Voluma Injections La Jolla | Cheek Lift San Diego

Wrinkles are usually the first sign of aging we pay attention to, but they are not the only ones.

Facial aging is a complex process that is more than skin deep. As you grow older, the bone and subcutaneous tissues in your midface gradually lose volume too. This results in sunken cheeks and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. While this process already starts in your 20s — which is when we typically lose that baby-faced appearance — it becomes more noticeable in your 30s or 40s.

To restore lost volume in the cheek area and get back your youthful appearance, Drs. William and Jeffrey Umansky recommend injectables like Juvederm® Voluma®XC. This minimally invasive treatment works by temporarily filling in hollows and smoothing out the skin. The result is a plumper and more defined midface as well as diminished fine lines and wrinkles.

What makes Juvederm® Voluma®XC different from other fillers in the Juvederm® family is its thicker and more robust texture. This makes it ideal for substantial and long-lasting lifting of the cheek area. If you are a resident of San Diego or the surrounding areas, get your Juvederm® Voluma®XC treatment by scheduling a consultation with us today.

WHAT IS JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA®XC?

Juvederm® Voluma®XC, known simply as Voluma®, is an injectable cheek filler developed by Allergan Aesthetics. It is designed to address age-related midface volume loss. Or speaking more specifically, it is a thick hyaluronic acid (HA) gel formulated to provide lift and contour to the cheek area.

Like other “Vol-” products from the Juvederm® family — including Volbella® and Vollure® — Voluma®XC is made with Vycross technology. Vycross technology is the cross-linking of HA molecules of different molecular weights. Most HA fillers use 100% high molecular weight HA. Fillers made with Vycross technology use 10% high molecular weight and 90% low molecular weight HA. The result is a smoother filler with longer-lasting results.

What makes Voluma®XC different from its sister products is that it is much thicker. This makes it perfect for injecting into the midface to help lift and contour the cheeks. It also makes it one of the most durable fillers on the market, with results lasting up to two years!

HOW DOES JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA®XC WORK?

The active ingredient in most dermal fillers, including Voluma®XC, is hyaluronic acid. HA is a sugar molecule naturally found in your skin and connective tissues. It can hold 1,000 its weight in water, which makes it both hydrating and volumizing.

The HA found in dermal fillers is laboratory made and chemically identical to natural HA. When injected beneath or into the skin, it provides immediate plumping and lifting as it acts like a temporary implant. The product is absorbed into the skin and other tissues and moves freely with your expressions. Over time, your body will absorb and remove the HA gel. This means that the results from this treatment are temporary and reversible.

Voluma®XC is injected directly into the cheeks into the deeper dermis to add natural volume and lift to the cheek area. We usually inject this product into three cheek areas — the apex, hollow and apple — for natural-looking results. The product can also be injected into nasolabial folds and even temples.

COMBINING JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA®XC WITH OTHER TREATMENTS

Because facial aging is a complex, multifaceted process, the best way to address it is by combining different treatments. The good news is that Juvederm® Voluma®XC can absolutely be combined with other minimally invasive treatments for global facial rejuvenation.

One way to address multiple signs of aging is with a liquid facelift. This approach involves injecting different dermal fillers into multiple sites to restore facial fullness and/or diminish wrinkles. For example, we can simultaneously inject fillers into your cheeks, temples and lower eyelid if these are your problem areas.

Besides a liquid facelift, we can also combine dermal fillers like Juvederm® Voluma®XC with neuromodulators (e.g. BOTOX® Cosmetic) to simultaneously treat dynamic wrinkles. You may also want to consider a skin resurfacing treatment during a different session to address facial wrinkles, dark spots, enlarged pores and other age-related skin changes.

REQUEST YOUR VOLUMA®XC CONSULTATION TODAY

When considering any type of cosmetic procedure, it’s critical to work with a highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon who has a track record of success. Drs. William and Jeffery Umansky are well-known surgeons who are dedicated to patient care, safety and satisfaction.

To learn more about whether Voluma® is right for you, schedule a consultation with us at Umansky Plastic Surgery today. We look forward to sharing more about our practice and how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

FAQ

How to know if I am a good candidate?

Anyone over 21 with age-related loss of volume in the midface area is a good candidate for Voluma®, as well as people who lack defined cheekbones. Many patients in their 30s, 40s and 50s who are not yet candidates for surgery see great results from Voluma®, and some patients in their 60s and beyond choose Voluma and are very pleased with restoration of volume and fullness that is possible without surgery.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may want to postpone your treatment for now. And if you have a known allergy to lidocaine or other ingredients in this product, you may want to consider alternatives.

What happens during treatment?

We will begin this in-office procedure first by cleansing your skin and applying a numbing cream to your cheek area. Once the area is numb, your provider will inject a small amount of product into different points in your cheek. Your provider may also gently massage the area. You may feel a slight pinch or sting; however, most patients find this treatment tolerable since each injection contains lidocaine for pain mitigation. A typical session lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

Do Voluma® injections hurt?

In our practice, we use Voluma®XC, which contains lidocaine (an anesthetic). This helps to make the experience as comfortable as possible for our patients.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects with Juvederm® Voluma®XC are rare and relatively mild. Reported side effects include temporary tenderness, swelling, redness, bruising and itching. Other side effects may include pain, discoloration, lumps and firmness. When they do happen, side effects typically resolve on their own in two to four weeks.

Is this treatment safe?

Yes, Juvederm® Voluma®XC has been tested for safety and efficiency in clinical trials. The product was approved by the FDA in 2013 for cheek augmentation to correct age-related midface volume loss in adults over the age of 21.

What will my results be like?

You will notice near-instant lifting and fullness after a single Juvederm® Voluma®XC session. However, it may take two to three weeks for the product to settle and for the full results to reveal themselves.

How long do the results last?

The results from Juvederm® Voluma®XC can last up to 24 months, especially with good skincare habits. To make your fillers last longer, avoid unnecessary sun exposure, wear high-SPF sunscreen, stay hydrated and maintain a healthy lifestyle.