JUVEDERM continued

JUVÉDERM™ dermal filler lasts long because it's the only dermal filler currently available with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid and a special formulation process. This process creates a smooth gel that flows easily into the skin, creating smooth, natural looks.
All other currently approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers use a gel particle suspension formulation. These gel particles can be visibly seen as opposed to the smoother formulation used in JUVÉDERM™. The smooth consistency of JUVÉDERM™ dermal filler also may help to minimize the discomfort that can sometimes occur during the injection procedure.

Juvéderm is the dermal filler, hyaluronic acid gel that’s injected beneath the surface of the skin to smooth wrinkles and folds on the face. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in the human body and is a primary component of healthy skin. The role of hyaluronic acid is to hydrate the skin, deliver nutrients and cushion the skin. By injecting this naturally-occurring substance, the skin gains a smooth, healthy appearance.

SCULPTRA™ has been approved by the FDA for use in the United States following several years of use in other countries under the name NewFill. The current FDA approval is for restoration of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus, however, the off label use for cosmetic purposes is rapidly growing in popularity. (This is similar to the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes prior to FDA approval for wrinkles.) Until the introduction of Scupltra, physicians in the United States have wanted options for the restoration of facial volume loss. Volume loss, or “deflation,” is typical of the aging face and although modern facelifting techniques are highly effective, their greatest shortcoming lies in the fact that they do not restore lost volume. The cosmetic use of Scuptra appears to be most appropriate for the patient who has had a facelift and still has a thin, gaunt face and for the forty something patient with early aging not yet ready for a facelift.
Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra™ is a synthetic material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. It is composed of tiny particles of a dissolving suture material which has been used in surgery for many years with an excellent record of safety. It provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness and tone, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. The number of treatment sessions depends of the severity of the facial lipoatrophy or “deflation,” the individual response to treatment and the desires of the patient. No skin testing is required.

SCULPTRA™ will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin thickness in the treated area.
Are the results immediate?At your first treatment visit, it may appear that SCULTRA™ worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute SCULPTRA™. In a few days, the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body. SCULPTRA™ takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. Your health care provider will see you again in a few weeks to decide if you need more SCULPTRA™ injections.
How many treatments are required?
The doctor can decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of SCULPTRA™ you will need. This depends on the severity of the condition and the outcome desired.
How long do treatment results last?
While treatment results differ for each person, a clinical study shows the treatment results to last for up to 2 years or longer. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.
What are the possible side effects of treatment with SCULPTRA™?
The most common side effects with any injection include bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising or swelling. These side effects generally last, on average, 3 to 17 days.

One possible delayed side effect with SCULPTRA™ can be small bumps under the skin in the treated area. These small bumps may not be visible, and you may notice them only when you press on the treated skin. These bumps tend to happen within the first 6 to 12 months after the first treatment. Occasionally, these bumps go away on their own. Visible bumps, sometimes with redness or color change to the treated area, have also been reported. As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.