Juvéderm Ultra XC is a dermal filler that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010. It is used most commonly to increase the fullness of the lip area, as well as treat facial wrinkles.
The product contains hyaluronic acid (HA), lidocaine, and water. The formula plumps the patient’s skin by increasing the overall volume from beneath. Treatment is intended for adults who want to improve the look of their face and lips. The active ingredients are well tolerated, and allergic reactions are rare.
Juvéderm injections are quick and take an average of half an hour. No recovery time is required and the average cost of treatment is $750, although costs vary according to patient needs and desired result. Results are seen immediately after treatement and last for up to 1 year.
How Does Juvéderm Ultra XC Work?
Juvéderm Ultra XC works by combining hyaluronic acid with water, which results in a gel-like substance that creates volume when injected underneath the skin. The injection process reduces the appearance of wrinkles, providing a more youthful appearance.
The XC variant includes lidocaine, a local anesthetic that reduces pain and discomfort during treatment. Additionally, it saves time that would otherwise be spent applying a separate numbing agent and/or pain reliever.
Similar Treatments to Juvéderm Ultra
Juvéderm Ultra XC is part of the Juvéderm family of products. A range of formulas can be used to obtain the same results as Juvéderm Ultra.
The main alternatives to Juvéderm Ultra are:
1. Juvéderm Voluma XC, which is primarily used for the cheeks.
2. Juvéderm Vollure XC, which is primarily used for parentheses lines.
3. Restylane, a different brand of dermal filler.
4. Botox treatments are commonly used for the same areas treated by Juvéderm Ultra.
While Botox is commonly used to treat wrinkles, it will not last as long as Juvéderm Ultra and is a more invasive procedure. Botox relaxes your muscles to reduces wrinkles, while Juvéderm Ultra plumps the skin.
Where Does Juvéderm Ultra Work?
Juvéderm Ultra reduces wrinkles that form around the sides of your mouth as you age. This effect is more noticeable in smokers and is commonly referred to as smile lines or laugh lines.
This dermal filler is also suitable for:
1. Lip augmentation
2. Wrinkles in the cheek area
3. Wrinkles under the eyes
Expected Results of Juvéderm Ultra XC
With any Juvéderm injection, you can expect to see the effects of treatment immediately. The results, on average, last between 6 months and 1 year. Follow-up treatments are required for maintenance.
There is no recovery time associated with Juvéderm Ultra, however, during the first 24 hours it is recommended that you avoid:
1. Strenuous exercise from activities like sports or heavy work.
2. Direct sun exposure.
3. Consuming alcohol.
4. Failure to do so could result in increased itching, swelling, and redness in the treated area.
Juvéderm Ultra XC Preparation and Procedure
Very little is needed in order to prepare for your appointment. While the total time required for the appointment will vary by patient, you can expect treatment to take no longer than an hour.
As Juvéderm Ultra XC contains lidocaine, a topical anesthetic is not required. This is only offered with the XC variant and is not found in Juvéderm Ultra alone.
During the procedure, you should feel little to no pain. Most commonly, patients feel slight pressure and tingling in the area of injection.
It is recommended that patients arrive early to make payment and complete paperwork. As there is no recovery time, patients can safely drive home following their appointment.
Juvéderm Ultra XC Side Effects and Risks
While this dermal filler is considered safe for most patients, potential side effects include the following:
- Redness, swelling, and bruising.
- Tenderness, firmness, and lumps in the treated area.
- Skin discoloration in the treated area.
These are typically mild in nature and often clear up within a week without further intervention.
While rare, allergic reactions to Juvéderm can happen and are sometimes serious in nature. Medical attention may be required if a patient experiences any of the follwoing:
- Hives forming around the treated area.
- Difficulty breathing.
- A rash in the treated area.
- Signs of infection in, or scarring of, the treated skin.
Patients with a known allergy to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine should not use Juvéderm products.
How Much Does Juvéderm Ultra XC Cost?
Curious about the cost of Juvéderm treatments? On average, a session with Juvéderm Ultra XC is priced at approximately $750. However, this cost varies based on individual needs and desired results. Factors such as location and the number of injections required can influence the overall expense of each treatment. To delve deeper into understanding the factors influencing Juvéderm costs and explore ways to manage expenses, check out our comprehensive blog post on “What does Juvederm cost?”. It’s important to note that Juvéderm products fall under the cosmetic category and are typically not covered by insurance. Fortunately, many physicians offer monthly payment plans, providing patients with accessible options to finance their procedures.
