Over time, as human beings age, the mid section of the face shows signs of aging such as sagging or drooping cheeks as well as flatter cheeks. One can have this deflated and sunken look in-spite of being very healthy and fit otherwise. To overcome this condition, Juvederm has introduced a series of products such as Voluma, Vollure and Vollubella.
Juvederm Voluma XC or simply 'Voluma' is a FDA-approved cosmetic filler recommended specifically for facial mid-section rejuvenation. Voluma is made from Hyaluronic Acid or HA, a natural complex sugar found in living tissues including the human skin. For this reason, the body does not react or try to breakdown HA when injected externally. This means, patients who undergo the Voluma treatment do not need an allergy screening or a pre-testing.
The HA present in Voluma works in 2 ways. For one, it attracts and holds water, thereby hydrating the skin. Secondly, it combines with the collagen and elastin present in the skin, to increase elasticity and provide a structure to the skin. In the process, the sunken and loose look in the mid-section of the face is reversed, restoring a youthful appearance to the patient.
The Procedure
Voluma treatment is a non-surgical and outpatient procedure. The practitioner will first prepare the patient by applying a topical cream on the face to minimize any discomfort. He/she will then select the spots on the face for injecting Voluma, using a fine needle called canula. The entire procedure lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. The effects of the treatment are almost immediate and last between 18-24 months.
After the treatment, patients are advised not to massage their face, do any strenuous activity, and get exposed to the sun or extreme heat. The patient can resume normal activity in 24 hours time. Some patients show redness, bruising, itching, pain, firmness, swelling, discoloration, lumps or bumps after the treatment. These symptoms reduce gradually and may last 7-10 days at the most.
General note: Results vary from person to person.
