Juvederm Ultra XC: Uses and Benefits

 What is Juvéderm Ultra XC?

Juvéderm Ultra XC is a type of dermal filler. Approved by the FDATrusted Source 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 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 reportTrusted Source 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 FDATrusted Source.

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.



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