The days of aging signs being unavoidable facts of life are long behind us. If you wish to rejuvenate their face and retain their youthful beauty, JUVÉDERM® XC injectables may be the answer you’ve been searching for. Dr. Ragi and his staff offer JUVÉDERM® XC to patients in Teaneck and the surrounding areas of New Jersey. Call (201) 836-9696 to learn whether the treatment is right for you!
What is JUVÉDERM XC Injectable Gel?
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.
Who is an ideal candidate for Juvéderm XC?
First off, whether Juvéderm® XC is right for you depends upon the type of wrinkles you’re seeking to erase and where they occur. Juvéderm® XC only works on what are called “static” wrinkles. These wrinkles are caused by declining collagen production, sun damage, personal habits, and other environmental factors. Static wrinkles show themselves at all times, as they are due to skin damage. They occur on the mid to lower face.
The other type of wrinkle is known as the “dynamic wrinkle.” These are the result of repeated muscle contractions when we form common expressions such as showing surprise or frowning. Over the years as our collagen production declines, our skin thins, and we make these muscle contractions hundreds of thousands of times, wrinkles start to form on the surface skin above these muscles. These are crow’s feet at the outside of the eyes, frown lines between your eyebrows, and forehead lines. Botox® is the solution for dynamic wrinkles, as it relaxes the underlying muscle causing the wrinkle. Juvéderm® XC and other dermal fillers don’t work on dynamic wrinkles.
Juvéderm® XC targets the area around the lower nose down through the skin surrounding the mouth. If you’ve had volume loss here, which has created nasolabial folds and other wrinkles, Juvéderm® XC is a perfect solution to turn the clock back. And because Juvéderm® is made from hyaluronic acid, which naturally exists in our bodies, any allergic reactions are very rare.
How does Juvéderm® XC work?
Juvéderm® is a family of dermal fillers that return volume to different areas of the face. These fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that is found in most animals. In humans, hyaluronic acid is responsible for keeping the skin hydrated and firm. When Juvéderm® XC is injected beneath a wrinkle, the hyaluronic acid binds with nearby water molecules to fill the area and hydrate and plump the skin.
What can JUVÉDERM Treatments do for me?
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.
The JUVÉDERM 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.
How long does a Juvéderm® XC treatment take?
These sessions take just 20 minutes or so in our beautiful offices in Teaneck. There isn’t any recovery, so you can immediately return to work or your other normal activities after your session.
How long will Juvéderm® XC take to erase wrinkles?
Unlike Botox® injections, which take about four days for the neurotoxin to fully relax the injected muscles, Juvéderm® XC provides instant results. As soon as it is injected beneath a wrinkle or crease, the hyaluronic acid binds with nearby water molecules, plumping, hydrating, and firming the skin. This fills in the volume loss and pushes the skin back up, erasing the line or crease.
How long will my results from Juvéderm® XC last?
Many studies have been conducted on the duration of Juvéderm® XC results, and it has been proven to last up to one year when addressing parentheses and smile lines. The body eventually absorbs the filler and another appointment with the team at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center will maintain your results. In repeat treatments, patients generally require less Juvéderm® XC to achieve the same results.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for Juvéderm® XC injections?
No preparation is necessary.
Is there anything to avoid immediately after my Juvéderm® session?
Because Juvéderm® is primarily made of hyaluronic acid (which occurs naturally in the body) any reactions are very rare. After your injections, you should avoid really hot environments such as saunas or steamy baths until the next day. You shouldn’t have any sun exposure for a day or so. And try not to touch or poke the area where you received the Juvéderm® injections, as this can spread the filler to adjacent areas where it is not wanted
Risks Of JUVÉDERM Injections
Although JUVÉDERM XC is considered safe, there is a risk of side effects. They are usually limited to the injection site, and include the following:
- Redness
- Pain or tenderness
- Firmness
- Swelling
- Lumps or bumps
- Bruising
- Itching
- Discoloration
- Infection
For customized treatment, Allergan, Inc., offers two types of JUVÉDERM XC: JUVÉDERM Ultra XC, which is suitable for superficial facial lines and folds, and JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC, a stronger formulation that is used for deeper facial folds and lines. JUVÉDERM XC is the first HA filler that is FDA-approved for use on people of color.
Schedule a JUVÉDERM® XC Consultation in Teaneck, NJ!
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of JUVÉDERM® XC, or if you wish to determine whether you are a candidate, be sure to schedule a personalized appointment with Gangaram Ragi, M.D.! Call (201) 836-9696 today or fill out the form in our contact page. Our talented and experienced staff looks forward to serving you!