The Basics of the Injectable Filler Juvéderm Voluma XC

Juvéderm Voluma XC is a non-surgical, injectable filler—technically called a volumizer—composed of a modified form of hyaluronic acid (HA); hyaluronic acid occurs in nearly every cell of the human body, with 50% of it in the skin.

The volumizer is generally used to lift and contour areas of the face like the cheeks and chin. The product is one of several in the FDA-approved line of Juvéderm fillers, which also includes Juvéderm XC, the injectable product that was originally developed for use in the nasolabial folds (or smile lines), and Juvéderm Ultra XC, which was developed for injection in the lips for fullness.

The Juvéderm family of fillers is considered one of the non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can give your face a more youthful appearance.

Purpose of Treatment

As you begin to age, you naturally start to lose collagen, which causes your skin to lose structure and volume. Aging tends to affect the fat pads in your face, particularly in your cheeks. Cheeks begin to lose their prominence and appear more hollow and less supple as the soft tissues of the face descend. Cheeks become flat and may look hollow, and volumizers are sought when the apple cheek flattens out.

These common components of the aging process contribute to the formation of wrinkles and folds in your skin. Wrinkles also develop thanks to relaxation of dermal collagen and elastin, hyper dynamic facial muscles and expression, sun exposure, and cigarette smoking.

The best candidates for Juvéderm XC are those who have experienced loss of volume and flattening in their cheeks due to aging, weight loss, or a medical condition.

Juvéderm Voluma XC is an injectable gel filler that has been FDA-approved for use in the cheeks, cheekbones, and chin. It nourishes elastin and collagen, fibers that compose support structure of your skin.

Juvéderm Voluma XC is the first FDA-approved injectable gel that instantly corrects age-related loss of volume in the cheek area. Juvaderm XC is a volumizer and is injected deep into the skin. The nasolabial folds, corners of the mouth are corrected with the other Juvaderm products, which are fillers and can be injected into the deep dermis and sub-dermal layers. Juvéderm Voluma XC is designed to be injected deep into the skin, often on the bone, to increase volume. Juvéderm Voluma XC has been shown to last up to two years.

Before the Treatment

Prior to your treatment, you will need to have an in-depth consultation with your healthcare provider so that you can express your needs and which facial features you would like enhanced. Your practitioner will then be able to explain what your options are and to make sure that your treatment will meet your expectations.

You will also need to tell your provider about any medications you are on or any health conditions you have.

You may want to mention- medical issues such as covid in the past 6 weeks, vitamins or medications they are on which can contribute to bleeding and medical problems which preclude them for the procedures.

Juvéderm XC filler is injected deep into your facial tissue, but it is formulated with lidocaine, an anesthetic so that you have a more comfortable treatment. Your medical professional may also choose to minimize your discomfort by numbing your treatment area beforehand though many find that this step is unnecessary. The actual treatment process will be comfortably performed during a short office visit.

After the Treatment

After treatment, you will be advised to stop wearing makeup for up to 12 hours. You will need to avoid the sun and any saunas or steam rooms for up to two weeks. You should also avoid additional treatments in the treated area or activities and positions that place pressure on the treated area (such as massage tables) for a full week.

Results

Juvéderm XC products provide natural-looking results by instantly replenishing lost facial volume and smoothing out the lines alongside your nose and mouth. You should notice that your face has a softer, more youthful appearance.

Risks and Considerations

All procedures, no matter how small, come with potential side effects. The injection of Juvéderm XC filler is no exception. Short-term side effects are generally mild to moderate and are short-lasting. You may experience temporary redness at the injection site as well as pain, tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration.

If you have severe allergies or a history of severe allergic reactions, an allergy to lidocaine or the proteins used to make hyaluronic acid, Juvéderm XC is not for you.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a history of scarring or pigmentation disorders, let your healthcare provider know. If you are taking medications that can affect the strength of your immune system or take medications that may cause bleeding, you should discuss them with your practitioner.

Costs

An injection with facial filler is not covered by insurance and considered a completely cosmetic procedure. The cost will vary depending on the type of filler used and the region of the country you are in. As a general rule, fillers that last longer usually cost more.