JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC Injectable Gel
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC injectable gel is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved dermal filler that, according to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., is designed to be used on "areas of facial tissue where moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds occur to temporarily add volume to the skin, especially around the nose and mouth" in people older than 21. Unlike the older JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus injectable gel, JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC is infused with lidocaine to make its injection more comfortable.
JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus 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 Ultra Plus 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.
Injecting JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC Gel
JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC injections take about 15 minutes to administer, and are performed 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 Ultra Plus XC contains lidocaine to improve comfort, an anesthetic may not be needed, although a doctor may still elect to use a topical anesthetic for additional minimizing of 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 Plus XC Injectable Gel
The results of JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC 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 a 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 Plus XC Injectable Gel
Although JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus 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
Most side effects are mild, and last less than a week. Patients who are allergic to lidocaine should a different formulation of JUVÉDERM gel.