Earlier this month, Juvederm XC, the latest dermal filler formulation from Allergan, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.
With this approval, Juvederm XC becomes the most recent in a line of dermal fillers—offered by various manufacturers—that contain the numbing agent lidocaine. Allergan reports that in a clinical study, 93 percent of patients reported less pain when treated with Juvederm XC than when treated with earlier non-lidocaine formulations of the filler.
Many physicians and others now believe that lidocaine-containing dermal fillers will soon be the treatment standard rather than the exception. Having lidocaine in the product eliminates the need for separate topical anesthetics—and greatly reduces any discomfort associated with the dermal filler procedure. The lidocaine acts almost instantly to numb the area being treated.
Juvederm XC contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance with a smooth consistency. Although only a temporary solution to wrinkles and folds, Juvederm is one of the longest-lasting fillers on the market. A single treatment can last for up to 12 months. For best results, seek treatment from a physician who specializes in cosmetic skin procedures.