, as these may cause temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the injection site.
• Patients who experience skin injury near the site of dermal filler injection may be at a higher risk for adverse events.
• Tell your doctor if you have already been injected with dermal fillers in the same area as the one(s) you are about to be treated for. This information helps your doctor decide when and whether you should get treatment.

What are the possible side effects of the treatment?

The most commonly reported side effects with JUVÉDERM® injectable gels were redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, firmness, lumps and bumps, bruising, discoloration, itching, and dryness.

These side effects are consistent with other facial injection procedures, and most will resolve within 30 days. Your doctor may choose to treat side effects that persist longer with antibiotics, steroids, or hyaluronidase (an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid). As with all skin injection procedures, there is a risk of infection.

Pretreatment Instructions

• Please advise of any changes in your medical history, medications, or history of any allergies.
• Please advise if you have severe allergies with a history of anaphylaxis allergies to bee venom, lidocaine, other local anesthetics, or hyaluronic acid.
• Please advise prior to treatment if you have a history of cold sores or have been diagnosed with the Herpes simplex virus. Antiviral medications can be taken prior to treatment to prevent an outbreak.
• Please advise if you have recently finished antibiotics or have any active infections.
• Avoid any vaccinations two weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid oral surgery for at least one month before treatment.
• Do not have dental work two weeks before or after treatment, including dental cleanings.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol for 72 hours before treatment.

Avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Celebrex, fish oil, essential fatty acids, Ginko biloba, St. John’s Wort, Vitamin E, anticoagulants 7 days prior to the procedure if not medically necessary. Do not stop taking any medication that has been prescribed or recommended by your doctor.

Avoid topical skin irritants, i.e., glycolic acid, vitamins C and E, retinoids, or retinol products, 48 hours before treatment. Do not tweeze, wax, or bleach on or near the treatment site.

Post-treatment instructions

• Avoid air travel 2 weeks after treatment.
• Avoid touching the treated area for a minimum of 6 hours.
• Avoid massaging or applying pressure to the area for 2 weeks.
• Apply ice to the treated area to reduce swelling and pain. Temporary swelling, bruising, redness, and pain at the injection site are normal.
• Use Tylenol as needed for pain. Avoid NSAIDS such as Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, or Motrin.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours after treatment.
• Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for 24 hours.
• Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays.
• Try to sleep elevated for the first 48 hours after treatment.
• Delay all dental treatments, including dental cleaning, for at least 4 weeks.
• Avoid facials and laser treatments for at least 4 weeks.
• Do not apply glycolic acid, vitamins C and E, or any retinol to your face for at least 1 week after treatment.
• Do not receive immunizations for at least 2 weeks after treatment.

If you are experiencing significant pain, bruising, or changes in skin tone (blanching, mottling, or white spots), please contact the clinic immediately.