Having lived in Los Angeles for three years now, I am no stranger to plastic surgery.  I am inundated on a daily basis with the marvels of body enhancement; be it massive billboards illustrating (in full-color photos, might I add) the bootyliciousness of a Brazilian Butt Lift, the constant influx of local Botox Groupons that flood my email inbox, or merely on the faces of passers-by on the sidewalk. Tucking, plucking, waxing, and lifting is all around me.  I even had the honor of witnessing, in-person, a laser liposuction procedure in all its gory glory—an image I won’t soon forget.

While my official stance on cosmetic surgery is a bit hazy, and growing more so as I trek deeper into my 30s, there is one fairly new procedure that has struck my interest—Juvederm.  Using hyaluronic acid, Juvederm is a filler that is injected into the skin to plump and soften lines in the face while also reducing wrinkles.  It is most commonly used around the eyes, mouth and nose.  It is especially handy when filling upper-lip lines and plumping the “parentheses” folds on either side of the nose and mouth.

Hyaluronic acid, the main ingredient in Juvederm, is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin and muscles.  It is extremely absorbent and is known for its hydrating and volume-enhancing properties.  With just a few injections of Juvederm, you can smooth away unwanted lines and wrinkles while also plumping the skin, giving your face a youthful, rejuvenated look.  The results are immediate upon injection and last up to a year, which is significantly longer than other similar products on the market.

Juvederm is available in two formulas–Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus. Juvederm Ultra is designed to add shape and volume to mild wrinkles and folds on the face, while Juvederm Ultra Plus is more concentrated to plump and soften more severe cases of wrinkles and folds.

If you decide Juvederm is right for you, be sure to find a licensed physician to perform this treatment.  After receiving the injections, you can expect to experience some redness, swelling, tingling and tenderness.  The side effects usually last about a week.  To reduce redness, swelling and bruising, place an ice pack on the injection sites immediately after treatment.  Then sit back and enjoy a smoother, fresher you. — Lindy Kirk