Injectables have given us non-surgical facial contouring options that we only could have dreamed about a decade ago. Though hyaluronic acid (HA) gel compounds were first used primarily to increase lip fullness, today, injectable HA can treat everything from deep wrinkles to sunken cheeks and poor chin definition, among other issues. There’s only one downside to this versatility: As new injectables have been developed, it’s become more challenging for patients to pick the treatment that’s right for them. Even Juvéderm^® fillers now come in multiple varieties: Voluma, Volbella, Vollure, Ultra, and Ultra Plus. Below, we’ll discuss what makes Juvéderm^® Voluma, one of the most popular fillers currently in use, different from its contemporaries. First, however, you’ll need to understand a little bit about how dermal fillers work.

The Types and Applications of Dermal Fillers

Almost all FDA-approved dermal fillers contain essentially the same basic ingredient, hyaluronic acid. HA is a natural sugar that’s already found in your skin, where it plays a significant role in collagen production and water retention. To put it more simply, HA is one of the basic building blocks that keep your skin firm, supple, and hydrated. HA-based fillers have become an extremely popular treatment for the visible signs of aging because they both replenish lost collagen and directly add volume in treated areas.

Where fillers differ is in their consistency: Dermal filler developers utilize varying levels of molecular cross-linking to create HA gels that are either thin and diffuse or thick and stable. Some gels fall in the middle between these two extremes, giving patients who need a hybrid solution more options.

Thick fillers are ideal for sculpting applications, like non-surgical rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, cheek augmentation, lip augmentation, and filling in specific blemishes, like scars or deep wrinkles. Surgeons can shape these fillers after they’re injected, creating picture-perfect features without surgery. And, after these fillers “set,” they won’t spread out into surrounding tissues. As such, the patient’s reshaped features remain distinct.

Thin fillers, on the other hand, are the perfect treatment for numerous fine lines and thin “crepey” skin—precisely because they do spread out into surrounding tissues. These fillers subtly plump and hydrate the skin across large areas (without creating visible boundaries around the treatment area). They blend in with the patient’s existing features for a smooth, natural look.

What Makes Juvéderm^® Voluma Unique?

Juvéderm^® Voluma is one of the thickest and most durable fillers on the market. This filler can be injected deep below the skin to create a noticeable increase in volume in areas where the face has sunken over time. Unlike other dermal fillers, Voluma won’t wear off after six to nine months; instead, it can last for up to two years.

Juvéderm^® Voluma is often a core component of non-surgical facelifts because of its unique composition. Voluma can lift the entire face after just a single series of injections around the cheeks, without creating an “overfilled” look. By occupying excess facial skin, Juvéderm^® Voluma raises the patient’s features, restoring more youthful facial contours. After having Voluma injections, patients notice that their cheeks are fuller and their jowls have disappeared—all without a single incision ever being made. And, like all fillers, Voluma produces gradual improvements in skin tone and texture by inducing collagen production.

If you’re concerned about sagging skin or facial hollows but you don’t feel ready for surgery, Juvéderm^® Voluma might be right for you. To learn more about this innovative injectable treatment, contact us at 760-777-8772 to arrange a consultation.