Juvederm Ultra XC: Uses and Benefits

Juvéderm Ultra XC is a type of dermal filler. Approved by the FDA in 2010, it’s primarily used to treat facial wrinkles and to increase lip fullness.

Each injection contains a gel-like material made of water, hyaluronic acid (HA), and lidocaine, a local anesthetic. HA is designed to plump up your skin by increasing volume from underneath.

This treatment is intended for adults.

Juvéderm Ultra XC costs an average of $750 per treatment. Some costs are higher depending on where you live. The number of injections you need also affects total cost.

Since all Juvéderm products are considered cosmetic procedures, your treatment won’t be covered by insurance. You’ll need to work out the exact total cost with your provider ahead of time. Some doctors offer plans for paying monthly toward the cost of treatment.

Juvéderm Ultra XC injections aren’t surgical, so you don’t need to take any extended time off from work. You might consider taking the day when you’ll get injections off just for convenience, but it’s not a medical necessity.

Juvéderm Ultra XC contains HA and water. When HA is combined with water, it turns into a gel-like material that creates volume. As this combination is injected into your skin, it helps volumize the tissues. Any wrinkles are “filled in,” leaving a smoother appearance.

The “XC” in the product name indicates the inclusion of 0.3 percent lidocaine. This is designed to prevent pain from the injections. It can also save time because you won’t need a separate topical pain reliever prior to the procedure. One report indicated 93 percent of clinical trial participants noticed a reduction in pain with lidocaine-containing formulas.

Little prep and aftercare is required for each injection. The total time spent depends on how many injections you’re getting. The procedure may take up to one hour.

Since Juvéderm contains lidocaine, your treatment provider won’t need to apply a topical anesthetic to your skin before the injections. They might cleanse your skin first, and then inject the product into the target areas.

You shouldn’t feel any pain at all. Instead, you might feel slight pressure and tingling as the product is injected.

Once the injections are completed, you can leave.

Juvéderm Ultra XC is primarily used for the treatment of laugh lines or smile lines, which are the wrinkles that develop along the sides of your mouth. This type of injection can also be used for lip augmentation.

If you’re looking for treatment of wrinkles under the eyes or in the cheeks, your doctor might recommend another type of Juvéderm injection.

Juvéderm Ultra XC is considered safe for most people when used as directed. While the procedure itself isn’t painful, it’s possible to feel slight pain within a day after the injections. Other common side effects include:

• redness
• swelling
• tenderness
• firmness
• lumps
• skin discoloration
• bruising

These should be mild and usually last less than seven days.

Allergic reactions are rare but can be serious. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after using Juvéderm Ultra XC:

• breathing difficulties
• hives
• rash

You shouldn’t use Juvéderm products if you have any known allergies to HA or lidocaine.

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

Like other Juvéderm products, you might see noticeable differences in your skin almost immediately. According to the Juvéderm website, these results can last up to a year. In general, fillers containing HA last between six months and one year, according to the FDA.

You’ll need follow-up treatments to maintain your desired results, and as recommended by your treatment provider.

You can go back to work right after this procedure. However, in the first 24 hours after the procedure, avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and alcoholic beverages. Otherwise, you may see more redness, swelling, or itching at the site where you got the injections.

Arrive early on the day of your appointment to give yourself enough time to fill out any paperwork and make payments. It’s not necessary to arrange a ride home, but you might consider doing so if it makes you more comfortable.

Plan to spend at least an hour total at your appointment, unless your treatment provider tells you otherwise.

Juvéderm Ultra XC is classified as a dermal filler. It’s part of the Juvéderm family of products. Other Juvéderm injections are used for different areas of the face. For example, Voluma XC is primarily used for the cheeks, while Vollure XC is used for “parentheses” lines.

Other dermal fillers on the market also contain HA. Restylane is one example.

Botox is another common type of wrinkle treatment, but it doesn’t last as long as Juvéderm Ultra XC. Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it treats wrinkles by relaxing muscles rather than plumping up skin.

Juvéderm Ultra XC is considered safe for most users, but it’s still important to find a reputable treatment provider for injections. This will ensure you get the best results possible while also reducing your risk for side effects. Never buy Juvéderm products online — these are likely knock-off products.

You can start by asking your primary care doctor for recommended treatment providers. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to get your injections from a medical doctor. Examples include dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, and medical spa providers.

Looking online for reviews can be helpful, but you should also meet your treatment provider before booking your appointment. At this point, you can ask about their credentials and review their portfolio. You don’t have to commit to a treatment provider after a meet-and-greet — in fact, it’s a good idea to shop around until you find the right fit.