The Juvéderm Collection is one of the most well-known lines of FDA-approved injectable fillers. Manufactured by Allergan, Juvéderm fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a molecule found naturally in the skin that has a unique capacity to attract and retain moisture: it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which helps skin look plump, supple, and youthful.
Injected beneath the skin, these gel-like fillers instantly help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, soften creases, enhance contours, and restore volume. Clinical studies also suggest that HA dermal fillers may stimulate the body’s natural collagen production in areas of the face where it’s injected, improving skin firmness and elasticity.
“Since hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin, the body accepts it, and the filler persists until it’s slowly absorbed over time,” says Chicago-based facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anil Shah.
All Juvéderm fillers contain cross-linked hyaluronic acid, meaning that the molecule chains are connected. The HA gel remains clumped together, slowing the rate of absorption and providing longer-lasting results.
Each HA formula in the Juvéderm collection of fillers has its own properties, longevity, and intended treatment areas.
Cheek, chin, and jawline fillers
Lip fillers
For lines and wrinkles
For under-eye hollows
For hydration and skin quality
An experienced injector can choose the right fillers to create the most natural-looking result.
RealSelf Tip: Hyaluronic acid fillers have long been used off label in the tear troughs, to fill in under-eye hollows. While Juvéderm Volbella XC was recently FDA-approved for use under the eyes, some injectors think it’s ill-suited for the area, due to its propensity to swell and its strong crosslinking, which makes it long-lasting and difficult to dissolve should problems arise.
Doctors on RealSelf don’t recommend using Juvéderm Ultra or Ultra Plus under the eyes either, due to the likelihood of a lumpy appearance under the fragile, thin skin in that area. “Ultra and Ultra Plus hold onto water, which can make them swell and create a blue discoloration in this thin-skinned area,” cautions Dr. Lorrie Klein, a dermatologist in Laguna Niguel, California.
For these reasons, many injectors prefer thinner, less absorbent fillers like Belotero Balance, Restylane Eyelight, RHA 2, or Revanesse Versa for the delicate under eye area.
Pros
Cons
RealSelf Tip: People often wonder if Juvéderm is better than Botox, but these two injectables have very different (and complementary) effects: dermal fillers add volume and contour, while Botox Cosmetic is a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes muscle movement, to smooth dynamic wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming.
The price you pay for a Juvéderm treatment will depend on the type of filler, how many syringes you get, the experience level of your injector, their practice location, and a few other key factors.
Most providers accept third-party financing options, such as CareCredit.
The Juvéderm photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
In clinical studies, Juvéderm fillers have been shown to last between 6 and 24 months, but they can last longer for some patients. Their longevity depends on which formula you get, how much your injector uses, where it’s injected, and how your body metabolizes it.
As a general rule, filler lasts longest in areas with thinner skin and not much movement.
One big factor in longevity is how quickly your body metabolizes it. “If you have a fast metabolism, you may notice the filler go away sooner,” says Dr. Nima Shemirani, a facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. “On the bright side, after two to three rounds of injections, you’ll notice it will last longer and longer.”
Not every Juvéderm treatment will be exactly the same, but here’s the general rundown of what your appointment will be like:
Most Juvéderm filler formulas contain pain-reducing lidocaine, to instantly numb the tissue. Your treatment shouldn’t hurt too much, but you might feel some mild discomfort, particularly if you're getting a Juvéderm lip filler (lips are very sensitive).
You’ll see more fullness, contour, or smoother skin immediately. “With most injectables, what you see is what you get,” says Dr. David Shafer. “There’s some minor swelling and bruising, but for the most part, you should see results the same day.”
However, it might take up to two weeks for all the swelling to go down so you can see your final results—especially in areas like the lips.
If you don’t like your results, HA fillers can be dissolved with an injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase. Just be aware that some RealSelf reviewers call hyaluronidase “Not Worth It” due to distressing side effects, like too much volume loss.
Juvéderm treatments don’t come with downtime, but you may experience side effects.
Doctors on RealSelf recommend scheduling injectable treatments at least two weeks before special events where you want to look your best, though you might find that your side effects aren’t noticeable, especially with makeup.
They also say taking a few precautions can help prevent common side effects.
Related: How to Handle Injectable Bruises Without Hiding Out
Because hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, serious problems are rare. When they do occur, they’re usually the result of improper injection technique, but rarely they can occur even in experienced hands.
The most significant cause for concern is unintentional injection into a blood vessel, leading to a blockage called vascular occlusion. This situation can lead to serious complications, including tissue death, permanent scarring, vision loss, or stroke.
Related: Vascular Occlusion Is the Scary Filler Complication No One Talks About
This dermal filler risk is one of the biggest reasons why so many providers prefer hyaluronic acid-based fillers that can be dissolved if this happens.
However, it’s still essential to find an experienced injector who’s very knowledgeable about facial anatomy, such as a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or oculoplastic surgeon.
“An experienced injector who knows which type of filler to inject where is paramount to the success of a patient’s outcome,” says Dr. Shah.
Juvéderm is one of the most common nonsurgical cosmetic treatments performed in the United States, so it shouldn't be too hard to find an experienced injector in your area. Just be sure to read reviews from their patients and scope out their before and after photos before booking the appointment.
Related: The Most Common Filler Mistakes Doctors See—and How to Avoid Them
There’s a growing roster of injectable fillers that can smooth wrinkles and add fullness.
Updated May 16, 2023