The Fountain of Youth in a Syringe

Christopher R. Hove, M.D.

On the horizon comes a new treatment for facial wrinkles.  On June 5, 2006 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Juvederm, a new family of injectable products that provide long-lasting correction of folds and wrinkles.  Juvederm is a new formulation of hyaluronic acid, the same absorbable substance found in the currently popular Restylane and Captique.  What makes Juvederm different is that it is a gel and it is the most highly concentrated form of hyaluronic acid available.  These qualities allow Juvederm to be injected into a skin fold or wrinkle with a more smooth, natural result than other currently available fillers.  This may account for why many patients in initial research studies required very few touch-up procedures.  Also, due to its high concentration, the results tend to last longer than other current fillers.

There are three different forms of Juvederm that are FDA approved.  This allows physicians great flexibility in choosing the right material to tailor to each individual patient’s anatomy.  Juvederm 24HV was created to be the most versatile at adding volume and correcting unwanted lines; Juvederm 30HV is specifically for maximizing volume in deep creases such as the cheek folds or for lip-plumping; and Juvederm 30 excels at reducing very fine subtle lines.

Despite FDA approval, Juvederm is not yet available on the market for physicians, but anticipated in late 2006.  Allergan, also the maker of Botox, has established the website www.juvedermcomingsoon.com to keep physicians and consumers abreast of its development.  As with other injectable fillers and Botox, Juvederm should be injected by a licensed trained and qualified health care provider.

Indeed, with the release of Juvederm in the upcoming months, the future continues to shine bright for non-invasive ways to achieve and maintain a youthful glow.