Juvederm is the trade name for a range of dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid that target the face for cosmetic purposes. Volbella, is just one of the many products created by Juvederm, and it’s the latest addition to their family of fillers. Juvederm Volbella has been designed specifically for lip augmentation and to plump up the lips (1).
Other examples of Juvederm products are Juvederm Voluma XC, Juvederm Vollure XC, and Juvederm Volbella XC. Each has their own properties and different uses for cosmetic procedures.
Juvederm was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 (2), and it remains as one of the most popular names in cosmetic medicine.
Today there are many uses of Juvederm fillers in the field of cosmetics: from smoothening wrinkles, to raising cheeks and of course to adding more volume to lips (like Juvederm Volbella). If you’re interested in getting any of these procedures done, read on to know more about the treament, the risks involved, and what to expect the cost to be.
What are fillers?
Fillers are “gels” that can be injected into the skin and they usually contain a natural chemical called “Hyaluronic acid”. Hyaluronic acid is an important component of our connective and epithelial tissue, so it’s already present in our bodies in our skin and joints. When injected underneath the skin it attracts water and causes the skin to become more hydrated (3).
Hyaluronic acid is also important in wound repair and skin healing by forming new layers of skin. As we age the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen begins to decrease, so it’s quite clear how important this chemical is for healthy and youthful skin.
Dermal fillers can last around 6 months to 2 years and can be injected quite safely and almost painlessly with minimal side effects. Topical local anesthetic is usually used but overall the procedure of getting fillers may be slightly uncomfortable, but not painful.
Getting Juvederm Fillers
If you’ve already gone for a consultation with a doctor, then they’ve probably already talked to you all about the procedure and answered any questions you may have. You can use the list below as a guide but refer back to their instructions directly.
- Your doctor will consult you again, and once everything is agreed, they will begin to disinfect the area that will undergo injections (usually by wiping your lips and skin with alcohol).
- Your doctor may then undergo some measurements (either by using a tool or just by viewing your symmetrical balance and side profile), and may begin to mark the areas that need to be injected.
- Your doctor will begin injecting Juvederm filler into the target areas, massaging of the area is usually done in between injection to shape and mold the filler to smoothen it out and minimise any chance of swelling.
- After the injections are complete, your doctor will make sure that the sites of injections are not bleeding anymore and clean them. Vaseline or lip balm is sometimes applied after a lip filler procedure to prevent lip dryness.
Juvederm Side Effects and Tips
- Swelling and bruising is a very common side effect of Juvederm fillers, especially for lip filler injections, and so should be expected up to 1 week after the procedure. To minimise swelling, you can try massaging the target areas as advised by your doctor.
- Immediately after treatment, you can try applying ice packs for 15 minutes at a time around the area of injection.
- The safety of Juvederm and dermal fillers for the pregnant or breastfeeding is still unsure, so make sure you tell your doctor if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor about all your existing medical conditions and if you’re taking any medicine.
- If you use aspirin or any “blood thinner” medicine, tell your doctor as they may cause bleeding problems.
- Don’t exercise for at least a day after receiving your injections to ensure optimum healing.
- More serious complications and side effects do exist but are extremely rare. These happen when Juvederm filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel. The complications can be as serious permanent scarring, blindness, and even stroke. This is why it’s extremely important to only do Juvederm fillers at a licensed professional doctor.
- Your doctor would have probably booked a “review session” for you in around 2 weeks, to make sure that everything is fine and that you are happy with the new shape.
- If you’re lips are still swollen, bruised or blue after a week, then notify your doctor about your situation and request to be seen to make sure everything is fine.
How much does Juvederm cost?
The cost of a Juvederm syringe is usually between $400 – $600 depending on your state and doctor. Some doctors ask a lot more per syringe, and this has caused the average cost of a Juvederm syringe to cost $620 as listed by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (4).
How much Juvederm do I need?
Usually one syringe of Juvederm is used per area. Your treatment may need one or more syringes so make sure to consult with your doctor on how many syringes your treatment will require before the procedure.
Keep in mind that this number may change during the filler procedure itself, or after by a couple of weeks, as you may decide to have more Juvederm injected for a more drastic result.
