Juvederm™ Ultra and Juvederm™ Ultra Plus

JUVEDERM™ injectable gel is a family of hyaluronic acid injectable gels from Allergan, Inc. for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. JUVEDERM™ Ultra injectable gel is optimally formulated for versatility in contouring and volumizing wrinkles and folds. JUVEDERM™ Ultra Plus injectable gel is a robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper wrinkles and folds.

How is JUVEDERM™ injectable gel different?

JUVEDERM™ injectable gel is produced through HYLACROSS™ technology, cross-linking high concentrations of HA and still maintaining a smooth product.

During the cross-linking phase of manufacturing, hyaluronic acid chains are “tied” to each other by chemical bonding; in effect, interconnecting many strands of HA. Unless hyaluronic acid is cross-linked, it will be absorbed by the body and persist for only about a week.

HYLACROSS™ technology results in a smooth-consistency gel, which is a primary factor in the smooth, natural look and feel that is a hallmark of JUVEDERM™ injectable gel wrinkle correction.

BOTOX ® Cosmetic
Botulinum Toxin Type A

Information taken from printed material supplied by Allergan, Inc., manufucturers of Botox and other products.

1. History of Botox® Cosmetic
Botox® Cosmetic has been used therapeutically for more than 17 years to treat various medical conditions. It is approved for use in more than 75 countries, and is the most widely researched medicine in the world. In 2002 it was approved by the US Food and Drug Association for treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows on people ages 18 to 65.

2. The Cause of Frown Lines between the Brows
These lines are the result of repeated muscle movement and the passage time. When the muscles contract, they draw the brows together causing the skin to fold or furrow. With age the skin becomes less elastic causing the folds or furrows to form.
These are called dynamic lines because they are caused by overactive muscles and can usually be treated with tiny Botox ® Cosmetic injections.

Static lines, are those that are visible even when muscles are at rest. They are usually treated with a dermal filler such Juvederm™ injectable gel.

3. How does Botox® Cosmetic work?
During treatment, very low doses of Botox® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscle between the brows. This blocks the release of a chemical that causes the muscles to contract enabling them to relax. The effect is localized and does not affect your ability to smile or show other expression. Botox® Cosmetic is the only product of its kind to be approved for use in this area.

4. Common Side Effects
The most common side effects following the injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

5. Is There any Chance of Serious Side Effects?
Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you are having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, call your doctor immediately.

6. What is the treatment like?
BOTOX® Cosmetic consists of a few tiny injections between and just above the inner portion of the brows. (See picture below.) No anesthesia is required but the area may be numbed with ice or a numbing cream shortly before treatment.
The procedure will probably only take 10 minutes with no downtime afterward. Discomfort is minimal and brief.

7. How soon will I see results?
You can expect to see results within days after your treatment, and the improvement will continue for up to a week. I have seen people take up to two weeks before the full effect is seen.

By day 30 in a phase 3 clinical study, 89% of the patients judged the severity of their frown lines between their brows as moderate or better. Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months.
Your own results may vary.

8. Is BOTOX® Cosmetic expensive?
Actually it is quite affordable. Although many people think of BOTOX® Cosmetic as a luxury treatment for the “rich and famous,” recent statistics show otherwise. According to the 2005 ASERF BOTOX® Cosmetic Use Survey, people just like you make up two-thirds of the patient base:

Those with annual household incomes or less than $100,000 (44%) were more likely to be treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic than those with annual incomes greater than $150,000 (36%)

Working mothers between the ages of 40 and 55 are the most common users of BOTOX® Cosmetic

9. How can I be sure I am getting real BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Only licensed and trained healthcare professionals have the experience necessary to administer BOTOX® Cosmetic. Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic, is the only source for healthcare professionals to purchase the product, and each US FDA-approved vial label has the “Allergan” hologram.