Juvéderm VOLUMA® XC commonly referred to as VOLUMA® is an FDA approved treatment for aging brought to you by the same company that revolutionized anti-aging treatments with Botox and Juvéderm. The injection works particularly well at restoring volume to cheeks by using HA – or hyaluronic acid – to give your cheeks relief from fat and bone absorption, which result in sagging or hollowing of the skin. Each injection can last up to two years, and has spectacular results amongst those that have had the procedure.
How Is The Procedure Performed?
The injections are minor, non-surgical procedures performed in Dr. Henderson’s office examination room. Because Voluma® contains lidocaine, anesthetics are generally not required but depending on the patients level of pain tolerance, topical anesthetics, nerve blocks or ice packs can be used to reduce discomfort. The procedure can take 10 to 30 minutes to complete with immediate results available. Following the injection, the area is massaged to assure that the product is evenly distributed.
Where Can It Be Used?
VOLUMA® is currently FDA-approved for treatment of the cheeks and the adjacent areas to temporarily restore Volume loss associated with aging.
How Long Does It Last?
VOLUMA® is manufactured with Vycross™ technology to give a specialized smooth gel filler with long lasting results. Although the longevity may vary, clinical trials have shown that the majority of patients experienced the effects for up to 24 months with optimum correction.
What Are The Risks?
Like with most fillers, the risks are uncommon and generally mild to moderate when using VOLUMA®. These can include bruising, swelling, tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, pain, redness, discoloration and itching which may last 2 to 4 weeks. If symptoms persist, treatments such as antibiotics, steroids or Hyaluronidase (an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid) may be used.
Is a Skin Test Required?
No, because hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin, VOLUMA® is not recognized as foreign and rejection reactions do not occur.
Are There Any Contraindications?
Injections should not be performed in areas of acute infection or inflammation. Those with a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis or a history of allergy to lidocaine or gram positive bacterial proteins are not candidates to use VOLUMA®. The safety of using VOLUMA® in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding has not been studied. The use of VOLUMA® in patients with a history of excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders has also not been studied and should be discussed during the consultation. Patients on Immunosuppressive medications may have an increased risk of infection. Patients on medications that prolong bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen or blood thinners may be at increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
Is There Anything I Should or Shouldn’t Do After Treatment?
Use of an ice pack may be used to reduce bruising and swelling. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 24 hours. Excessive exposure to sun and heat should also be avoided for a minimum of 24 hours. If lumpiness is noted as the swelling resolves, gentle massage may be recommended.
Learn More about VOLUMA®
Injectable treatments are excellent ways to enhance the face by restoring volume and youthful contours. To determine whether VOLUMA® is right for you, contact Dr. Henderson in Scottsdale, Arizona today.