If you've noticed lines and other telltale signs of aging appearing on your face, you've probably
wondered what you can do to halt their advance. And if you've fallen down an Internet hole
researching ways to do this, you may have discovered that dermal fillers can temporarily correct
these signs of aging. One such facial filler is Juvéderm.

We spoke with Dr. Kathryn J. Russell, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Woodruff Institute
in southwestern Florida, to gain an expert's insight into what Juvéderm is, how it's different from
other wrinkle fillers, and why we're even showing those signs of aging in the first place.

What is Juvéderm, and how does it correct these signs of aging?

Hint: It's a filler that plumps and volumises.

"Juvéderm is a non-animal, cross-linked, hyaluronic-acid-based filler that works by restoring volume
to the face," Dr. Russell says. "It literally is used to fill [the face's] folds and creases."

• Note: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body. It adds lubrication to joints
  and a cushion-like effect to the skin and tissues.
• How Juvéderm works: It replicates hyaluronic acid, and by being injected into the skin, Juvéderm
  temporarily restores the skin's support structure and smooths out wrinkles. Dr. Russell says, "it
  works best to treat the wrinkles and lines of the 'resting face.'"

How is Juvéderm different from other injectables?

Different injectables treat different signs of aging.

Some lines and creases are noticeable when we're sitting still, perhaps reading a book or watching
television. Others become apparent when the face is in motion—when we're talking and laughing.

This distinction has given rise to two types of injectables:

• For wrinkles when face is at rest: Dermal fillers, like Juvéderm
• For wrinkles when faces in motion: Neuromodulators, such as Botox and Dysport

"Neuromodulators are used to relax muscles that cause wrinkles with movement," Dr. Russell says.
"Fillers are used to restore volume and correct wrinkles at rest."

Am I eligible for Juvéderm?

You don't have to be in your 50s—or even in your 30s—to get Juvéderm.

Ultimately, a doctor or technician will decide if Juvéderm is right for you. But there are few age
considerations—someone in their 20s could conceivably benefit from Juvéderm as much as
someone in their 40s or 50s. Aside from that, consider the following:

• Juvéderm is best for correcting mild-to-moderate wrinkles, typically those seen when the face
  is at rest.
• Juvéderm can be used on a variety of areas. "The lips, cheeks, lines from the nose to the mouth
  (nasolabial folds), lines from the mouth to the chin (melomental folds), hands, temples, tear
  troughs, etc.," Dr. Russell says.

There are several types of Juvéderm—how are they different?

Rest easy; your provider will decide which one is best for you.

While reading about all these types of Juvéderms might leave your head spinning, Dr. Russell notes
that their differences lie in their hyaluronic-acid concentrations, the way the hyaluronic acid is
cross-linked, and their viscosities.

"Different products are better for different areas, and it also depends on the structure of the patient,
" she says. "Most experienced injectors will deviate from the on-label applications of the Juvéderm
products. The ideal product for your needs is best determined during a consultation."

"Juvéderm products have a great safety profile and provide reliable results."
– Dr. Kathryn Russell

How long does a Juvéderm treatment last?

Dr. Russell says adds that while neuromodulators typically last four to six months, whereas fillers like
Juvéderm can last anywhere from six months to two years.

Why choose Juvéderm over other dermal fillers?

Full disclosure: Juvéderm isn't the only filler out there.

If you're new to the wrinkle-filler scene, you might be wondering what other fillers are out there.
Dr. Russell also uses:

• Hyaluronic-acid fillers similar to Juvéderm, including Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft,
  Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne

• Non-hyaluronic-acid fillers such as Radiesse and Sculptra

When asked why she might choose Juvéderm over these other options, Dr. Russell points to
Juvéderm's quality: "Juvéderm products have a great safety profile and provide reliable results."

How much does Juvéderm cost?

Typically, a Juvéderm treatment will cost about £170-200 per syringe.

What are side effects of Juvéderm?

You're committing to more than a facial, but nothing as intense as a facelift.

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising at the injection sites

Also know that it's not uncommon for patients with multiple concerns to receive more than one
treatment in the same day. Dr. Russell says that she often likes to treat the cheeks first in such
cases, restoring the face's structure—its "scaffolding"—before she works her way down to the
lower face.