Juvederm: what it is, what the FDA says, what to ask

MedSpaGrades editorial teamUpdated 22 Oct 20265 sources checkedHow we write

Juvederm is a brand name for a family of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. This page says what the FDA, a plastic surgeons' society and a society of dermatologic surgeons say about it and about hyaluronic acid fillers in general. It does not report the labeling of any one Juvederm product. That is a gap, and it is stated again below. It does not say whether you should have filler.

What it is

The FDA says dermal fillers are medical device implants approved to help create a smoother or fuller appearance in the face. It says hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar present in body tissues such as skin and cartilage, that it combines with water and swells when in gel form, and that it is sometimes chemically modified (crosslinked) to last longer in the body. It lists hyaluronic acid as one of the absorbable (temporary) filler materials.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a society of plastic surgeons, lists Juvederm among the hyaluronic acid brands, with Belotero, Restylane, Revance RHA and Revanesse. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a society of dermatologists who do surgery, names Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus and Voluma among the injectable hyaluronic acids.

One product or many

Juvederm is not one product. ASDS says each hyaluronic acid filler has unique characteristics that influence where on the face it is injected, how deep, and how long it lasts. It gives examples. For lip volume and structure, ASDS says Restylane Silk, Restylane, Juvederm Ultra and Belotero are commonly used. For nasolabial folds and marionette lines, it says Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Restylane, Restylane Lyft and Belotero Balance may be selected. For cheeks, it says Voluma or Restylane Lyft are most commonly used. Which one is right for you is a decision for you and your provider.

How long it lasts

The FDA says the effects of hyaluronic acid fillers last approximately 6 to 12 months. ASDS says outcomes and longevity vary with the injection location, the individual product, the person's age and skin. It gives examples: results in the lips may last about 6 months, results in the nasolabial folds 9 to 12 months or longer, and Voluma up to 24 months in the cheeks. ASDS says that after that, more injections are needed to keep the effect.

Risks

The FDA says any filler can cause temporary or permanent side effects, or both. Most, such as swelling and bruising, happen shortly after injection and many resolve in days to weeks, but some can appear weeks, months or years later. Common risks include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching and rash. Less common ones include lumps under the skin, infection, an allergic reaction and tissue death.

The FDA says the most serious risk is accidental injection into a blood vessel. It says the chance is low, but the complications can be serious and may be permanent, including tissue death, vision problems including blindness, and stroke.

Counterfeit and unapproved products

The FDA says unapproved versions of Juvederm, such as Juvederm Ultra 2, 3 and 4, have been sold and distributed in the United States, including by online retailers. It says Juvederm is a prescription device that should only be injected and sold by or on the prescription of a licensed health care provider, and that it warns patients and providers not to use these unapproved versions because their safety and effectiveness cannot be assured. More generally, the FDA says not to buy filler sold directly to the public and not to inject yourself.

What we did not read

This page does not report the labeling of any specific Juvederm product, such as its approved uses and ages. The FDA keeps a list of approved fillers and a database of approvals. Ask your provider for the patient labeling of the exact product you are offered, and read it.

Who injects it

The FDA says to work with a licensed health care provider with experience in dermatology or plastic surgery, trained to inject dermal fillers. Which licensed professionals may inject fillers, and under whose supervision, depends on the state. See our guide to who may inject. For a general guide to fillers, see lip filler. To weigh Juvederm against Restylane, see Juvederm vs Restylane.

What it costs

We do not give prices on this page.