Is Juvederm sourced from humans, animal, or synthetic DNA?

Question

Does the source of Juvederm come from live humans or dead humans? I understand that Juvederm is naturally occurring; and that injections of hyaluronic acid (such as Juvederm) are intended to temporarily replace loss through the normal aging process (thereby, reducing appearance of wrinkles etc). However, where does the source of the Juvederm used in these injections come from? Dead or live donor humans, synthetic reproduction or animal DNA? I need full disclosure to enable an informed decision to proceed with this treatment. Thank you for your consideration.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Juvederm is not a collagen, and it is not derived from animal hides, or any animal parts. In the laboratory, DNA is altered in such away that a bacteria reproduces the DNA suitable to reproduction.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Juvederm is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid, a natural complex sugar found in the human skin and throughout the body. It creates volume, hydration, and elasticity. Since the hyaluronic acid in Juvederm is created by biosynthesis in laboratory, patients are not required to take an allergy test before receiving treatment. This dermal FDA-approved filler is used for the wrinkle correction and lip enhancement.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

Juvederm is considered "non-animal based" because it is produced in a lab by a special strain of bacteria specifically created to make a pure hyaluronic acid with all the specifications required. An older product called Hylaform is animal based, and came from roosters.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

According to the package insert: "JUV&Eacute;DERM&trade; Ultra injectable gel consists ofcrosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) produced by Streptococcusequi bacteria." This is essentially though recombinant DNA technology.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Juvederm is a laboratory produced hyaluronic acid which is a great product for facial enhancement.  I use it all the time.

Is Juvederm sourced from humans, animal, or synthetic DNA?

Answers (5)