Juvederm May Be Approved For Cheek Augmentation

Dermal fillers like Juvederm have long been used by plastic surgeons to restore volume to sunken or hollow cheeks. Despite this, dermal fillers have yet to receive FDA-approval for cheek augmentation.

But this might soon change.

Earlier this month, the FDA’s General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee unanimously agreed that Juvederm is both a safe and effective treatment for volume deficient areas in the mid face.

Allergan’s (the maker of Juvederm) Executive VP of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Scott Whitcup, had this to say about the pending FDA-approval:

“Allergan is committed to working with the FDA as they continue their review of our PMA for Juvederm Voluma XC, with the goal of providing consumers with the first treatment option that has been specifically developed to help restore cheek volume that has been lost over time.”

Though the advisory’s recommendation isn’t binding, it will certainly hold weight when the FDA makes its final decision. If approved, Juvederm will be the first of its kind for cheek augmentation. Allergan hopes to launch Juvederm Voluma XC by the end of this year.

Other Uses for Juvederm

In addition to cheek augmentation, Juvederm is a versatile anti-aging treatment that can be used to:

• Reduce lines and grooves between the eyes (also known as frown lines)
• Soften marionette lines (wrinkles between the corners of the mouth and the sides of the chin)
• Augment the lips or fill in deep vertical lip wrinkles
• Add volume to the backs of aging hands to make veins less prominent

The results of Juvederm typically last between four and six months. Repeat treatments will be necessary to maintain results. If you’re considering Juvederm, it’s best to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.