Juvederm Review

Overview

Unlike many of the topical products that we look at here, Juvederm is actually an injectable anti-wrinkle treatment. This means that is has been approved by the FDA, and is only intended for use at the discretion of a skin care industry professional. But why would users pick the relatively new Juvederm over a time-tested treatment like Botox? Actually, Juvederm does not appear to be a Botox competitor. Rather, this product is meant to act as an additional “plumping” treatment for highly specific areas, like the sunken lines that can developed between the nose and the mouth. Juvederm advertise themselves as the “next generation” dermal filler. This product was developed and manufactured by Allergan, Inc. who are a California-based pharmaceutical manufacturing company also responsible for developing Botox.

Juvederm claims that results from their injections will last up to one year. The product is primarily made of hyaluronic acid. This acid is a naturally occurring moisturizing agent in the body that has been shown to keep skin hydrated, which results in the “fresh” skin that older users are seeking. Juvederm injections claim to restore volume and smooth skin using primarily natural ingredients. The product also claims to be especially effective at treating what the manufacturers call “parenthesis,” which are the creases that run from the lower sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Product Details

The makers of Juvederm allude to a comparison study of their product versus collagen-based injections, but we could not find it. The results of this study were that Juvederm was preferred 90% over the rival product. An actual Juvederm injection lasts approximately 15 minutes, meaning that it is not a major procedure. Possible side effects include potential irritation around the injection site, which can manifest itself as redness, bumpiness and painful swelling. If this does occur, it can be expected to last for up to seven days. Results can last up to one year, after which time users will need to return for an additional injection.

Unfortunately, Allergan Inc. does not provide a full list of ingredients found in Juvederm. Pricing will differ depending on your physician, but the average price quoted by doctors we checked with was between $350-$400.

The Good

• Allergan offers a Botox Cosmetic Benefits Club that sends users discount offers and exclusive invitations.
• Product claims to be free of animal based products.
• Injection only takes 15 minutes.

The Bad

• Possibility of redness and swelling around injection site for up to seven days.
• Procedure is expensive.
• Procedure still requires a doctor’s visit and an injection.
• Product is intended for very specific wrinkle areas.

The Bottom Liine

If you’ve already given up on topical anti-wrinkle treatments, Juvederm could be a good weapon in any doctor’s injection arsenal. However, many users prefer to avoid the doctor’s office entirely and make use of one of the many cutting edge peptide-based topical anti-aging formulas currently on the market. Technology for topical treatments has come a long way, and users trying to avoid the time and expense (and needles!) associated with doctor’s visits have many options. However, if you’ve already committed yourself to injection treatments, Juvederm seems to be targeted towards specific areas that Botox treatments may miss, making it something you should ask your specialist about.