ACNE | Juvederm Voluma XC™

WHAT IS Juvederm Voluma XC™?

Dermal fillers are a group of non-toxic substances that are injected under the skin at various depths to smooth out fine lines, deep wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and acne scars, volumize and define lips, contour the chin and nose, or plump up sunken cheeks or temples for a full, lifted appearance.

Juvederm Voluma (Allergan) is a volumizing dermal filler. It is firmer than its sisters, Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus, and is specifically designed to a restore age-related volume loss in areas of the mid-face, such as the cheeks, cheekbones, and around the chin. Juvederm Voluma XC also combines with collagen and elastin to improve skin structure and elasticity, and create a smooth natural look. Juvederm Voluma XC contains lidocaine, an anesthetic, to make the injection more comfortable.

Juvederm Voluma XC is made with a hyaluronic acid gel. “Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that’s found naturally in your skin and makes your joint spaces feel slippery. Its function is to absorb water, deliver nutrients, and act as a cushioning agent. So when you inject it into your skin, it acts like a sponge and expands to fill in wrinkles and folds and support sunken areas,” explains Dr. Debra Wattenberg, who specializes in cosmetic dermatology in her New York City boutique clinic, SkincareRX, and is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. The extra water brought to the skin’s surface also imparts a fresh, glowing radiance and a soft, supple skin texture. These injections also induce a robust production of collagen, which helps to further firm and plump your skin and reduce wrinkles over time.

With multiple comparative fillers on the market, Juvederm Voluma XC is used more as a facial volumizer than a wrinkle-filler, such as Belotero, Restalyne, Juvederm Ultra, and Juvederm Ultra Plus. The other popular volumizing dermal fillers are Sculptra and Radiesse. The main difference among the volumizing dermal fillers is that Juvederm Voluma XC is the only one that is immediately reversible because it is made of hyaluronic acid, which can be quickly broken down with a shot of the enzyme hyaluronidase. Also, “Juvederm Voluma XC gives the most specific lift, which is why it’s great to create cheekbones or correct a defined hollow,” says Dr. Wattenberg. It’s important to note that Juvederm Voluma XC is the newest volumizing dermal filler, launched in Fall 2013, so cosmetic doctors are just starting to see its long-term benefits.

WHO IS Juvederm Voluma XC™ FOR?

Juvederm Voluma XC treatments are safe and effective for all skin types and skin colors. Juvederm Voluma XC is ideal for those looking to replace lost fat or add volume to the face, particularly in cheeks, cheekbones, and jawlines. It may also be used as a hand rejuvenating treatment.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use dermal fillers. Anyone who has recently used blood thinners or has a bleeding disorder should also avoid dermal fillers. You should be cautious if you’ve had previous bad allergic reactions that have required in-hospital treatment.

HOW IS Juvederm Voluma XC™ DONE?

Juvederm Voluma XC treatments are fast and relatively painless. Typically, a local or topical anesthetic is first applied to eliminate any discomfort. Once that takes effect, the filler, a thin gel-like substance, is then injected into the target area using a tiny, fine needle.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

15 to 40 minutes 

What is the average cost of Juvederm Voluma XC™?

$1,300 to $2,500 depending on how many injections you need.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF Juvederm Voluma XC™?

After receiving a Juvederm Voluma XC treatment, you may experience temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, itching, mild discoloration, and bruising at the injection site. These symptoms can be alleviated with ice packs and should completely resolve within 2 weeks, or as little as a few days.

In rare cases, small bumps may appear under the skin at the injection site. If they don’t dissipate within a week, check back in with your doctor.

Risks are mostly associated with improper injections. “If a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler gets inadvertently injected into a blood vessel, it can cause some significant side effects such as skin breakdown, ulceration, or necrosis of the skin. Thankfully, there’s an enzyme injection, hyaluronidase that can immediately reverse those negative effects,” explains Dr. Wattenberg. Improper injections can also result in an infection. Browse The Book for the best experts in your city.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF Juvederm Voluma XC™?

Everyone can experience different results. A dose in one woman can result in a dramatic change, while it may have a very minimal impact on someone else. The effects of a Juvederm Voluma XC injection should be immediately visible, with continuous correction as new collagen regenerates. Contoured areas will immediately appear fuller, rounder, and more lifted.

RECOMMENDED COURSE FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS?

One injection of Juvederm Voluma XC should last 18 months to 2 years.  Maintenance treatments every 2 years should yield continuous results.

WHO SHOULD ADMINISTER THIS TREATMENT?

You should only visit an actively board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Dermatologists should be certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). Plastic Surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Both of those boards are part of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a non-profit organization that is considered the gold standard of physician certification. Consult the Charlotte’s Book Premier Provider directory to find a doctor who meets these standards and specializes in this treatment. For more information about how we choose our providers, please read Credentials We Abide By.