Voluma®: A Dermal Filler We Love!
A dermal filler is a gel injection used to soften folds, wrinkles, and creases on your face, mouth, and lips. Unlike the popular Botox® and Dysport®, dermal fillers are not neuromodulators, which means they will not affect nerves or muscles underneath your skin. Instead, a dermal filler is injected under the skin to fill the space created by age-related lost volume.
Voluma® is made of hyaluronic acid (HA). Capable of holding many times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) naturally produced by the body. Within the skin, hyaluronic acid creates the cushioning and moisturizing environment for our collagen and elastin in the dermal layer of the skin.
Voluma® integrates into your dermal tissue to attract and bind surrounding water molecules for added volume. The consistencies and particle size of Voluma® makes it great for most folds, wrinkles, and creases on the face, mouth, and lips.
How Long Until I see Results? How Long Do They Last?
Voluma® shows instant results that are evident usually after just one treatment. However, depending on the depth of your folds, wrinkles, and creases, your doctor may require a follow up in certain instances or suggest additional injections. There is no downtime after each treatment.
Depending on the situation, results should last about six to eighteen months as the filler naturally degrades.
We recommend seeing an expert at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology for a consultation today!
How are Juvéderm® Voluma and Juvéderm® Ultra Plus Different?
Juvéderm® Voluma® Juvéderm® Ultra Plus and use the Hylacross™ technology, which achieves a smoother consistency than Restylane®. The Juvéderm® family of products also comes pre-mixed with lidocaine in their “XC” line.
Juvéderm® Ultra Plus is denser than regular Juvéderm®, so it is used for deeper wrinkles.
Juvéderm®Voluma®, however, is the first dermal HA filler to be FDA-approved to specifically replace lost volume in your cheeks.
How is Voluma® Administered?
Voluma® fillers are injected using a small needle, which might cause temporary discomfort, though the lidocaine in the mixture certainly helps.
It is important to see a board-certified plastic surgeon, cosmetic dermatologist, or physician assistant like we have at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology for this procedure as inexperience with the depth of injections can cause issues. Injections that are too deep may cause unwanted injury to nerve and blood vessel structures, and too superficial might cause the Tyndall effect, which occurs when material is injected too superficially, allowing the clear gel to appear bluish through light refraction. This is especially a risk in the lower eyelid and tear trough area.
Are There Side Effects?
- It may possible to feel lumps after injections and sometimes this is intended by the physician to create some structural lift, however there should be no visible lumps at all.
- Uncomfortable lumps should shrink within a few weeks after initial swelling, but your doctor can massage the lumps out if they are particularly bothersome or visibly apparent.
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site may occur.
Bottom Line
Voluma® is a fantastic option for those looking to replace lost volume by plumping your wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin. The process is minimally invasive, and results are instant, lasting anywhere from six to eighteen months. Risks are low, but can include very rare instances of allergic reaction, and possible injection site problems that are more likely with an inexperienced injector. At Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we always choose the filler that is best for you and your needs. Please book your appointment today!