Juvéderm Voluma® XC Filler

First and only Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler FDA-approved to instantly add volume to the cheek area, resulting in a subtle lift Clinically proven to last up to 2 years with optimal treatment.

Juvéderm Voluma® XC is a gel that is injected into the cheek area to gently lift the skin and restore volume that is lost from aging. It is made from a modified form of hyaluronic acid which is a natural complex sugar that occurs within our bodies.

Juvéderm Voluma® XC is the first and only FDA-approved non-surgical option to instantly correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area in patients 21 and older. Juvéderm Voluma® XC has been used in Europe since 2005 and approved in over 60 countries with over 500,000 syringes used.

Juvéderm Voluma® XCis typically used for restoring cheek or midface volume loss and also to help restore a more youthful curve and position to the higher area of cheekbones in women (not men). In Europe and Canada Juvéderm Voluma® XC has been widely and very successfully used for off label FDA uses for facelifting, volumizing and recontouring the face and jawline. Injection using little blunt microcannulas in addition to traditional small needles is also widely used for helping create a natural look while minimizing discomfort and bruising.

Juvéderm Voluma® XC was specially designed to fill and lift the mid-face and cheeks. It uses a new advanced technology from Allergan which is called Vycross that results in a smooth gel that flows easily and consistently and which can be nicely sculpted. This special cross-linking technology not only produces the lift and fill that is unique to Juvéderm Voluma® XC, but it also contributes to its long-lasting nature.

Up to two years with optimal correction. There is evidence that hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane actually help to stimulate the production of new collagen by your own body so that longer duration of improvement may be seen. Also depending on various factors of your health, weight and body chemistry as well as the volume injected and the skill of the injector duration of correction may be shorter (or even longer) than two years.

There is typically minimal discomfort during the treatment process. Topical numbing cream may be applied before treatment to reduce discomfort – especially for sensitive areas such as fine lines around the mouth. Numbing shots are normally not needed so that you do not have the long-lasting dental type numbing effects after you leave the office.

Yes. Juvéderm Voluma® XC is excellent for all skin types. People with darker skin of color usually do not wrinkle as much as lighter skin tones, but everyone experiences age-related volume loss in their cheeks. Darker ethnic skin patients tend to be more likely to develop dull, ashy or unevenly pigmented skin which can be improved with skin brighteners (SkinMedica Lytera Cream is a product from the creators of Juvéderm Voluma® XC which often works well for these darker skin patients also still experience sagging of the apex of the cheek with aging and this may appear at a relatively young age. The cheek apex is what gives a youthful look to the face so restoring this can provide a very pleasing, natural and youthful look and typically this does not require much of the Juvéderm Voluma® XC due to its unique filling and lifting ability problems).

Yes, however, the technique is somewhat different especially for cheeks

That depends on the extent of the areas being treated, the volume of Juvéderm Voluma® XC being used and also the complexity of the treatment. Simple injections might take only 15 or 20 minutes, but treatment can require considerably more time depending on what is being treated. For example, full face sculpting may require using more of an artist’s pallet approach with the use of both needles and the European microcannula technique and we sometimes need to blend the Juvéderm Voluma® XC with additional lidocaine to customize treatment for non-cheek areas. We may also use other forms of Juvéderm® such as Juvéderm® Ultra or Ultra Plus to treat residual smile lines or furrows (note that by lifting the cheek, Juvéderm Voluma® XC often reduces or eliminates the need to treat nasolabial or nose-to-lip folds and smile lines).

So the more complete and creative the treatment the more treatment time is required. The artistry is a vital part of truly rejuvenating the whole face and that adds another dimension beyond just the technical skills for injecting. Juvéderm Voluma® XC is a dramatic addition to our artist’s pallet and as cosmetic artists, we want to create the most natural beautiful appearance we can.

Juvéderm Voluma® XC results are immediate and very natural looking, so typically you may return to work or social activities immediately. However, sometimes transient side effects occur – in particular bruising – and mild swelling may develop by the next day, so you do need to consider this in your planning. This is especially true if you have never been treated before or if you are taking things which might increase your risk or the severity of bruising like baby aspirin, blood thinners, fish oil, etc. So discuss this with your physician.

Typically you might experience temporary bruising, tenderness, swelling, pain during injection or some redness or itching. Lumps and bumps are possible but usually are easily massaged out either at the time of treatment or a few days later. Depending on your facial anatomy sometimes asymmetry or unevenness from side-to-side might be experienced which can usually be easily corrected, however people commonly have some degree of natural asymmetry which may not be able to be perfectly matched. Most of these are very transient but may in some cases last for a few weeks. Consult with your doctor about your particular situation.

Bruising is one of the most common side effects. Tiny bruises at the sites of needle entry may be very inconspicuous and easily covered, but larger or darker bruising that is visible and lasts for days or rarely longer can be rather unsightly. Sometimes (if medically safe) people taking daily aspirin or other blood thinners may temporarily discontinue treatment (always consult your prescribing physician first if you are taking these for medical conditions). Fish oil supplements may be discontinued for a week before treatment and then resumed. If your injector has a pulsed dye laser or certain types of IPL you may be able to return within 24-48 hours for a quick zap. These typically are very safe and speed the resolution of the bruising.