Juvéderm Ultra XC

Juvéderm Ultra XC is an FDA-approved dermal filler primarily used to treat facial wrinkles and to increase volume in the lips.

Each injection contains a gel-like material made of water, hyaluronic acid, and lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic. Hyaluronic acid is designed to temporarily increase volume underneath the skin.

Treatment is only available for adults.

The combination of hyaluronic acid and water in Juvéderm Ultra XC creates a gel-like material that increases volume in the tissues. Treatment “fills in” wrinkles and creates a smoother appearance.

The “XC” in the product name indicates the presence of 0.3 percent lidocaine, an anesthetic designed to prevent pain from the injections. Lidocaine can also save time because patients won’t need a separate topical pain reliever prior to the procedure.

Juvéderm Ultra XC is primarily used to treat laugh lines or smile lines along the sides of the mouth. This type of injection can also be done to increase volume in the lips.

Patients looking for treatment of wrinkles under the eyes or in the cheeks may need another type of Juvéderm injection.

The entire procedure may take up to one hour and patients may need some aftercare after treatment.

Since Juvéderm Ultra XC contains lidocaine, the physician won’t need to apply a topical anesthetic to the patient’s skin before the injections. Treatment will begin with the physician cleansing the patient’s skin, followed by making injections into the target areas.

Patients won’t experience any pain, but might feel slight pressure and tingling as the product is injected.

Once the injections are completed, patients are free to leave.

Like other Juvéderm products, patients might see noticeable differences in their skin almost immediately after treatment, with results lasting up to one year.

Patients will likely need follow-up treatments to maintain results.

In the first 24 hours after the procedure, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and alcoholic beverages. They are able to go back to work right after treatment, but may see more redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.

When used as directed, Juvéderm Ultra XC is considered safe for most people. Though the procedure itself isn’t painful, patients might experience the following temporary side effects:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Firmness
• Lumps
• Skin discoloration
• Bruising

These side effects are mild and usually last less than seven days.

Adverse or allergic reactions are rare but can be serious. Patients should call their doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms after treatment with Juvéderm Ultra XC:

• Breathing difficulties
• Hives
• Rash

Juvéderm products are not recommended for patients with any known allergies to HA or lidocaine. Injections are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

In rare cases, Juvéderm can lead to infections, scarring, and death to affected skin tissues.

Patients should speak to their doctor to find out if they are good candidates for injection with Juvéderm Ultra XC.