What can instantly provide a more youthful appearance in as little as 1/5th of a teaspoon worth of product? The answer is JUVÉDERM Voluma! Voluma is the first and only filler proven to last up to 2 years with full correction in the mid-face/cheek region. This product was formulated to add volume, lift, and contour the mid-face. In some cases, improvements to the nasal labial folds, marionette lines, and jowls can also be acheived. Voluma is comprised of a smooth gel compound containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and a small amount of lidocaine for local anesthetic. HA is a naturally occurring molecule found in our body, which assists in preserving the skins moisture and softness.
The Triangle of Youth vs. The Inverted Triangle of Aging
Wrinkles and fine lines are not the only signs of aging. Volume loss due to age can result in flattened cheeks and sagging skin. The photo below demonstrates the progression of aging. The “Triangle of Youth” is seen during younger years before signs of aging occur. These youthful features include high cheekbones, full cheeks, a well-defined jawline, and youthful highlights.
Aging can be a very individualized process with components such as health, genetics, diet, and sun exposure playing an important role. The process may begin as early as the person’s 20’s but occurs different ages for each patient. Signs of aging include flattened cheeks, sagging skin, hollowness under the eyes, and fullness around the jawline. This myriad of signs of aging may be seen as an “Inverted Triangle”, opposite of the “Triangle of Youth”. Replacing this loss of volume in the mid-face can help to create a more youthful healthy look.
Other common features of aging:
- Line and wrinkles
- Fullness between the neck and chin (double-chin)
- Drooping skin
- Flattened cheeks
- Sagging jawline
- Decrease in muscle tone
- Descending facial fat-pads
- Age-related bone loss
- Uneven pigmentation
Voluma is the Best Approach to Replacing Lost Facial Volume
There are a number products on the market that practitioners use to fill the cheek area but, in my opinion, Voluma is superior to the other HA products on the market due to the manner in which the molecules are cross-linked. To explain, there are both long and short-chain hyaluronic acid molecules in Voluma and they are bound together with Vycross technology. This not only allows the filler gel to be smooth and natural looking but last longer than competitors that only use long-chain HA. Adding filler such as Voluma to the mid face is both a safe and effective way to replace lost volume in the cheeks. The procedure is minimally invasive, providing lasting results without requiring surgery. As previously mentioned, this product lasts up to 2 years.
What to Expect from Treatment with Voluma
The amount of Voluma needed for each patient is individualized. Patients may need anywhere from 1-4 syringes. The process starts with a consultation with an aesthetic medicine professional and includes a thorough health assessment, determination of specific desires and expectations, formulation of a treatment plan, education on the product, pre/post-op instruction, and an overview of what will occur on the day of the procedure.
After a Voluma treatment, you can expect to notice a subtle lift in the cheek area and possibly improvement in areas of the lower face as well. Results from filler may be seen immediately following the treatment. However, it can take a few days up to a few weeks for side effects to fully resolve. Side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. This is why we always recommend treating several weeks prior to any special occasions, vacation, or important upcoming event.
Voluma is one tool in our filler toolbox but perhaps the most effective in creating a more youthful appearance. Other problem areas can be addressed with a variety of JUVÉDERM’s collection of fillers. Check out our other blog posts about using Volbella and Vollure.
