Because JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel is a simple, nonsurgical treatment, there is minimal recovery or downtime. You can make an appointment to stop by Minnesota Gynecology and Aesthetics for treatment on the way home from work or the gym or even while the kids are at soccer practice and get right back to your life. Here's what to expect when you visit Dr Erhard’s office for treatment:
- Before you go: Some we recommend that you avoid any medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) for at least a week prior to treatment in order to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
- When you arrive: If this is your first visit, Dr. Erhard will ask about your medical history, including any allergies you may have or medications you may take and will tell you more about wrinkle treatment with Juvéderm. JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel does not require an allergy test.
- Determining your treatment needs: Dr. Erhard will examine the soft tissue of your face to assess the depth of wrinkles and folds to determine your treatment. Dr. Erhard will take pretreatment photographs so you can see the difference after treatment!
- Before the procedure: Although anesthesia is not required, Dr. Erhard may use topical or injectable anesthesia to numb the treatment area first.
- The procedure: Dr. Erhard will ease the JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel under your skin to augment or fill wrinkles and folds. Following the injection, Dr. Erhard will gently massage the treated areas. The procedure is quick and easy. The injection itself usually takes only about 15 minutes.
With Juvéderm, there is minimal recovery or downtime after the procedure. For the first 24 hours following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure and consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to help minimize the risks of temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the treatment sites. After the treatment, some temporary injection-related reactions may occur including redness, pain, firmness, swelling and bumps. Studies have shown that these are usually mild to moderate in nature and clear up on their own in 7 days or less. If you experience swelling at the injection site, you can apply an ice pack for a brief period. Dr. Erhard will tell you when makeup may be applied after your treatment.
You should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing and the results last up to 6 months or more. However, results may vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental “touch up” treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results.
Before Treatments:
- No anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Vioxx, etc.), aspirin, high doses of Vitamin E or Ginko Biloba one week prior to treatment. This will reduce the possible side effects of bruising and/or swelling in the treated area(s).
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to treatment can increase the chances of bruising and/or swelling.
- You cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding to receive treatment.
- If you have a history of oral herpes, you must pre-treat with an anti-viral three days before your scheduled visit.
After Treatment Expectations:
- Swelling, redness and tenderness will occur after your treatment and usually resolves within 72 hours.
- Cold compresses (a cloth dipped in cold water, wrung out and applied to the injected area) may be used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling.
- Avoid touching the treated area within 6 hours of treatment so you do not accidentally injure your skin. After that, the area can be gently washed with soap and water.
- Until there is no redness or swelling, avoid exposure of the treated area to intense heat (sun lamp or sun bathing) or extreme cold weather.
- If you have suffered previously from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another occurrence. Ask Dr. Erhard about medications that may minimize a recurrence.
- Avoid taking aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort and high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week after treatment. These agents may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
- Avoid aesthetic lasers, microdermabrasion or IPL over areas with JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel for a minimum of one week after treatment.
Followup Treatment Instructions:
- Follow up treatments should be scheduled usually every six months.
- Consistent repeated treatments will produce best resolution of wrinkles.