JUVÉDERM® AT DERMACARE SAN DIEGO

Signs of aging can show up on the face much sooner than you want and long before you are ready to contemplate surgery. Lines and wrinkles appear around the nose and mouth that add years to your appearance and lower your self-confidence. Injectable treatments can be an option for both men and women looking to reverse the effects of time without anesthesia or incisions. While the results are temporary, they are long-lasting, and the convenience of the treatment makes it easy to maintain your results as long as you choose.

At Dermacare Laser and Skin Care Clinics, we offer a variety of injectable options to our patients, including the tried-and-true formulation known as Juvederm. Dr. Birchall and his staff will make a careful assessment of your skin concerns at your consultation to help you determine whether Juvederm will be the best choice to help you meet your aesthetic goals. This versatile treatment can be used for a wide range of skin enhancements, which is why it is one of our top-requested dermal fillers at Dermacare today.

Why Skin Ages


Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance found in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration to the dermal structure. While the body produces hyaluronic acid in abundance during our younger years, levels begin to deplete as we age. These changes can lead to dry skin, skin laxity, and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

At the same time, collagen and elastin levels also decline in the body over time. These essential proteins also provide vital support to the dermal structure, producing youthful fullness and creating a smooth, supple look to the outer dermal layers. As collage and elastin levels drop, this can add to the problem of skin laxity and deepen facial grooves that make us look older than we feel.

  • Indications: Reduction of wrinkles, volume replacement in cheeks, other
  • Downtime: None
  • Anesthetic Needs: While many patients experience minimal discomfort and can easily undergo treatment without any anesthetic, we do offer ice, topical anesthetic, and dental blocks.
  • Typical Package:Maintenance treatments may be needed every 9-12 months

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a smooth consistency gel that contains hyaluronic acid as its base. It is the original formulation in what is now a long line of dermal filler products containing hyaluronic acid. Juvederm was approved by the FDA in 2006 for the treatment of moderate to severe facial lines.

Juvederm can also be used to smooth away small vertical lines above the upper lip (perioral lines), also referred to as lipstick or smoker’s lines. Juvederm can even be used to add subtle fullness to lips that have thinned over time or have never had the fullness desired. In some cases, Juvederm can be injected into the midface to restore youthful fullness and definition to the cheeks. However, there are alternative Juvederm products specifically designed for these purposes that may be recommended as well. Dr. Birchall will assess your personal concerns and desired results to determine which dermal filler will fit your needs best.

It is used most often for the following:

  • Nasolabial folds (creases that run from the end of the nose to the corners of the mouth)
  • Smile lines (small vertical creases that form in the corners of the mouth)
  • Marionette lines (wrinkles that begin at the mouth and run down the chin to the jawline

Am I a candidate for Juvederm injections?

Juvederm is approved by the FDA for patients age 21 and over. The approved use extends to lines anywhere on the face that can benefit from a dermal filler treatment. It is not recommended for wrinkles that form in response to some facial expressions, such as the creases that appear around the forehead and eyes. However, Dr. Birchall offers wrinkle relaxers like Botox for this purpose. Patients can choose to have both dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers administered during the same appointment to achieve dramatic results in just one treatment session.

How is Juvederm used?

Dr. Birchall and his staff administer Juvederm injections at both their Carlsbad and Rancho Bernardo locations. Injections typically take around 15 minutes to complete when a numbing cream is not needed. Many patients find the treatment is sufficiently comfortable without the need for any numbing cream, but patients concerned about potential discomfort can opt for ice, a numbing cream or a dental block. Adding the step will increase your time in our office, but many patients decide it is worth the extended treatment session to have peace-of-mind during their injections.

You can return immediately to your daily life after your Juvederm procedure. Occasionally, patients experience some mild bruising and swelling around the injections sites. These side effects are mild and usually subside without any treatment within a few hours to a few days. In most cases, they can be effectively concealed with makeup, so you have no visible signs you just had a cosmetic procedure done. There is no significant discomfort after the treatment to limit your activities.

What can I expect from my results?

You will see preliminary results from your Juvederm treatment almost as soon as you leave our office. However, it will take a few days for the dermal filler to settle in and spread to create the natural results you want. The hyaluronic acid in the mix is reabsorbed by the body over time, which is why the effects of Juvederm are only temporary. While the FDA has approved Juvederm to last up to one year, most of our patients find maintenance treatments every nine to 12 months provide them with the best outcome. The quick, comfortable nature of the treatment makes it easy to keep up the refreshed, youthful appearance you are sure to love.

Juvederm is an effective and versatile anti-aging treatment that can be performed in just a few minutes and does not require any downtime. Results are evident right away and continue for many months before a subsequent treatment is necessary. Dr. Birchall is well versed in all types of dermal fillers, including Juvederm, so you can rest assured your procedure will be safe and provide you with the best possible results. To learn more about this proven anti-aging treatment, contact Dermacare Laser and Skin Care Clinics today at our Rancho Bernardo office 858-943-2443 or our Carlsbad location 760-472-5088.