Juvederm® Houston, TX

Juvéderm is one of the most popular dermal filler injections, helping patients restore lost volume to achieve a more youthful appearance. Juvéderm injections are a wonderful treatment for patients who feel like their face has volume loss in defined areas, that their skin has lost some of its youthful elasticity or that troublesome wrinkles detract from their natural beauty. The injections are a minimally invasive way to add needed volume and youthful elasticity to the face while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Dr. Leo Lapuerta has over 20 years of experience as a board certified plastic surgeon with an extensive understanding of facial anatomy that benefits Houston, Pearland and Katy area patients seeking to use Juvéderm to achieve their cosmetic goals.

Juvéderm is a popular line of dermal filler products manufactured from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance produced by the body. Triple-board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta uses Juvéderm products to improve hollow areas on the face where additional contour and volume is desired as well as to reduce wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid injections, such as Juvéderm, also work to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that contribute to healthy skin elasticity.

Juvéderm’s product line offers Juvederm XC, Vollure XC, Voluma XC, Volbella XC and Juvederm Ultra XC.  The products differ in feel or thickness, area of application and length of benefit that can be expected. Juvederm XC products can be used under the eyes, in the lips, the areas around the mouth, the nasal labial folds, cheeks, chin, jaw and nose.

Juvéderm XC is the original product in the Juvederm product line and can be used to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles.  It can also be used to restore fullness to areas that appear depressed from loss of fat. Juvederm XC can be placed almost anywhere on the face where these problems are apparent.  Patients can expect to see the benefit of treatment with Juvederm XC for 9-12 months.  Areas for application include under the eyes, in the cheek area, the nasal labial folds, lips, nose, marionette lines, oral commissures and around the mouth. Juvéderm XC lip injections offer patients a non-surgical treatment that results in youthful, full lips. Juvéderm XC lip treatments usually lasts somewhere between 9 to 12 months.

An ideal candidate is anyone looking to improve the appearance of their face, smooth out wrinkles and folds, or restore lost volume. Injections are safe for all skin types and colors, with no real restrictions preventing a candidate from being eligible. Patients should refrain from using aspirin or NSAID products such as Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen or Alleve prior to receiving injections to minimize the potential for bleeding and bruising at the injection site.  While rare, injections to the lips, around the mouth or nose area, may trigger an outbreak of cold sores or oral herpes in patients with a history of cold sores or oral herpes.  Therefore patients with a history of cold sores or oral herpes, should consider prophylactic use of oral, anti-viral medication if desiring treatment with any injectable filler in these areas of the face.

Juvéderm XC is a gel substance that is administered via a fine needle directly into the skin. There is no sedation needed and most patients experience minimal discomfort with the injections.  However, a numbing cream or a nerve block can be provided to help reduce or eliminate any associated discomfort. The injection sites will be sterilized and marked with ink. Once the filler is injected, results are immediately noticeable. Dr. Lapuerta will shape the filler manually to spread the filler evenly and direct the position of the filler to achieve the results desired.  Dr. Lapuerta’s staff provides a cool gel pack for patients to apply to the injections areas to minimize any potential bruising.  Treatments typically take between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the number of areas addressed and the amount injected.  Patient’s are able to leave the office and resume their normal activities.

There will be no downtime needed for recovery following a Juvéderm XC injection. Other than temporary redness or mild bruising, the treatment has no after effect that will prevent a patient from going back to a normal routine. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours. After a Juvéderm XC injection, the face will look refreshed, softer and smoother.

The Juvéderm XC cost will largely depend on how many syringes of Juvéderm is needed to achieve the desired results. One full syringe of Juvéderm may cost between $400 to $1,000, and some sessions may take 2-3 syringes to successfully complete treatment. Another factor to consider in pricing is that this treatment must be repeated between after 9 to 12 monthhs as Juvéderm XC will be naturally reabsorbed by the body over time.

During the consultation, this can be discussed in detail according to the practitioner’s assessments. Dr. Lapuerta will closely examine the patient and discuss their goals for the desired end results. Next, Dr. Lapuerta will partner with the patient to determine how to best achieve these goals, devising a treatment plan that meets all of the patient’s needs. Once a treatment plan is made, an accurate Juvéderm cost estimate can be made. To learn more or to request a consultation, contact Dr. Lapuerta today.