Juvéderm Recovery

What to Expect During Juvéderm Recovery

Now that we know what Juvéderm® can do, what does this cosmetic procedure actually entail? Juvéderm® is a truly minimally invasive procedure. Twenty-four hours following your injections, you can expect to be back to the majority of your regular activities. In the minutes and first few hours following the injections you can expect redness, swelling, and achiness or tenderness at the treated area.

The Ultimate Juvéderm Recovery Timeline

Ok, let’s get into the nitty gritty of Juvéderm® recovery. Below, we’ll look at all the details from pre-procedure through when it’s time to schedule your maintenance injections.

• Pre-Injection

  • In the days leading up to your treatment, you may benefit from skipping certain supplements (like fish oil, ginseng, garlic, and ginkgo biloba) that are known to increase bruising.
  • Get your workout in before your Juvéderm® appointment. You’ll want to keep your heart rate and blood pressure down following your injections.
  • Depending on your provider, the treatment area may be numbed with a topical anesthetic to ease discomfort. Other times, a vibrator (yes, you read that correctly) may be employed to minimize pain. Juvéderm® is also usually formulated with lidocaine.

• Immediately After Your Injection

  • Depending on the location of your Juvéderm® treatment, you will most likely see some tiny pin prick bumps that may bleed slightly.
  • You’ll also have some redness and swelling. Your provider can give you an ice pack that will help to immediately begin reducing these side effects. Mild bruising is also likely.
  • You will most likely be a bit tender and sore as well as the numbing medications start to wear off.

• First 24 Hours

  • You can immediately return to work, drive, and go about your day following Juvéderm® injections although you may have a good bit of swelling so this is really personal preference.
  • Patients are encouraged to keep their head elevated (read: don’t lay down) for the first few days after treatment.
  • Exercise, smoking, sun exposure, makeup application, and NSAIDs (like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin) should be avoided for the first 24 hours.
  • Also, remember not to excessively touch the treated area.

• Day 5 to Day 7

  • Bruising and swelling should mostly be resolved.
  • HA filler results are immediate, but you’ll enjoy the final results of treatment in this time as well.

• 6 Months to 12 Months

  • Depending on the location of your injection, the product used, and your body’s response to treatment, maintenance is generally needed every 6 to 12 months.
  • Also, note that some candidates may require multiple initial sessions to achieve desired results.

Tips to Improve Your Juvéderm Recovery

Now that you know what to expect, let’s look at some ways you can improve your Juvéderm® experience and further minimize your quite minimal recovery time.

1. Cold Compresses

Icing immediately following your injection will reduce swelling and redness, meaning you can comfortably get back to your daily activities more quickly.

2. Elevate!

Keeping the injected area elevated keeps blood moving and lessens fluid accumulation that causes swelling. It also helps to ensure the product stays where it’s intended to.

3. Keep Your Heart Rate Down

The first 24 hours after your injections are a time for some self care and R&R. Skipping exercise and avoiding stress will have you looking and feeling as good as new as soon as possible.

Juvéderm Side Effects & Complications

Juvéderm® side effects include swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. All will resolve within a few days to two weeks. Using the above tips will help with resolving these side effects even sooner.

More serious (and less common) complications of Juvéderm® include anaphylactic allergic reaction and intravascular (blood vessel) injection leading to tissue necrosis and, in severe cases, blindness. These complications can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.