Home > Media Relations > Mercy News Archive

Media Relations: Mercy News Archive

Dr. Craig Vander Kolk, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mercy, Discusses Juvederm, Latest in the "New Injectables" for Skin Treatment

The newest answer to facial wrinkles and folds is giving the popular filler Restylane a run for its money.

Juvederm is a new injectable filler on the market that many hope will help ward off aging. Mercy Medical Center Plastic Surgeon Dr. Craig Vander Kolk said Juvederm is biodegradable and made of hyaluronic acid, something that's found naturally in the body.

"It's a natural product that holds all our cells together. We inject it around cells to plump them up and fill them up," he said.

Dr. Vander Kolk said aging causes our faces to lose the fatty tissue under the skin, and it starts to sag and wrinkle. Juvederm helps fill those problem areas.

Dr. Vander Kolk and those who have used Juvederm said you can see an immediate difference. Alison Healy, 48, had the procedure, and within two days she could see the lines on her forehead and in other areas had become softened and smoother.

"It's been two days and I'm real happy. I can notice a difference around the nose and mouth," she said.

Vanderkolk said patients can expect the results to last from four to six months. Juvederm is priced comparably to other injectables and varies depending on how many injections you get done .