You may have heard of Juvederm, but did you know that you can obtain it at your routine dental check-up? In dental school, dentists such as Dr. Thanasi Loukas and Dr. Maria Loukas extensively study facial muscles, giving them a strong understanding of facial rejuvenation techniques such as Juvederm. Juvederm is a dermal filler that smooths the lines from the nose to the mouth, “laugh lines,” vertical lines above the upper lip, “lipstick lines,” or lines from the corner of the mouth to the jaw, “marionette lines.” It can also be used in between the eyebrows, usually in conjunction with Botox. In addition to general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services, Dr. Thanasi and Dr. Maria Loukas can provide gentle Juvederm corrections during your regularly scheduled dental check-ups.
What Exactly is Juvederm?
Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid gel that is injected around the mouth and eyes to fill moderate to severe wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar compound that our bodies produce, and as we age, we produce less and less of it. The hyaluronic acid in Juvederm temporarily holds water, increasing the volume at lines and wrinkles. This effect smooths the wrinkles to give the skin a smoother appearance. Juvederm is injected with a thin needle, minimizing the discomfort. Some Juvederm products, such as Juvederm XC, also contain lidocaine to further improve your comfort. In most cases, the effects can last for up to 9 to 12 months, and to accommodate your busy schedule, we can conveniently administer the treatments at the time of your routine dental cleaning.
Safety Guidelines
Juvederm should not be used in patients who suffer from allergies, particularly those who are prone to anaphylaxis or multiple types of allergies. Patients who are allergic to lidocaine should also avoid Juvederm XC. After the procedure, you may experience redness, swelling, slight bruising, or tenderness. These usually subside in 7 days, but if they remain for more than a few days, please call our office.
Within the first 24 hours, Dr. Thanasi and Dr. Loukas recommend that you avoid sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and vigorous exercise. If you are exposed to any of these, you may experience temporary redness, itching, or swelling. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling, if it occurs.
About Our Doctors
Dr. Thanasi and Dr. Maria Loukas provide stellar general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care with the latest technologies. Loukas General Dentistry is in the 60068 area, and we serve Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities. If you are interested in learning more about Juvederm or to schedule a consultation, call Loukas Family Dentistry at (847) 696-1919.