Juvederm Voluma

Hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal fillers have been used for almost 2 decades in cosmetic and dermatologic medicine. After Juvederm, an injectable HA filler manufactured by Allergan, was released in 2006, Juvederm Voluma was developed and FDA approved in 2020 and is particularly popular in patients looking to add significant volume to areas such as the lips and chin, and to provide structural support to other areas, such as cheeks for a more sculpted and “snatched” look. 

With age we naturally lose volume in the face, particularly in the cheeks, under eyes, and even our lips, due to decreased natural hyaluronic acid production, bone loss and fat loss from facial compartments. While it is impossible to naturally replace this lost volume, Juvederm Voluma dermal filler is a proven modality to replace lost volume for an overall more youthful and supple appearance.

Volume loss causes us to look older as it results in a gaunt appearance, especially in the cheek area. While plastic surgery can be used to rejuvenate the face, it is invasive and rarely is able to replace lost facial fat and volume. Using Juvederm Voluma as a minimally invasive and low-risk alternative allows patients to instantly fill in hollow areas in various regions of the face with minimal to no downtime.

WHAT SETS JUVEDERM VOLUMA APART FROM OTHER COSMETIC TREATMENTS? 

With age, our bodies undergo certain intrinsic changes that have a strong impact on how we look secondary to decreased collagen and hyaluronic acid production, reduced fat deposits in the face and increased bony resorption. These factors combined lead to an overall facial volume and structural losses and prevent us from looking youthful. Instead, we begin to look gaunt, hollow, and old, particularly in the midface, around the cheeks, and under eyes. As a result of these internal changes, the skin loses structural support from below and shifts downward becoming loose in the process which manifests itself as droopy and hanging skin instead of smooth and supple. Persistent collagen losses lead to a gradual increase in wrinkles and folds in various regions of the face. In the past, plastic surgery was the only option to tighten and lift the skin, leaving people to resort to invasive procedures and implants.

Currently, dermal fillers such as Juvederm Voluma have allowed for a minimally invasive and instant alternative to surgical implants, leaving patients with a rejuvenated and newly restructured face. A distinctive feature of non-surgical facial reshaping and augmentation with Juvederm Voluma is its minimally invasive nature, which carries minimal to no pain, complications, or downtime. Juvederm has a wide range of dermal fillers, however, Juvederm Voluma XC includes lidocaine, making the overall injection process nearly pain-free. Juvederm Voluma can be used to replace facial volume loss and to enhance certain features that have deflated over time, such as the structure of the cheeks, jawline, temples, and lips.

What is Juvederm Voluma?

Juvederm Voluma XC consists of cross linked hyaluronic acid using Vycross technology, and contains 0.3% the numbing agent lidocaine, which is what the “XC” after the name of the filler stands for, making the injection process more tolerable. While Voluma was originally designed for more mature patients looking to restore lost facial volume, Dr. Schwarzburg frequently incorporates Juvederm Voluma XC in his patient’s customized treatment plans to correct asymmetry and enhance or contour certain features of the face. Its Vycross technology allows for instant and natural looking results with minimal to no downtime.

JUVEDERM VOLUMA FOR CHIN

A common area to which Juvederm Voluma is applied is the chin. Many of us have recessed chins, making our faces look asymmetrical from a side view, rather than extended and defined. Chin retrognathia or recessed chin is purely a genetics-related facial feature that makes the lower face look unbalanced and less attractive. Dr. Schwarzburg uses Juvederm Voluma for this particular area to bring out and extend the chin anteriorly for a natural-looking enhancement, creating a beautiful profile without the need for surgical implants. Chin augmentation often goes hand in hand with the jawline, in which Voluma may also be used for jawline contouring.

JUVEDERM VOLUMA FOR NON-SURGICAL RHINOPLASTY

Liquid and non-surgical nose jobs have become increasingly popular because of the outstanding results that are possible without undergoing invasive surgical nose reconstructions. Juvederm Voluma is a go-to filler for liquid nose contouring because of its high density and high resistance to compression. The nose is a very challenging area to inject secondary to high vascularity and very limited and narrow zone of injection. The placement of the actual filler compound must be accurate and precise to maintain symmetry and avoid vascular complications. 

The subcutaneous space in the nasal compartment is very limited, which means that only a few boluses or drops of Juvederm Voluma filler can make a big difference in its visual appearance. Hence, it is critical to maintain a proper injecting technique to avoid over injecting the nose bridge to keep the non-surgical rhinoplasty results looking authentic and natural.  

HOW DOES JUVEDERM VOLUMA DIFFER FROM JUVEDERM ULTRA?

The family of Juvederm products varies in hyaluronic acid gel cross-linking and density. While Juvederm Voluma and Juvederm Ultra Plus may be used interchangeably in some cases, it is best to consult with Dr. Schwarzburg to determine which product will meet your aesthetic needs, based on your unique anatomy and the area you wish to treat.

Juvederm Ultra Plus is typically used in areas such as smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds and to augment the lips. Juvederm Voluma is more commonly used for areas that require substantial volume replacement or enhancement with sufficient structural support. One of the most commonly injected areas are the cheeks for beautifully contoured and V-shaped cheekbone.    

CAN JUVEDERM VOLUMA BE USED ON LIPS?

Juvederm Voluma is very popular for lip augmentation. As its name suggests, Voluma has a unique hyaluronic acid formulation that offers additional volume expansion, making it exemplary for those looking for a more dramatic lip enhancement. Dr. Schwarzburg who practices cosmetic medicine in New York explains that using Juvederm Voluma for lip injections is only suitable for a select group of patients. It is important both for doctors and patients to understand the rheological and biomechanical properties of Juvederm Voluma and to appropriately set expectations in terms of results and visual effects. 

Dr. Schwarzburg routinely uses Juvederm Voluma for lip enhancement in a very select group of patients, especially those with very thin lips. Juvederm Voluma is the best filler for thin lips because of its ability to support the newly created vertical dimension for a long time because the formulation is so rigid and dense. In addition, Voluma’s ability to create extra volume upon injection in soft tissues is enough to create an attractive and sexy pout.

Am I a good candidate for Juvederm voluma injections?

Most patients are candidates for Juvederm Voluma, depending on the areas they are looking to improve on aesthetically. Juvederm Voluma can be used on patients 18 years or older to either emphasize or augment certain regions of the face, or to fill in areas in which facial volume is decreased, like the under eyes or midface. If you are an overall healthy individual looking to add volume or bring out some of your facial features with natural looking results, then you are an excellent candidate for Juvederm Voluma.

ARE JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC INJECTIONS PAINFUL?

Juvederm Voluma XC has a unique formulation that includes 0.3% of lidocaine, an anesthetic, making the overall injection process well tolerated for most patients. Depending on the treatment area, a strong topical anesthetic can be applied prior to your injections, for a smooth and painless experience. If you have a particularly low pain threshold and are very sensitive to pain, you can also ask Dr. Schwarzburg to directly inject lidocaine for a full-on pain-free experience.

How long does it take to see Juvederm Voluma results?

Juvederm Voluma results are observed immediately following the injection and continue to expand over the course of several hours following your treatment. Because hyaluronic acid has intense hydrophilic properties and absorbs millions of water molecules in the treated area the swelling continues to evolve for the rest of the day. In addition, Juvederm Voluma was found to stimulate collagen production further aiding in the restoration of facial contours.

How long will my Juvederm Voluma results last?

Clinical studies have shown consistency in the longevity of Juvederm Voluma, lasting for up to 2 years. However, most patients can expect their filler to gradually dissolve after 6 – 12 months post-injection. The duration of the results also varies depending on the area in which Juvederm Voluma was injected. Regions that are more metabolically active, such as the lips and nasolabial folds often tend to be degraded by the body quicker than areas such as the cheeks or temples.

• Juvederm Voluma XC in the cheeks may last for up to 2 years. Because Voluma retains moisture and helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, your body can maintain the results of this filler for an extended period of time in the cheeks.
• Juvederm Voluma in the chin is injected deep into the skin to emphasize its structure for a more elegant-looking profile. Voluma can last for approximately one year in the chin, depending on your body’s biological response to the filler itself.
• Voluma in the lips typically lasts between 9 – 12 months. Because your mouth is an active area, as you speak, pucker your lips, eat, and drink, the product may dissolve quicker than in less animated regions of the face. To maintain the size and shape of your lips after your Juvederm Voluma injections, Dr. Schwarzburg recommends annual or bi-annual follow-up appointments to touch up on volume that has been lost over the course of several months.

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH JUVEDERM VOLUMA?

As with any injectable dermal filler, risks and side effects are possible with Juvederm Voluma treatment. Minor bruising and swelling are normal and expected because of a tiny but a sharp needle that is used to deliver the gel under the skin. Small hematomas and erythema (redness) are transient and have no long-term consequences for the patients. 

As previously explained, Juvederm Voluma is an extremely hygroscopic substance with a high affinity for water and in some patients this can result in greater volume creation than expected. A small injection with Hylenex is all that is needed to melt away excess filler quickly and effectively.

Allergic reactions to Voluma are extremely rare, though you can ask for a hypersensitivity test to confirm that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients and make sure that your before and after Juvederm Voluma results turn out as beautiful as expected.

WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR JUVEDERM VOLUMA?

The cost of Juvederm Voluma typically ranges $700 – $1400 per 1 syringe. There are multiple factors that determine the cost including the area that is getting treated, how many syringes are used and the expertise of the doctor performing the procedure. You can expect to pay a higher premium for an experienced physician doing the treatment who perfomred thousands of procedures so that you have a complete peach of mind and get your desired results.  

CAN JUVEDERM VOLUMA BE USED WITH OTHER COSMETIC PROCEDURES?

Juvederm Voluma is an excellent non-surgical modality that can be easily combined with various other minimally invasive procedures so that they all naturally complement each other. Many patients employ Botox or Dysport to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles that develop secondary to overactive muscles, such as crow’s feet or frown lines or 11s lines. For deeper creases where neurotoxins offer little to no help, Juvederm Voluma is an essential tool to rejuvenate and improve facial appearance. 

In certain regions of the face, Restylane may be a more suitable option as a dermal filler, for example for under eye fillers, in which case Juvederm Voluma may be used for cheek filler, combined with Restylane for the under eyes to create a balanced and refreshed look. 

For patients looking to improve their overall skin texture, Juvederm Voluma can help provide some hydration, though lasers, such as Fraxel, or microneedling treatments including Secret RF or AquaGold are better options to improve the quality of your skin.

WILL ONE JUVEDERM VOLUMA INJECTION BE ENOUGH?

Depending on the area(s) that you want to treat, one syringe (or 1mL) of Juvederm Voluma may be just enough to achieve your desired outcome. However, some patients want to treat various regions of the face, while others may generally need more product than others, in which case several syringes of Voluma may be necessary for optimal results. 

Can other dermal fillers be used with Juvederm Voluma XC?

Juvederm Voluma can be used with any other dermal filler depending on the aesthetic you are going for. In fact, Dr. Schwarzburg frequently uses a variety of dermal fillers to treat different areas of the face and body, as all patients have different anatomy and require a unique treatment plan which often consists of more than just one type of dermal filler. For example, Restylane is oftentimes a more appropriate option for the under eyes, as its formulation is less dense than most Juvederm products. In addition, Dr. Schwarzburg has a unique approach to Sculptra butt injections, by combining Sculptra (Poly-L-lactic acid) with Juvederm Voluma, allowing patients to get more immediate results while simultaneously and gradually growing their buttocks as Sculptra stimulates collagen production.

Can Juvederm Voluma also treat acne scars?

Dr. Schwarzburg sees a lot of patients who have deep acne scars as a result of acne breakouts throughout their life. Acne causes inflammation and volume loss, leaving us with acne scars or “craters”, which can follow us far beyond the years of the acne breakouts themselves, taking a huge toll on our self-confidence. Juvederm Voluma can be used to fill in these acne scars to make them less visible and more shallow. 

WHAT ELSE CAUSES AGING AND FACIAL VOLUME LOSS THAT MAY REQUIRE JUVEDERM VOLUMA?

Many factors contribute to aging and facial volume loss, in which case Juvederm Voluma XC can be an excellent solution for rejuvenation. The following are common components that cause aging and facial volume loss:

• Genetics plays a profound role in our physical appearance. Many patients find a lot of similarities between how their parents and themselves age and want to avoid and prevent signs of aging that can be completely reversed. Dr. Schwarzburg treats a lot of young patients who genetically had not developed sufficient volume reserves in the face and are eager to augment certain features with the help of Juvederm Voluma and other dermal fillers.
• Tissue volume loss due to a decrease in collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin with advanced age. Nobody is immune to decreased levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid with age and the only clinically proven way to reverse that is with filler injections. 
• Lifestyle choices such as smoking, sun exposure, environmental factors, and stress levels all affect the quality of your skin and must be taken into consideration when using hyaluronic acid implants such as Juvederm Voluma. 

CAN I USE JUVEDERM VOLUMA INSTEAD OF PLASTIC SURGERY?

Depending on your aesthetic goals, Juvederm Voluma can be used in place of plastic surgery in most cases. 

If your goal is to add volume to hollow areas of the face, such as the under eyes and cheeks, or to increase the size of your lips, then Voluma is a great option.

However, if you are looking to lift sagging or drooping skin, dermal fillers will likely not be ideal, as they only offer volume and enhancement of facial features, rather than lifting droopy skin. In this case, a non-surgical facelift, such as a PDO thread lift, may be a more suitable option.

HOW CAN I GET STARTED WITH MY JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC TREATMENT?

If you are interested in starting your aesthetic journey with Juvederm Voluma XC, Skinly Aesthetics is the place for you. Dr. Schwarzburg, a board certified cosmetic physician, specializes in minimally invasive cosmetic treatments and injectables, such as Juvederm Voluma and has mastered this intricate skill over more than a decade in cosmetic medicine. Dr. Schwarzburg will take your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals to come up with a unique treatment plan to optimize your cosmetic outcome catered towards your needs.

To schedule your one on one consultation with Dr. Schwarzburg, you can call or text Skinly at (212) 774-4264, or email us at info@skinlyaesthetics.com.

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