JUVÉDERM® Ultra & Ultra Plus

JUVÉDERM® Ultra and Ultra Plus injectable gels are U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved dermal fillers that, according to their manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., are designed to “temporarily treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds” in people older than 21.

JUVÉDERM Ultra is used on moderate wrinkles and folds, whereas the thicker Ultra Plus is used on deeper ones.

JUVÉDERM Ultra and Ultra Plus are smooth-consistency gels that restore volume to the skin, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles and folds. They are 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 injectable gels are most effective at 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® Ultra and Ultra Plus Injectable Gels Procedure

JUVÉDERM Ultra and Ultra Plus injections take about 15 minutes to administer in a doctor’s office.

A fine needle is used for each injection, which is given under the skin in the targeted area to add volume or fill in wrinkles and folds. Because JUVÉDERM injectable gels do not contain lidocaine, a topical anesthetic may be used to minimize discomfort. 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® Ultra and Ultra Plus Injectable Gels

The results of JUVÉDERM Ultra and Ultra Plus 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.”

Risks of Juvéderm® Ultra and Ultra Plus Injectable Gels

Although JUVÉDERM Ultra and Ultra Plus are 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

Juvéderm® injectables are the first HA fillers that are FDA-approved for use on people of color.

There are also JUVÉDERM formulas that contain lidocaine to reduce any discomfort from the injections: JUVÉDERM Ultra XC and JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC.