Voluma® in Livermore

The loss of midface volume is one of the hallmarks of facial aging. This occurs in varying degrees of severity, and can lead to significant changes in the facial appearance. One of the most noticeable changes is the loss of cheekbone definition. Historically, this was addressed with surgery to tighten the overlying skin and lift the deeper soft tissues. More recently, volumizing fillers have been used to provide a similar ‘lift’ without surgery. The goal is to restore volume in the midface to create a natural, youthful face.

Juvederm Voluma is the first filler formulated with lidocaine that is FDA approved to restore age-related volume changes in the cheeks. Unlike other fillers commonly used to treat the midface, Voluma is a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. HA fillers are made from long chains of sugars that occur naturally in the skin. Juvederm Voluma is unique in that the HA is cross-linked through a process called Vycross that helps provide an excellent lifting capacity. This special cross-linking also helps to avoid degradation, making Voluma last almost twice as long as other fillers. Studies have shown that it can last up to 2 years. And since it is an HA filler, it can be molded and shaped into the desired contour after injection.

Virtually anyone with volume loss in their midface is a candidate for treatment with Voluma, as well as individuals with poorly defined cheekbones. Patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s may not be appropriate candidates for surgery, but may benefit instead from Voluma treatment. Patients in their 60s and beyond who have more significant skin laxity and volume loss tend to require more filler volume. And while these patients are often good candidates for surgery, they often choose volumizing filler treatments due to surgery concerns such as anesthesia and potential complications.

Treatment takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to perform, and it involves very small needles. After Dr. Gray injects the Voluma, he then massages the area to ensure that it is properly distributed. Patients may return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

Results are immediate and can last up to 2 years. The duration of filler correction depends on the facial area treated, the injection technique, and the rate that the patient ‘s tissues break down the filler. The majority of patients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. Some patients may experience slight swelling and bruising, but this typically improves rapidly.

There is no downtime after treatment, and patients may return to their normal activities. In some patients, there are transient side effects, such as minor swelling and bruising, but these are usually mild.

Side effects are generally minor, such as bruising or mild swelling, and can be easily concealed with makeup. Avoiding certain medications and supplements, such as baby aspirin and fish oil, can minimize bruising.

To learn if Voluma is right for you, Dr. Gray will perform a thorough consultation. Dr. Gray has experience with a number of different fillers, and will select the best filler combination for you.

One of the major advantages of Juvederm Voluma is that it is composed of hyaluronic acid (HA). If necessary, HA fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme in a very simple procedure. Experienced injectors like Dr. Gray rarely need to remove any filler after it has been injected, but this is a benefit to have as a potential option.

Juvederm Voluma XC is also formulated with lidocaine to enhance patient comfort. During treatment, ice may also be used in some patients.

Juvederm Voluma can often be combined with other facial fillers. In fact, Dr. Gray often uses different fillers for the same patient in order to achieve a more natural result. Voluma is well suited for many areas of the face, such as the cheeks, but is not ideal for certain areas like the lips.

While theoretically any patient with deficiency in the midface could benefit from Voluma treatment, there are some important principles to understand when it comes to selecting appropriate patients for Voluma treatment. Younger patients with early fat volume loss often notice a more dramatic restoration of their facial volume due to excellent skin elasticity. Older patients, on the other hand, typically require more filler in order to achieve optimal correction. Often these patients benefit from other treatments, such as Botox and laser resurfacing, to create a more complete facial rejuvenation. But overall, there are no absolute age limits for Voluma treatment.

To learn if Voluma is right for you, Dr. Gray will perform a thorough consultation. Dr. Gray has experience with a number of different fillers, and will select the best filler combination for you.

The most commonly reported side effects are temporary injection-site redness, swelling, pain/tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, and bruising. Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less). To report a problem with JUVÉDERM®. Please call Allergan Product Surveillance at 1-800-624-4261.

For more information, please see the About Safety page at www.juvederm.com or call the Allergan Product Support line at 1-800-433-8871. JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is available by prescription only. JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC Important Information INDICATION JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC injectable gel is indicated for deep (subcutaneous and/or supraperiosteal) injection for cheek augmentation to correct age-related volume deficit in the mid-face in adults over the age of 21.

Juvederm Voluma™ XC is contraindicated for patients with severe allergies, manifested by a history of anaphylaxis or history or presence of multiple severe allergies, and a history of allergies to gram-positive bacterial proteins or lidocaine.