Can Juvederm Help Reduce My Lip Wrinkles?

As you age, it is common to experience an increase in wrinkles and fine lines around your mouth and lips. In fact, ultraviolent sun rays and chain-smoking can actually increase your risk of developing lip wrinkles. Truth-be-told, it can be quite difficult to conceal these wrinkles with over-the-counter cosmetics. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists often recommend using cosmetic fillers, also known as dermal fillers, to reduce to lip wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth. Juvederm is a popular, FDA-approved cosmetic filler that is commonly used to combat wrinkles, facial folds and fine lines. It is important to note that although this cosmetic filler is used to reduce the appearance of lip wrinkles, it is still considered unconventional by many plastic surgeons and dermatologists. If you are wondering if Juvederm can help reduce your lip wrinkles – you are in luck. This blog will explain how Juvederm can help banish lip wrinkles from your life.

• Lip Wrinkles

According to a 2009 study on the aging process, women experience more noticeable lip wrinkles than men. In fact, recent research studies indicate that females not only experienced more pronounced lip wrinkles than men, they also experienced more wrinkles, in general, than men. Moreover, the studies suggests that females have less sweat and oil glands then men, thus contributing to the increase of fine lines and wrinkles around the lips. In other words, sweat and oil glands are needed to prevent, delay and/or reduce the appearance of lip wrinkles.

• Juvederm

Juvederm is a non-toxic, hypoallergenic, gel-like substance that is injected into your skin/dermis (around your lips and mouth) to reduce the appearance lip wrinkles. This filler consists of an “artificial version” of hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar-like substance produced in the body. It is important to note that you may experience mild discomfort at the injection site during the procedure. The entire procedure normally takes approximately 15 minutes. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon may administer a local anesthetic prior to the procedure to reduce any pain and discomfort. You should be able to resume your normal activities immediately following the procedure.

• Side-Effects

The most common side-effects associated with Juvederm lip injections are: injection-site itchiness, redness, tenderness, swelling, bleeding and bruising. These side-effects should subside within a few days, but stay away from aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, alcohol, anti-inflammatory medications, excessive sun exposure and strenuous exercises, prior to the procedure and during recovery because it can lead to bleeding and bruising. In addition, if you have herpes simplex, Juvederm injections can cause a “flare” (outbreak). Furthermore, you should avoid this cosmetic filler, if you are pregnant and/or nursing because it has not been tested for safety in these situations.

• Cost

Juvederm is a relatively expensive cosmetic filler. The cost of the a Juvederm injection treatment is based on how many syringes are needed to achieve the desired results. It may take two syringes to significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and lips. One Juvederm filled syringe can cost between $800.00 and $1,300.00. The effects of this treatment can last up to six months. In some cases, you may need to receive maintenance treatments three or four times a year. Although most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures like Juvederm injections, some dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer payment plans to help with the costs.

References:

Aging Skin Net. (2014). Cosmetic procedures. Retrieved from http://www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/fillers.html

Miller, S. R. (2014). Juvederm injections – Benefits, cost & side effects. Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Retrieved from http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/injectables-and-fillers/juvederm.htm

Paes, E. M., Teepen, H., Koop, W. A., & Kon, M. (2009). Perioral wrinkles: Histologic differences between men and women. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 29(6), 467-472.

Skin Tour. (2014). Guide to fillers: Juvederm, Restylane and others. Retrieved from http://www.skintour.com/guide-to-cosmetic-treatments/injectibles-botox-fillers- sculptra/guide-to-fillers-restylane-and-juvederm-cosmoderm