JUVÉDERM

Pros

• It's an effective treatment for facial rejuvenation, sculpting, and augmentation, with instantaneous results.
• Patient satisfaction is high. Of the thousands of reviewers on RealSelf, 91% say their Juvéderm treatment results were “Worth It.”
• All of the formulas in the Juvéderm collection of fillers are infused with the local anesthetic lidocaine, to minimize pain during and after treatment.  
• Because hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body, there’s little chance of an allergic reaction.  
• Like other hyaluronic acid–based fillers, these can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if you don’t like your results or have a complication. 
• Juvéderm Vollure and Voluma are the longest-lasting HA fillers available: results have been shown to last up to 18 months and up to two years, respectively.

Cons

• Results are temporary, as with all other FDA-approved dermal fillers.
• Fillers aren’t effective for treating sagging skin or severe facial wrinkles, so they’re not a substitute for any plastic surgery procedures like facelifts. They work best for people who’ve lost some facial volume but still have good skin elasticity. 
• As with any injection, you’ll likely have some tenderness, bruising, lumps, and swelling in the first few days after treatment. 
• More severe complications, like vascular occlusion, are possible with any injectable filler.
• Results from this and other dermal fillers are very technique-dependent. In Juvéderm reviews, patients who say it was “Not Worth It” reported lumps, bumps, or asymmetry from poorly placed injections.

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.

• Average Cost:
• $868

• Range:
• $300 - $2,400

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.

See our complete guide to Juvéderm costs

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.

• SkinVive results last up to 6 months
• Ultra XC, Ultra Plus XC, Volux XC, and Volbella XC last up to 12 months
• Vollure XC can last up to 18 months
• Voluma XC lasts for 12 months or longer in the chin and up to 24 months in the cheeks

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.” 

Related: How to Extend Your Botox & Filler Results

Not every Juvéderm treatment will be exactly the same, but here’s the general rundown of what your appointment will be like:

• First, you and your injector will discuss your goals, your facial anatomy, and the best type of filler to safely get the look you’re after. They should also go over the potential risks.
• If pain is a concern for you, ask for numbing cream. Ice and cold packs also help numb the area as well as constrict blood vessels, to reduce the risk of bruising at the injection site. 
• Discuss the injection method with your doctor beforehand, too. “Using cannulas can decrease the swelling and bruising,” says Dr. Shemirani. A cannula is a flexible needle with a blunt tip, which may make it less likely than a sharp tip to puncture a blood vessel and cause bruising. That said, certain areas of the face require the precision of a sharp-tipped needle.
• Once you’re on the same page, your skin will be cleansed with alcohol or an antiseptic.
• Then, your provider will slowly inject the filler into your facial tissue, gently massaging the treatment area with their fingertips to distribute it. 
• You’ll likely get several injections in the treatment area, for even distribution. 

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.

See Juvéderm before and after photos

Juvéderm treatments don’t come with downtime, but you may experience side effects. 

• The injection site will likely be tender, with mild bruising and swelling, for a week or two after your treatment. Applying ice or a cold compress intermittently after injections can help ease the swelling, and gentle skincare can help avoid irritation. 
• Juvéderm lip filler is most prone to cause swelling because lips have such a good blood supply, but it can happen anywhere the filler is injected. Learn more about how to reduce swelling after lip fillers.
• Other temporary Juvéderm side effects include mild to moderate redness, itching, and discoloration.
• It’s normal for lumps and bumps to occur after filler, particularly in sensitive areas, like the lips. When lumps form during injection, your provider will smooth them out with their fingers, but they often become more noticeable after some of the swelling goes down. Lumps and bumps usually resolve on their own, but if they don’t, they can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Just be aware that the more highly cross-linked, longer-lasting fillers are more difficult to dissolve.

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.

• Avoid blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); omega supplements; and herbal supplements—particularly the Gs (garlic, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba)—for 7 to 14 days prior to injections.  
• Limit strenuous exercise, which can bring blood to the skin and increase the risk of bruising, for 48 hours after injections. Avoiding vigorous activities will also minimize migration or displacement of the filling material.  
• Consider taking arnica tablets for a few days before and after treatment, to reduce pain and swelling and to keep bruising at bay. Arnica gel or cream post-treatment may also be helpful.  

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

	RHA Collection Fillers nonsurgical	Restylane nonsurgical	Juvéderm nonsurgical	Belotero nonsurgical	Radiesse nonsurgical	Bellafill nonsurgical
Worth It Rating	83%	85%	91%	70%	61%	52%
Average Cost	$920	$1126	$868	$832	$1237	$3146
Downtime	No downtime	No downtime	No downtime	No downtime	Minimal downtime	No downtime
Anesthesia	Topical numbing cream	Topical anesthesia	Topical anesthesia	No anesthesia	Topical anesthesia	No anesthesia

There’s a growing roster of injectable fillers that can smooth wrinkles and add fullness.

• The RHA Collection of “Resilient Hyaluronic Acid” formulations features longer chains of hyaluronic acid with less crosslinking, so facial movement can appear more natural. These fillers last 15 months or longer, in Dr. Klein’s experience.
• Restylane is another popular collection of HA–based facial fillers.  
• Belotero, a thinner HA filler, is considered a good option for delicate areas, like under your eyes, but it doesn’t last as long as other fillers, notes Dr. Klein.  
• Radiesse, made from calcium-based microspheres, delivers both immediate volume and longer-term benefits as it increases collagen production over time. It’s usually used on facial wrinkles and marionette lines, as well as on the backs of hands. One notable downside: Radiesse cannot be dissolved. 
• Bellafill’s combination of collagen and microspheres is intended to smooth smile lines and fill acne scars. It lasts longer than HA fillers, but it can’t be dissolved if you don’t like the results. It’s not recommended for lip augmentation or under the eyes.

“Dermal Fillers Approved by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health2018.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 26 Nov. 2018.

Papakonstantinou, Eleni, et al. “Hyaluronic Acid: A Key Molecule in Skin Aging.” Dermato-Endocrinology, vol. 4, no. 3, July 2012.

Pinsky, M, et al. “Juvéderm Injectable Gel: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Study of Safety and Effectiveness.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 28, no. 1, Jan. 2008.

Wang, Frank, et al. “In Vivo Stimulation of De Novo Collagen Production Caused by Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Injections in Photodamaged Human Skin.” Archives of Dermatology, vol. 143, no. 2, Feb. 2007.

Coleman, Sydney R. “Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 117, no. 2, Feb. 2006.