Skin quality treatments are evolving beyond traditional fillers. In 2023, the FDA approved SkinVive by JUVÉDERM—the first hyaluronic acid injectable designed specifically to improve skin smoothness and hydration. Unlike volumizing fillers, it targets texture and radiance through microdroplet injections delivered just beneath the skin.
What Is SkinVive by JUVÉDERM?
SkinVive by JUVÉDERM is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) microdroplet injectable designed to improve cheek skin smoothness and hydration without adding significant volume. Introduced in the United States in 2023, SkinVive (internationally known as Juvéderm Volite or VYC-12L) targets skin quality by delivering stabilized HA directly into the dermis via microdroplet injections. This innovative approach addresses fine lines, texture, and radiance, offering a subtle, refreshed appearance with minimal downtime.¹²
How SkinVive Works: Ingredients and Mechanism
SkinVive is formulated as a smooth, clear, colorless gel implant composed of crosslinked hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring molecule responsible for retaining skin moisture and elasticity. The HA is stabilized using 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) and includes 0.3% lidocaine for patient comfort during injection. Trace amounts of Gram-positive bacterial proteins are present due to the manufacturing process.
Unlike traditional dermal fillers that restore lost volume or contour, SkinVive is administered as microdroplets intradermally (just beneath the skin’s surface) to enhance hydration, elasticity, and overall skin quality. This method replenishes the skin’s HA content, which naturally diminishes with age and environmental exposure, resulting in smoother, more radiant skin.³
FDA Approval, Indications, and Clinical Evidence
SkinVive by JUVÉDERM received FDA approval on May 11, 2023, for intradermal injection to improve facial skin smoothness in the cheeks for adults over 21 years old. It is indicated for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI), with provider training required prior to administration.⁴ The pivotal U.S. clinical trial (NCT03728309) was a randomized, evaluator-blinded study involving 209 participants. Key findings include:
- Primary endpoint: 57.9% of treated participants achieved at least a 1-point improvement in cheek smoothness at 1 month (vs. 4.5% in controls).
- Sustained results: 56% maintained this improvement at 6 months.
- Patient satisfaction: At 6 months, 83% reported satisfaction with healthy-looking skin, 72% with hydration, and 69% with a refreshed appearance.
- Safety: Most side effects were mild to moderate and resolved within 30 days.¹⁵
European studies using the same formulation (VYC-12L) demonstrated similar efficacy, with 96% showing smoother skin at 1 month and measurable hydration benefits lasting up to 9 months.²
How SkinVive Is Administered
SkinVive is delivered via a series of microdroplet injections using ultrafine needles (typically 32-gauge) across the cheek area, from the zygomatic arch to the jawline. Injections are spaced ≤5 mm (up to 1 cm) apart to evenly distribute the HA gel. A typical session requires 2–3 mL of product, with an optional touch-up after one month if needed. The procedure is minimally invasive, usually completed in under an hour, and involves little to no downtime.³
Benefits of SkinVive by JUVÉDERM
- Improved cheek skin smoothness: Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness.
- Enhanced hydration: Promotes glowing, refreshed, and healthy-looking skin.
- Better skin quality: Improves pore appearance, texture, and radiance.
- Potential collagen stimulation: Some studies suggest upregulation of genes related to extracellular matrix maintenance and repair.²
- High patient satisfaction: Rapid visible results (as early as 1 month) with sustained improvements and high satisfaction rates in clinical trials.
- Minimal downtime: Most patients return to normal activities the same day.¹
For more details or to schedule a consultation, visit our SkinVive by JUVÉDERM procedure page.
Duration of Results
Clinical studies show that SkinVive’s effects on skin smoothness last up to 6 months with optimal treatment, while hydration improvements can persist for up to 9 months. Repeat treatments every 6–9 months are recommended to maintain results, often with lower product volumes required for maintenance.⁵
Safety, Side Effects, and Contraindications
Most reported side effects are mild or moderate and resolve within 7–30 days. The most common reactions include:
- Redness (69%)
- Lumps/bumps (63%)
- Swelling (61%)
- Bruising (58%)
- Pain, tenderness, firmness, discoloration, or itching
Less common adverse events include inflammation, nodules, allergic reactions, dry skin, infection, or changes in sensation. Rare but serious risks (such as unintentional injection into a blood vessel) can result in vision impairment, stroke, or scarring; these are extremely uncommon and none were reported in the pivotal U.S. study.¹
Contraindications:
- History of severe allergies, anaphylaxis, or known allergy to lidocaine, Gram-positive bacterial proteins, or previous HA fillers.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, immunosuppressive therapy, or active skin infections/sores.
- Safety has not been established for use outside the cheeks or in patients with excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders.
Precautions:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, sun/heat exposure, and alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Inform your provider of any blood-thinning medications to minimize bruising risk.
Review the FDA-approved patient labeling for a full list of safety information.
Clinical Research and Ongoing Studies
In addition to the pivotal cheek indication, recent multicenter trials have evaluated SkinVive for horizontal neck lines, with promising results. In a 2025 study, 80% of treated patients showed at least a 1-grade improvement in neck lines at 1 month, and nearly 90% reported improved appearance. Adverse events were mild and consistent with prior data, positioning SkinVive as a potential first-in-class injectable for neck aesthetics, pending FDA review.⁶
Who Should Perform SkinVive Injections?
SkinVive should only be administered by certified injectors or licensed clinicians with specialized training in intradermal filler techniques. At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, all providers are certified experts, and all treatments are supervised by board-certified physician Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, who is a national trainer for Allergan and a recognized authority in medical aesthetics. This ensures patient safety, optimal results, and adherence to the latest clinical protocols. Learn more about our team and credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes SkinVive different from traditional dermal fillers?
SkinVive is formulated for skin quality improvement—hydration, smoothness, and radiance—rather than volume restoration or facial contouring. It uses microdroplet intradermal injections to deliver HA throughout the skin, resulting in a natural, glowing appearance.
How long does a SkinVive treatment take?
Most sessions are completed in under an hour, including consultation, preparation, and injection.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Visible improvements in skin smoothness and hydration can appear as early as 1 month after treatment. Results typically last up to 6 months for smoothness and up to 9 months for hydration, with maintenance treatments recommended every 6–9 months.⁵
Is SkinVive safe for all skin types?
Yes, SkinVive is FDA-approved for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI), and clinical trials included diverse patient populations.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild to moderate redness, swelling, lumps, bruising, pain, and tenderness at injection sites are most common, resolving within 1–4 weeks.
Who should not receive SkinVive?
Patients with severe allergies, a history of anaphylaxis, allergies to lidocaine or Gram-positive bacterial proteins, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with active skin infections should not receive SkinVive.
Can SkinVive be used in areas other than the cheeks?
Currently, SkinVive is FDA-approved only for cheek skin smoothness. Use in other areas, such as the neck, is under investigation and not yet approved in the U.S.
How do I prepare for my SkinVive appointment?
Avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and strenuous exercise before treatment to minimize bruising. Follow all pre-treatment instructions from your certified provider.
Is there downtime after SkinVive?
Most patients resume normal activities immediately. Some may experience mild swelling or redness, which typically resolves within a few days.
Where can I get SkinVive by JUVÉDERM in Los Angeles?
Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa in Sherman Oaks, CA, offers SkinVive by JUVÉDERM administered by certified injectors under the supervision of Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD. Schedule your consultation here.
References:
1] FDA Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data (P110033/S059)
2] Safa et al., 2022, Peer-Reviewed Study on VYC-12L
3] SKINVIVE by JUVÉDERM Science of Skin Quality
4] FDA Approval Announcement
5] Patient Information Labeling
6] AbbVie Press Release on Neck Indication Expansion
For more information or to book a consultation, visit our SkinVive by JUVÉDERM procedure page.