Have you considered JUVÉDERM® for facial rejuvenation?

Background information
JUVÉDERM® is composed of hyaluronic acid: a substance which is abundant in our skin during youth but slowly dissipates as we get older. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for the “turtle” of skin which gives young skin that plump look. The disappearance of hyaluronic acid decreases skin volume and causes skin to sag. Restoring it in the dermis restores the natural skin volume and makes the skin appear younger and more appealing.

Typical Patient Profile
Men and women of all age groups may benefit from this miracle treatment. It is often referred to as the “liquid facelift.” When placed properly, it transforms faces into their younger counterparts. I often use this treatment in younger patients to create fuller, more aesthetically pleasing, lips.

Benefits
I find this substance to be of greatest value in staged rejuvenation of the skin when injected into the dermis (where it naturally exists in younger skin). Following the “less is more” principle, I usually begin with only one syringe and spread it throughout areas in need of rejuvenation.

Studies have shown that when used in this fashion, this substance will surround old dysfunctional or “broken” fibroblasts and turn them back on allowing the creation of new collagen. This results in collagen augmenting the hyaluronic acid!
Pain Level
As a medical and cosmetic dermatologist who utilizes hyaluronic acid injections in her patients, staff, family and self, I believe the treatment is incredibly easy to tolerate. The needle is very fine yet most injectors may allow topical anesthetic creme for added comfort.

Number and Frequency of Treatments
Frequency of treatment varies by individual and what needs to be corrected. Although the substance itself was noted as still present at 12 months post-treatment, the actual benefits last longer if placed correctly!

Personally, I prefer small correctional treatments delivered more frequently rather than one large load. Larger treatments may leave the patient looking less than natural. Even in cases of very sun-damaged skin, less is more for the most natural results.

Further information and case studies may be obtained at https://www.juvederm.com/.

About the Author

Dr. Vassilia D. Young received her undergraduate degree from Minot State University in North Dakota and her MD from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She currently practices as the head dermatologist at Black Hills Dermatology in Rapid City and Spearfish, SD. She specializes in Mohs surgery as well as a variety of laser and cosmetic procedures.

• Skincare