A youthful appearance is highly valued, and many people seek out cosmetic surgery in order to erase visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. However, there are some less invasive, non-surgical treatments available that may be safer, less expensive and still effective. One treatment is an injectable dermal filler, such as Juvederm. Juvederm Waimea is a gel form of hyaluronic acid that can smooth out deep wrinkles, such as lines between the nose and mouth. The treatment usually lasts for about nine months before needing to be repeated.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Composed of sugars, the molecule is present in the skin and other connective tissue, and it holds in moisture better than any synthetic substance. In fact, a single gram of hyaluronic acid can hold several liters of water. Topical treatments can add moisture to the skin, and they can also serve to strengthen the outer layer of skin and minimize damage from sun exposure or skin conditions like rosacea or acne. However, injecting Juvederm under the skin can have the more powerful effect of plumping the skin and erasing wrinkles.
Although generally considered safe, certain patients should not consider Juvederm Waimea. Patients who have severe allergies, especially with anaphylactic reactions, may be advised not to use the product. Other patients who may be discouraged from using Juvederm include people on immunosuppressive therapy who are at greater risk of infection. In addition, there is not yet sufficient research to determine whether Juvederm is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Side effects are generally mild and of short duration. But some patients experience bruising, pain or tenderness, redness, swelling, and/or itching for a few days. If those symptoms persist or if the patient develops a fever, he or she should contact a physician.
Patients who want to minimize risks and get the best possible results from a dermal filler need to find a doctor who is experienced in giving the injections. In addition, an experienced doctor can advise patients about different types of fillers that may be more effective for different desired outcomes. For more information about dermal fillers, contact David K. Hiranaka, M.D., D.M.D. you can also visit their Facebook page for regular updates.
