Juvederm Voluma XC A Cheek Facial FIller

What is Juvederm Voluma?

We all want the perfect face: smooth, round contours, high cheekbones and a well-defined jawline. Some call this combination of features the “triangle of beauty”. Unfortunately, as we age we experience facial fat loss and with the help of gravity those beautiful contours flatten out and head south.

The most noticeable change is in cheekbone definition. Historically this issue would have called for a skin tightening procedure of even surgery to “lift” this area, but not anymore. Voluma provides a similar lift, all with a simple injection. The change is subtle yet dramatic.

Juvederm Voluma is a Hyaluronic Acid filler by Allergan, the makers of Juvederm XC and Botox. Voluma is specifically designed to restore volume loss in the mid-face region.

Virtually anyone with volume loss in their midface is a candidate for this product. As early as your 30’s you can begin to see a flattening of the cheek area. And some people just have naturally poorly defined cheekbones. Those areas include the cheeks and cheekbones. The results are instant and last up to 2 years.

How Does Juvederm Voluma Work?

Voluma is approved by the FDA to restore age-related volume loss in the cheeks. Unlike other fillers commonly used to treat the midface (sculptra), Juvederm Voluma is a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. HA fillers are made from long chains of sugars that occur naturally in our skin.

Voluma is unique in that the HA is cross-linked through a process called Vycross that helps provide an excellent lifting capacity. Unlike the other Hyaluronic Acid-based fillers that are injected subcutaneously (between the skin layers), Voluma is injected on top of the bone. This allows it to build volume upward, lifting the cheek.

Typically, most patients will need one syringe in each cheek for the best results. You will see results instantly and they will last for a long time.

This cross-linking helps to prevent the product from breaking down, reportedly the results last up to 2 years. And since it is an HA filler, it can be molded and shaped into the desired after injecting.

What are the Risks/Side Effects?

Based on clinical studies, Voluma injections produce a very low occurrence of adverse events. The most commonly reported side effect of Voluma is temporary redness, swelling and tenderness at the injection site.

Any time a needle is being inserted in the skin there is always the risk of bruising. We advise patients if they are preparing for a special event to have their filler at least 2 weeks ahead of time in case they experience swelling or bruising. If you experience swelling or bruising it typically resolves in 3-7 days.

Other less common risks can include:

• Redness, itching, firmness and lumpiness in the injected area.
• Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding
• Patients using substances that reduce coagulation, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may experience increased bleeding with resultant bruising at the injection sites.
• Vascular occlusion
• Infection
• Granuloma

Preparing for Juvederm Voluma

The Week Before Your Procedure

• 3-5 days before having your facial filler you should avoid medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils and vitamin E as they can increase your risk of bleeding and thus bruising.
• Limit alcohol a couple of days in advance, again as this may cause increased bleeding and bruising.
• If you are on a prescribed anti-coagulant, please consult with your prescribing physician before having your facial filler.
• Notify your injector if you have any auto immune disorders that might be a contraindicator.

The Day of Your Treatment

There is no real prep involved on the day of your treatment. It is always preferred that you come in with a clean face (no make-up), however if you are coming from work, we will cleanse the area to be injected

If you typically exercise, we recommend doing that before coming in for your appointment as rigorous exercise is not recommend for the rest of the day.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A numbing cream will be applied to the area of the face to be injected. This will remain on the skin for approximately 15-20 before the treatment begins. The numbing cream allows for additional comfort during treatment. Voluma also contains lidocaine (a numbing agent) which provides for additional comfort during the injecting process.

Once the area is numb, the cream will be removed and again the area will be cleansed.

Voluma will be injected into the cheeks and mid-line face. Your injector will periodically pinch and massage the area to mold the filler, creating beautifully contoured cheeks. Out of all of the fillers available you get the least amount of swelling with Voluma, although you have some it is not significant.

Periodically during this process your injector will have you use a mirror to inspect the progress and to get your input that the correction is to your satisfaction.

Once complete your injector will again cleanse the injection sites and Arnica will be applied. Arnica helps to prevent bruising from occurring. You will also be offered an ice pack to reduce swelling.

Pain/Discomfort

The numbing cream used prior to treatment is very effective. In addition, Voluma contains lidocaine, a numbing agent to provide even more comfort during treatment. You will feel pressure, but this treatment is surprisingly comfortable. The process is quick. Patients are surprised at how refreshed their faces look, like we mentioned it’s subtle yet dramatic.

Treatment Duration/Frequency

Treatment time take approximately 1 hour including numbing time.

Voluma can last 24 months or more.

Juvederm Voluma Recovery Time

Recovery is minimal. Expect mild swelling. Bruises can show up hours or even a day or two later. It is recommended to ice the area on and off for the first hour which will help reduce swelling and minimize your chance of bruising.

The next day you could experience mild tenderness in the injected area.

Swelling and/or bruising usually resolves within 3-7 days

It is always preferred that you wait until the next day to apply make-up but if that isn’t possible, we recommend waiting at least 3 hours before applying.

Because you can experience swelling for up to 2 weeks post injection remember to plan your appointments accordingly especially if you have an important event coming up.

Juvederm Voluma Consultations

We believe consultations are very important when considering an injectable and/or facial filler. Our consultations give us the opportunity to get to know you and understand exactly what you are looking to correct and achieve with cosmetic fillers. At your consultation you will meet with Dr. Kulkin or one of our advanced injectors to discuss which filler option is right for you. We know your time is valuable and for that reason we can schedule both your consultation and treatment for the same time, just notify us when scheduling so that we book the appropriate amount of time for you.