Noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or a bit of volume loss in your face is a normal part of aging, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for it. If you’re looking for a simple, non-surgical way to refresh your appearance, JUVÉDERM® XC might be the perfect solution. This treatment can smooth wrinkles and restore volume exactly where you need it.
At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara and Dr. Dennis Maehara bring expertise in ophthalmology and anti-aging cosmetic care to Honolulu and Waipahu, Hawaii. With years of experience, they provide personalized JUVÉDERM® XC treatments designed to help you look refreshed and feel confident.
What Is JUVÉDERM® XC?
JUVÉDERM® is a dermal filler that uses hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps keep skin hydrated and full. This ingredient helps reduce wrinkles and folds, smooth the skin, and restore lost volume.
JUVÉDERM is commonly used to enhance facial contours in areas such as:
- Cheeks
- Areas around the nose and mouth
- Lips
- Facial folds and creases
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The Benefits of JUVÉDERM® XC
JUVÉDERM® XC is one of the most popular dermal fillers because it provides noticeable improvements with a quick, minimally invasive treatment. The hyaluronic acid in the filler works with your body’s natural tissues to restore volume and smooth the skin.
Some of the key benefits of JUVÉDERM XC include:
- Softens moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, particularly around the nose and mouth
- Restores lost facial volume for a more youthful appearance
- Enhances lip fullness and definition
- Immediate visible improvement after treatment
- Quick procedure, often completed in about 15 minutes
- Little to no downtime, so most patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment
- Long-lasting improvements that may remain visible for up to a year
Because JUVÉDERM XC contains lidocaine, the treatment is also designed to be more comfortable, helping reduce discomfort during the injection process.
What Makes JUVÉDERM® XC Different?
JUVÉDERM® XC is an FDA-approved version of the filler that contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic designed to make the treatment more comfortable.
The “XC” refers to the addition of lidocaine, which spreads quickly across the treated area to reduce discomfort during injections. Because the formula already contains numbing medication, additional anesthetics that take longer to take effect are often unnecessary.
The hyaluronic acid in JUVÉDERM XC also attracts and binds water beneath the skin, helping restore volume while smoothing wrinkles and folds. This process produces natural-looking improvements that can last up to a year, making JUVÉDERM XC one of the most popular treatments at our Honolulu practice.
The JUVÉDERM® XC Procedure
JUVÉDERM XC injections are a quick, in-office treatment that typically takes about 15 minutes.
During your appointment at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser:
- The doctor identifies and prepares the areas where you want to restore volume or smooth wrinkles.
- The filler is carefully injected just beneath the skin.
- The lidocaine in the formula helps minimize discomfort during the injection process.
- After the injections, Dr. Maehara may gently massage the treated areas to distribute the filler and help create natural-looking results.
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, most patients find the process quick and convenient.
What to Expect After JUVÉDERM® XC Injections
One of the benefits of JUVÉDERM XC is that it requires little to no downtime.
Most patients can return to their normal daily activities shortly after treatment. However, for the first 24 hours following your injections, we recommend avoiding:
- Strenuous exercise
- Excessive sun exposure
- Heat exposure, such as saunas or hot tubs
- Alcohol consumption
These precautions help reduce the likelihood of swelling, bruising, or other temporary side effects.
JUVÉDERM® XC Results
You may notice improvements immediately after your injections. However, some mild swelling or bruising may occur during the first few days after treatment.
Applying ice to the treated area can help minimize swelling. Over the next two weeks, the filler will continue to settle as the hyaluronic acid integrates into the surrounding tissue. This process—often referred to as “settling”—allows the filler to blend naturally beneath your lines and creases.
JUVÉDERM XC results typically last six to nine months, though some patients experience results that last up to one year. To maintain their refreshed appearance, many patients opt for occasional touch-up treatments.
What Can JUVÉDERM® XC Treat?
JUVÉDERM XC can address several common signs of facial aging, such as:
- Nasolabial Folds: Smooths the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
- Smile Lines and Marionette Lines: Reduces creases that develop around the mouth and chin due to volume loss.
- Lip Enhancement: Adds volume and definition to the lips for a fuller appearance.
- Vertical Lip Lines: Softens fine lines that develop above the lips.
- Cheek Contouring: Restores lost cheek volume to create a lifted, youthful look.
JUVÉDERM® XC vs. BOTOX®
JUVÉDERM® XC and BOTOX® are both popular injectable treatments, but they work in different ways and are often used to treat different types of wrinkles.
- JUVÉDERM XC is a dermal filler made with hyaluronic acid that works by adding volume beneath the skin. It helps smooth deeper wrinkles and folds while restoring youthful contours to the face. It is commonly used to treat marionette lines, nasolabial folds, the cheeks, and the lips.
- BOTOX works differently because it is a neuromodulator that temporarily reduces muscle activity. By limiting the movement of specific facial muscles, it helps soften expression lines that develop from repeated movements such as squinting or frowning, including forehead lines, crow’s feet, and the lines between the eyebrows.
Because they address different types of wrinkles, many patients choose to combine JUVÉDERM XC and BOTOX for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. While BOTOX relaxes the muscles that cause expression lines, JUVÉDERM XC restores volume and smooths deeper creases, helping create balanced, natural-looking results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for JUVÉDERM® XC?
JUVÉDERM® XC is a versatile dermal filler that can help many adults address common signs of facial aging without surgery. You may be a good candidate for JUVÉDERM XC if you want to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, or enhance certain facial features while maintaining natural-looking results.
Ideal candidates often include individuals who:
- Have moderate to severe facial wrinkles or folds, such as nasolabial folds or marionette lines
- Are experiencing age-related volume loss in areas like the cheeks or lips
- Want to enhance lip fullness or definition
- Prefer a non-surgical cosmetic treatment with minimal downtime
- Are in good health and understand what the treatment can realistically achieve
During your consultation at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara or Dr. Dennis Maehara will evaluate your facial structure, skin condition, and cosmetic goals to determine whether JUVÉDERM XC is the right option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do JUVÉDERM® XC Injections Hurt?
Injectable treatments always involve some degree of sensation. However, the “XC” in JUVÉDERM XC refers to lidocaine, which helps reduce discomfort during the injection.
While you may still feel the injection itself, most patients find the treatment very tolerable. If you have concerns about discomfort, please let us know. We can discuss ways to make your experience more comfortable.
What Side Effects Might I Experience After Receiving JUVÉDERM® XC Injections?
JUVÉDERM XC injections may cause some mild and temporary side effects, including:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Firmness
- Tenderness
- Soreness
- Small bumps or lumps
Some bruising may occur as well. You may be able to reduce this risk by avoiding alcohol and blood-thinning medications for a few days before your appointment.
Because the injection involves a very small needle, there is also a slight risk of infection, although this is uncommon.
Are There Any Precautions I Need to Take Before or After My JUVÉDERM® XC Injections?
To help ensure the best results, we recommend avoiding the following for at least 48 hours before and after treatment:
- Excessive sun exposure
- Alcohol
- Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen
If you choose not to avoid these products, it will not necessarily affect your final results, but it may increase the likelihood of noticeable side effects such as bruising.
Can I Combine My JUVÉDERM® XC Treatment With Other Services?
Yes. JUVÉDERM XC can be safely combined with other cosmetic treatments.
For example, it is often paired with BOTOX®. These treatments work in different ways and can complement each other. Together, they can help reduce dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines, while also rejuvenating the lower face.
Can I Wear Makeup After My JUVÉDERM® XC Treatment?
Yes, you can wear makeup after your JUVÉDERM XC treatment. However, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours to allow the treated areas to settle and reduce the risk of irritation.
When applying makeup, be gentle to avoid disturbing the injection sites.
How Often Will I Need JUVÉDERM® XC Treatments?
JUVÉDERM XC results typically last six to 12 months, depending on the treatment area and how your body responds to the filler.
Many patients schedule touch-up treatments every nine to 12 months to maintain their results.
Are JUVÉDERM® XC Results Reversible?
Yes. One advantage of JUVÉDERM XC is that its results are reversible. If you are unhappy with the outcome or experience any concerns, we can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which dissolves the filler. This provides added peace of mind for many patients considering dermal fillers.
Why Choose Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser for JUVÉDERM® XC?
At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, your treatment is guided by the expertise of Dr. Jeffrey Maehara, a Honolulu native and board-certified ophthalmologist trained at Tulane University under leading LASIK and refractive surgeons.
As a fellowship-trained anterior segment and glaucoma specialist, he brings extensive experience in advanced eye procedures, precision medicine, and facial anatomy to every cosmetic treatment. Dr. Maehara has also helped introduce innovative technologies to Hawaii, including several advanced surgical techniques and premium lens implants. Beyond ophthalmology, he is fellowship-trained in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, allowing him to approach aesthetic care with a comprehensive understanding of health and longevity.
The practice was founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Dennis Maehara, continuing a long-standing commitment to personalized patient care in Honolulu and Waipahu.
Call Us Today to Discover Your JUVÉDERM® XC Options
JUVÉDERM XC is a simple way to refresh your appearance and boost your confidence.
At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, we focus on providing quick, comfortable treatments that deliver natural-looking results.
To schedule your consultation, please call our Honolulu office at 808-955-3937.