Juvederm is a dermal filler that is injected under the skin to give the face a fuller, more youthful look. It also reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Juvederm is safe for most people because the filler gel it uses is made from hyaluronic acid, a type of sugar that is naturally found in the body’s connective tissue.1
All types of Juvederm currently on the market can be administered in a physician’s office in a short and often painless procedure. The patient will immediately see positive results, and the appearance of the skin should continue to improve over the next week as the filler settles into place and any swelling recedes.2
If you are considering receiving Juvederm treatment, you may be trying to decide whether Juvederm Ultra or Juvederm Ultra Plus is the right choice for you. Here is a brief comparison of those two products.
Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus
Juvederm is a collection of specialized fillers that includes Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus. They are all made from hyaluronic acid, so their risks of side effects and complications are similarly low. The main difference between these two types of Juvederm is how concentrated the filler gel is and what signs of aging they are used to treat.
Juvederm Ultra
Juvederm Ultra is a light gel suitable for filling in small lines that cover small areas. Uses include plumping up thin lips and decreasing the appearance of lines around the mouth, including the nasolabial folds that form from the edges of the nose to the edges of the mouth.3 It is injected into the upper layers of the dermis.
Juvederm Ultra Plus
Ultra Plus is a somewhat heavier, more concentrated gel than Juvederm Ultra. It is generally used to treat the deeper lines around the mouth that Juvederm Ultra is too soft for.4 This filler is injected into the mid to deep levels of the dermis, where it can effectively lift deep wrinkles and folds.
Benefits of Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus
Fillers are a great way to restore a youthful appearance, but there are many types. Patients choose to use Juvederm Ultra or Ultra Plus specifically because: 5
- It creates a full and natural look for the lips and their surrounding areas.
- As a medium-soft filler, it’s thick enough to provide structure without being so thick that it inhibits natural movement.
- It can treat the lines around the mouth as well as lip thinning.
Risks, Side Effects, and Complications Associated with Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus
While the risk of side effects is low, there is still a small chance of complications. They include:6
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Lumps or bumps
- Minor pain
- Itching
These issues, should they arise, should resolve themselves in a day or two. If they last longer than that, you should contact your injector.
Serious side effects are very rare, and they have more to do with the administration process than the filler itself. If the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, it may cause scarring, temporary or permanent blindness, and in very rare cases, stroke.7 Additionally, you are not a candidate for Juvederm if you have a history of multiple severe allergies and/or allergies which cause anaphylaxis.3
Considering the potentially severe complications associated with Juvederm being administered improperly, it is essential to take the time to research reputable doctors before scheduling any procedures. When handled properly, Juvederm Ultra is very effective and very low risk. Don’t let the wrong doctor ruin what should be a short and easy journey to the youthful appearance you are looking for.
Would I Benefit from Juvederm Ultra or Ultra Plus?
Juvederm is approved for use in patients aged 21 and over. If you are over 21 and dissatisfied with your facial appearance, you may find benefits from Juvederm treatment.8 Even if you haven’t yet begun to show signs of aging, Juvederm can be used to create plumper lips and reduce the appearance of smile lines around the nose and mouth.
For those who are starting to experience lines, wrinkles, and folds around the lips, Juvederm Ultra or Ultra Plus can smooth them out and fill them in. This will give you a younger, more vibrant appearance.
Final Juvederm Tips
Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus are both safe and effective ways to fill in and smooth out imperfections and the effects of aging on your face. There are just a few more things you should know before deciding if it is the right choice for you:
- Juvederm contains lidocaine, a numbing agent. Allergic reactions to lidocaine are rare but do happen.3
- Hundreds of thousands of people have been safely injected with Juvederm Ultra with minimal side effects and great results.9
- Many doctors recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, strenuous exercise, or the consumption of alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after treatment.10
If you still have questions about the efficacy or safety of Juvederm Ultra or any other dermal fillers, check out the resources on My Filler Treatment to get more information on dermal fillers used to reduce the signs of aging.
SOURCES:
- Sanova Dermatology: “Know Your Fillers: Juvederm Ultra vs Ultra Plus”
- Healthline.com: “Juvederm: Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler”
- Drugs.com: “Juvederm”
- Sanova Dermatology: “Know Your Fillers: Juvederm Ultra vs Ultra Plus”
- Horizon Dermatology and Cosmetic Center: “New to Juvederm? How to Prepare and What to Expect”
- Healthline.com: “Juvederm: Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler”
- Healthline.com: “Juvederm: Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler”
- Advanced Life Clinic: “What’s the Difference Between Juvederm and Juvederm Ultra?”
- Kole Plastic Surgery Center: “What’s the Difference Between the Different Juvederm Types?”
- Juvederm: “Before-and-After”
