What is juvederm voluma™ xc injectable gel?
A JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC injectable gel is the first and only filler
FDA-approved to instantly add volume to the cheek area. It gives
you a subtle lift, helping to restore contour and a more youthful
profile, for up to 2 years, in patients over the age of 21. It's different
than JUVÉDERM® XC and works on a different area of the face.
JUVÉDERM® XC smoothes out moderate to severe wrinkles and
folds around the nose and mouth, like parentheses. JUVÉDERM
VOLUMA™ XC, however, adds volume to the cheek area.
What else should you know about JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC?
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.
What is Juvéderm Voluma XC indicated for?
Juvéderm Voluma 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 has been used in
Europe since 2005 and approved in over 60 countries with over
500,000 syringes used.
How is Juvéderm Voluma XC actually used in treatment?
Juvéderm Voluma XC is typically used for restoring cheek or mid
face 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 has been widely and very
successfully used for off label FDA uses for lifting, 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.
What makes Juvéderm Voluma XC different from other dermal
fillers?
Juvéderm Voluma 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 Voluma, but it also contributes to its long-lasting nature.
How long does Juvéderm Voluma last?
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.
What does the XC after Juvéderm Voluma XC mean?
XC means there is a small amount of lidocaine mixed with the
Juvéderm which helps to numb the area during the treatment
process.
Are the injections painful?
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.
How young can you be treated?
While we do not want to treat with fillers before they are really
needed, the experience in Europe, Canada and elsewhere suggests
that a relatively small amount of Juvéderm Voluma can produce a
very pretty soft, natural look in younger patients who are showing
early signs of aging or who have a tired look. Its actual FDA
approval is for use over age 21.
Does it matter if I am 30, 40, 50 or older for treating or for the
results I will see?
Yes it does. While you may benefit at any of these ages – as well as
much older, there are potential differences. Younger women (and
men) who do not have much skin laxity and who have primarily some
early fat volume loss in their cheeks may see a relatively dramatic
restoration of their youthful appearance before the fat loss
occurred. Also the amount of volume of Juvéderm Voluma XC
needed to produce these results may be relatively small – thus
giving a really nice benefit for a relatively low cost. As time passes
and more aging changes have occurred (especially for smokers or
people who have severe sun damage or who may have had
significant weight loss and other lifestyle and medical factors) the
amount of Juvéderm Voluma XC required to produce optimal
correction or restoration does increase and the costs also increase
accordingly. The results still will usually be impressive but may need
to be combined with some other non-surgical procedures to create
the most pleasing overall anti-aging effects. However for people
who have been receiving other fillers in the past, they may find
improved results for less total volume of filler material and also with
greater longevity. Practically speaking there really are not so much
absolute age limits for you to have very nice results with Juvéderm
Voluma XC. Some people are biologically much younger (or older)
looking than their chronologic age and one of the really critical
factors is for you to consult with an expert injector who has a good
eye for the artistic natural look and also has the technical skills and
who is an experienced injector that understands Juvéderm Voluma
well. You really also would like to choose someone for your
consultation who will listen to what your goals are and also your
lifestyle factors and budget and try to give you an individualized and
practical treatment plan designed just for you.
Can all skin types be treated?
Yes. Juvéderm Voluma 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 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 due to its unique filling and lifting ability problems).
Can men be treated?
Yes, however the technique is somewhat different especially for
cheeks because what is optimal to create a younger male
appearance differs from that needed for females.
How long does treatment take?
That depends on the extent of the areas being treated, the volume
of Juvéderm Voluma 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 micro cannula technique and we sometimes need to
blend the Voluma 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, Voluma 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 is a
dramatic addition to our artist’s pallet and as cosmetic artists we
want to create the most natural beautiful appearance we can.
Can you combine Juvéderm Voluma XC with other facial anti-
aging treatments?
Yes that is a great question. Often for optimal restoration of a
youthful appearance more than one modality is needed. So
Juvéderm Voluma restores volume and can lift sagging skin. If the
outside of the skin has chronic sun damage and is thinning from lost
collagen then a fractional laser or IPL treatment may be useful.
Likewise, if spider veins dominate the landscape of your face, a
blood vessel laser treatment may be helpful.
Lines of facial expression often will respond well to Botox and a
particularly good combination is Botox and Juvéderm Voluma. Eyes
are important as well and sometimes a bit of a ‘lift’ can be achieve by
either Botox or Juvéderm. Eyelashes can be made longer, thicker
and darker using Latisse. Topical skin products such as Retin A
and antioxidants help to repair old damage as well as to protect your
investment in some of these treatments. Allergan, the creator of
Juvéderm and Botox, also makes Skin Medica which is one of the
leading science-based lines of anti-aging skin care products and
their new Lytera creamhelps improve uneven skin pigment. Many
combinations are possible and should be customized to your skin,
your lifestyle and budget.
Does it matter when you combine these treatments?
Yes. It is thought that some combination of treatments – especially
when treating the same anatomic area – may in most cases be
better performed at different times. This is especially true for some
of the laser and light treatments or peels which can create swelling
and possibly interface with the use of Botox at the same time. You
should discuss with your physician because many treatments can be
combined at the same treatment visit. Botox and Juvéderm for
example are often a great combination at the same time, but there
also are exceptions to this as well.
When can I return to work and resume my social life?
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.
What are the common side effects of Juvéderm Voluma XC?
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.
What can be done to prevent bruising?
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.
What if I don’t like the results – can Juvéderm Voluma XC be
removed?
Yes all hyaluronic acid fillers can be ‘removed’ using a synthetic form
of an enzyme that occurs naturally in our bodies called
hyaluronidase. Usually the filler can be removed in hours to a few
days after injecting the appropriate amount of hyaluronidase. All
Juvéderm products including Voluma may be treated this way.
How often can I be injected?
A better question is when do you need to be re-injected?
Since Juvéderm Voluma is very long-lasting filler you typically would
not need to be treated again for a long time…up to two years or
more. However re-injection may be needed a few weeks after your
initial injection if you need more volume or more lift. Often it is better
to be conservative and touch-up if needed. I personally see so many
people who have been over-injected or overfilled and this is
especially true I find for cheeks and lips. While certain people in
the entertainment business for example may with intentionally desire
a bit more exaggerated look, I have a very strong commitment to
creating a very natural, soft, rested appearance. It is nearly always
better in my opinion to remain natural and understated – especially
if you have never been treated before. Juvéderm Voluma does not
require as much volume as other hyaluronic acid fillers to create the
effect you want and so care must be taken for injectors who are not
as experienced with Voluma to not overdo your treatment.
Allergan, the creator of Juvéderm Voluma XC has made exceptional
efforts to provide proper training for Voluma and it really is very
important that you have an experienced injector. I also suggest you
ask to view photos of the actual injector who will be treating you so
you can see their results and judge for yourself if that look ‘fits’ you.
Some of the best Juvéderm Voluma injectors in the world will tell you
that optimal correction will give you the ‘best’ overall look and the
longest duration. To achieve this you may need to return for some
touch-up or additional amount of Voluma to achieve this result…and
that doing this typically then leads to the longest correction before
you need injected again. So your goal should be to ‘get it right’ and
then to not need to be injected again until the results begin to fade.
How much does it cost?
That is a great question but it has a very individualized answer.
Because Juvéderm Voluma is such a ground-breaking filler it really
is quite a bit different than you might be used to from your
experience with previous fillers. With Voluma we are now not only
restoring volume but also providing lift and some indirect tightening.
So if you have been injected with fillers in the past you need to think
more about ‘full face rejuvenation’ – and think less about ‘filling lines
and wrinkles’. Much of the filling of lines/wrinkles/ folds of the past
will either not be needed – or the amount of filler needed will be
significantly reduced.
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| Juvederm Voluma XC |
| Cosmetic Laser & Skin Rejuvenation Clinic 3252 Holiday Court, Suite 229 La Jolla, California 92037 Call for consultation Tel: 858-587-7067 |
| 3252 Holiday Court, Suite 229 La Jolla, California 92037 Call for consultation Tel: 858-587-7067 |
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