What Is Juven®? The Secret to Healing Faster and Minimizing Scars

According to Dr. Aldo Guerra in Episode 3 of The Slice Is Right podcast, nutritional supplements are “Underrated, but should not be underestimated. I’ve seen it do tremendous things.” Dr. Scott Ogley agrees, saying, “I think it’s extra helpful for healing the incisions we create during surgery.” Juven®, in particular, contains a targeted mix of nutrients that assist with wound healing and tissue building.

While cosmetic surgery patients with excellent baseline nutrition may recover without supplements, others need additional intervention. Juven® compensates for deficits that may slow down or hinder the healing process.

What’s in Juven®?

Juven® is a combination of the following nutrients:

• Arginine and glutamine, amino acids that help generate new collagen and scar tissue
• HMB, which stabilizes muscle cell membranes and reduces protein degradation
• Collagen peptides, a protein that helps promote collagen formation at the site of tissue injury
• Vitamin C, necessary for collagen synthesis
• Vitamin E, which contributes to immune function
• Zinc, a trace element involved in tissue regeneration
• Vitamin B12, which aids red blood cell production and energy metabolism

Underrated, but should not be underestimated. I’ve seen Juven® do tremendous things.

— Aldo Guerra, MD, FACS

How Does Juven® Help Improve Surgical Outcomes?

Clinical research shows that Juven® enhances collagen formation at the incision site in as little as two weeks. It reduces the risk of:

• Delayed wound healing
• Weak scar formation
• Post-operative infections

These complications can prolong recovery and compromise aesthetic results.

Taking Juven® Benefits Who the Most?

In most cases, breast augmentation patients do not require additional supplementation. Those undergoing procedures with more extensive incisions or longer healing periods are more likely to benefit.

Surgeons may recommend Juven® to:

• Major weight loss and gastric bypass patients: Individuals who have lost large amounts of weight may have poor baseline nutrition and require surgery to remove excess skin. Procedures like body lifts and thigh lifts involve long incisions and wide tissue exposure, which increases the demand for nutrients involved in healing. In these cases, supplementation with products like Juven® may help support wound closure and tissue repair.
• GLP-1 medication users: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, commonly prescribed for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, suppress appetite and accelerate muscle loss. In patients with type 2 diabetes and who have lost a substantial amount of weight, these adverse effects, combined with any existing microvascular disease, can jeopardize wound healing after plastic surgery.

Dr. Aldo Guerra noted, “When I started training 25 years ago, we would tell gastric bypass patients having a body lift that there was a 100% chance of developing a wound. With Juven®, the risk has dropped significantly.”

Is There Scientific Evidence Behind It?

Yes. A 2014 case study cited by Dr. Ogley involved patients with diabetic foot wounds, which are notoriously difficult to heal. “In just two weeks of using Juven®, they saw greater production of hydroxyproline, a precursor to collagen. That’s impressive,” he said. Clinical research by Abbott Laboratories reported similar findings, noting that Juven® increased the likelihood of a diabetic foot ulcer healing by 70% relative to a placebo among patients at risk for malnutrition.

Though the challenges of diabetic wounds exceed those of cosmetic procedures, the underlying principles still apply. A product that supports collagen production and tissue repair in compromised patients will offer similar benefits in elective surgery.

How and When Should Patients Take It?

Juven® is easy to prepare. Each packet contains a single dose, which patients mix with water and dissolve fully before taking twice per day with a complete, balanced diet.

Surgeons recommend different timelines based on the patient’s condition. Typical regimens include:

• Standard patients: Start 14 days before surgery and continue for 14 days after
• High-risk patients: Use for 6 weeks before and after surgery

Dr. Guerra explained, “I recommend taking it two weeks before surgery and continuing for another two weeks after. For higher-risk patients, a month and a half before and after surgery may be ideal.”

As for how Juven® tastes, “It reminds me of Crystal Light. It’s got a good flavor,” said Dr. Guerra as he taste-tested the product on camera. “Some people might have a taste for orange, but fruit punch is preferred three to one by my patients,” added Dr. Ogley.

Flavor preferences can affect compliance. Patients are more likely to stay on schedule with daily supplementation when they choose a palatable flavor. Options include Unflavored, Orange, Fruit Punch, and Pineapple Coconut.

Is It Worth the Cost?

The product costs $80.99 for a 30-day supply, based on Abbott’s May 2025 pricing.

Many patients spend thousands of dollars on elective procedures. A nutritional supplement that improves the chances of a smoother recovery is a reasonable addition. Dr. Guerra described it as “A good insurance policy to ensure the surgery you’ve invested in goes as well as possible.”

Should You Add a Supplement Like Juven® to Your Surgical Plan?

When the body lacks the nutrients required for tissue repair, healing slows, and complication risks increase. To combat the worst, Juven® delivers amino acids and micronutrients involved in collagen production and cell regeneration. Many board-certified plastic surgeons recommend it before and after surgery to meet the body’s increased metabolic needs, depending on the procedure and the patient’s baseline health.

Note that this supplement is not necessary for everyone. Some patients recover well without it, while others may benefit from added nutritional support, especially in the context of extensive operations or marginal nutritional intake. The decision depends on clinical judgment. Patients must consult their surgeon before adding supplements to a surgical plan, as nutritional needs vary by procedure, incision size, and baseline health.

Ask Us More Questions About Juven® and Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ

If you’re interested in a tummy tuck, body lift, thigh lift, breast surgery, or another cosmetic surgery procedure, schedule a personal consultation with Aldo Guerra, MD, FACS or Jonathan Dang, MD to determine whether your desired surgery and any pre- and post-operative supplements are right for you. They have helped thousands of patients throughout Arizona attain their body goals with advanced body contouring and reshaping techniques. Be one of their satisfied patients today.