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What Is Voluma Used for?

The natural aging process, weight loss, medical conditions, smoking, and excess sun exposure: all these factors can contribute to collagen production declines and loss of facial volume. As time passes, the exacerbated reduction of face fat causes flattened cheeks, sunken-in eye sockets, hollow temples, or sagging skin around the jowls. Facial volume loss can make you appear older, which is why Invogue Rejuvenation & Body Sculpting Center in El Paso, TX, restores natural-looking volume to your cheeks with Voluma XC.

Unraveling the Fundamentals of Voluma XC

What Is It?

Accurately known as Juvéderm Voluma XC, this is a unique Hyaluronic Acid (HA) soft tissue filler or gel that is specially formulated for adding lost volume to the cheek area of the face. This specific brand of injectable dermal filler is manufactured by Allergan, the same company that makes Botox. It falls under the Juvéderm family of products, which comprise the Ultra XC and Ultra Plus XC.

This new filler was FDA-approved in the United States and Europe in 2013 and 2005 respectively. It has since been approved in 72 other countries worldwide for use in correcting volume loss in the cheek region. It is worth noting that this facial filler is the first and only non-surgical option that has been approved by the FDA for treating volume loss in the cheek region. Other HA fillers include Restylane, Belotero, Perlane, etc.

What Role Does Hyaluronic Acid Play?

Hyaluronic Acid (or simply HA) is a complex sugar that is naturally present in our skin. This polysaccharide plays a crucial role in helping our bodies retain water and stay lubricated. This substance acts as a cushioning agent and keeps our bodies healthy by accelerating wound healing, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and making our skin look glamorous.

While it accomplishes many functions for the benefit of our body, the amount of naturally-occurring Hyaluronic Acid diminishes as we grow older. This age-related HA decrease comes with a host of disadvantages, such as the formation of facial wrinkles and hollow cheeks. The good news is that we can replicate HA artificially by injecting it into the skin. When we inject HA into your skin, it will act like a sponge that expands to fill recessed areas and clear out wrinkles.

How Exactly Does Juvéderm Filler Work?

Different varieties of Juvéderm fillers leverage on the same working principle. However, their mode of operation is different from that of Botox. While Botox relaxes underlying muscles to eliminate wrinkles, Juvéderm filler restores the skin layers that have been lost with age. Ideally, the skin loses volume due to a decrease in its natural Hyaluronic Acid reserves.

So when you come into our office, we will inject the Juvéderm gel into the targeted areas of your skin. The gel will contain artificially created HA, which will expand and fill the hollow areas the same way it would if it were naturally manufactured by the body. HA fillers may need 1-2 weeks to settle and produce the desired results. Once settled, these types of fillers will restore the skin’s natural appearance or even improve on what existed before.

How Is This Filler Different From the Rest?

Juvéderm Voluma XC is specially formulated with FDA-approved lidocaine to fill and correct age-related volume changes in the cheeks and cheekbones. Since the cheek area of the face is thicker than the rest of the facial skin, it requires a more robust treatment approach to produce the desired results. For that reason, this version of Juvéderm filler is designed to restore volume to the apex, apple, and hollow areas of the cheek.

It should be clearly understood that most other fillers are considered wrinkle fillers and not volumizers. That means they have been approved only to be injected into the nasolabial folds, otherwise known as smile lines or lips. Unlike other fillers, the HA in this injectable gel is cross-linked using Allergan’s state-of-the-art Vycross technology.

This unique cross-linking technology results in a smooth and consistent gel with a more lifting capacity than other fillers. Another thing that sets this filler apart from the rest is that it is non-biodegradable, meaning that it can last almost twice as long as other fillers. This being an HA filler, it can be shaped and molded into any desirable contour after injection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Am I a Good Candidate for the Treatment?

Virtually anyone aged 21 years or older with volume loss in their mid-face region is considered an eligible candidate for the treatment. Likewise, adults with poorly defined cheekbones may be good candidates for the shots. Juvéderm is highly-regarded partially because it has been found to be effective with so many skin types.

And while most adults over 21 years will be able to get the treatment should they need it, there are a few reservations. People who are allergic to lidocaine or who have experienced severe allergic reactions to cosmetic treatment in the past shouldn’t use the dermal fillers. We also don’t recommend dermal fillers for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

2. How Is the Injection Administered?

Dr. Ann Hale or one of her certified injection specialists can complete the injections in approximately 15-20 minutes. Realistically, the number of areas you want to be treated will determine the actual duration to complete the injections. There’s no need to use anesthesia because the treatment is minimally invasive, but a topical or infused numbing cream will be applied to lessen discomfort – especially for sensitive areas like fine lines around the mouth.

For added comfort, every Juvéderm injection contains lidocaine that aids in numbing the treated area. Our trained nurse injectors will take time and plan where the Juvéderm shots should be made to ensure optimum results. Typically, small amounts of the substance will be injected into the treatment site until the desired aesthetic result is achieved. An ice pack is applied to the treatment location after injections in order to minimize the risk of bruising.

3. How Soon Can the Results Be Seen?

With optimal treatment, most patients will see their facial rejuvenation results immediately after their appointment. However, it is important to acknowledge that every person is different. The treatment may need 1-2 weeks to set and produce the ideal facial rejuvenation results for some people.

The duration of filler correction will depend on multiple factors, including the injection technique used, the facial area treated, and the rate at which the patient’s tissues disintegrate the filler. This non-surgical solution to volume loss has been shown to last up to 2 years. Besides lifting the skin and restoring volume, this dermal filler also tightens loose or sagging skin on the face.

4. Is There Any Downtime After Voluma XC Treatment?

Because special needles or blunt tip cannulas are used to administer Juvéderm Voluma XC, there’s no downtime following the treatment. In fact, most patients are able to go back to their day-to-day activities immediately after their injection sessions.

It is advisable to steer clear of exhausting workouts as well as intense heat or sunlight immediately after treatment. Some patients may experience transient side effects, like minor bruising and swelling at the shot site. These are usually mild and normal, often disappearing within the same day.

5. Can Juvéderm Be Used Along With Other Treatments?

Depending on how we deem fit, we can combine this treatment with other non-invasive modalities for optimal restoration of a youthful look. Our highly-trained dermatologists may need to use a combination of Juvéderm shots and IPL treatment for patients whose outer skin is dominated by sun damage. This combination is also ideal for those with thinning skin from reduced collagen.

Similarly, we may need to combine Juvéderm injections with blood vessel laser treatment for patients with spider veins on their faces. Lines of facial expressions tend to respond well to a good combination of Botox and Juvéderm. By adding a small amount of Botox, one can further soften and boost the features of the face. Notwithstanding, it is important that you reach out to us for consultations before any such combination is done.

6. What Are the Benefits of This Treatment?

With a host of positive success stories, the Juvéderm dermal filler has become one of the best cheek fillers available today. What reasons should compel you to choose this non-surgical treatment?

It’s Safe

This injection comprises Hyaluronic Acid that naturally occurs in our bodies and contributes to skin elasticity, moisture, and tissue repair. While there are other volume-enhancing dermal fillers out there, this one has been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. Numerous tests and studies have shown that the injection is safe, with no major side effects reported.

It’s Pain-Free

Patients should rest assured that the injections are free of pain. This Juvéderm filler contains a gentle anesthetic known as lidocaine, which helps numb the area being worked on. Besides, we’re committed to ensuring your comfort during the injection sessions.

It’s Non-Invasive

We administer dermal fillers through injection, and no incisions are required for the treatment. Patients should not be worried about infections or scarring. This treatment is unlike invasive cosmetic procedures that can trigger infections.

It’s Recovery-Free

Contrary to the traditional facelift procedures, dermal fillers do not require any special recovery time. They do not require any pain medication either. Nonetheless, there are certain activities that you should refrain from at least 24 hours following the treatment. Steer clear of any activities that might age your skin, including drinking alcohol, smoking, or spending too much time in the sun without sunscreen. Drinking more water to stay hydrated is a plus.

It Provides a Natural Look

With this skin rejuvenation treatment, you don’t have to worry about getting fake or plastic-like results. The injections will be administered in line with your facial structure and anatomy to complement and enhance your facial features. It will lift your sagging skin and define your cheekbones naturally.

7. What Happens If I Don’t Like the Results?

One good thing about this non-surgical treatment option is that it is easily reversible. This facial rejuvenation treatment is comprised of HA filler, which can easily be dissolved with an enzyme. If you don’t like the results, we can simply break down the Hyaluronic Acid with a shot of the enzyme Hyaluronidase.

This is actually the only filler that can be reversed, which is a huge advantage for our patients who feel uncomfortable with the results for one or more reasons. It is generally rare for our patients to want any filler removed after it has been injected. Should you want your filler reversed, Dr. Hale or one of our experienced injectors are up to the task.

Schedule Your Aesthetic Consultation Today

If you are tired of spending hundreds of dollars on anti-aging remedies that fail to deliver on their promise, call us today at Invogue Rejuvenation & Body Sculpting Center in El Paso, TX. With our reliable and effective Juvéderm Voluma XC treatment, you can be sure to flaunt a youthful, glowing skin in no time.

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