For years, Dr. Clevens has been offering non-surgical treatments that add volume to the facial contours and smooth lines and wrinkles. Soft tissue fillers like Radiesse, Restylane, and Juvederm have long been delivering excellent results for the correction of crow’s feet, laugh lines, smiles lines, depressed scars, and more. Now, a product is available at The Clevens Face and Body Specialists. It is known as Voluma.

Juvederm Voluma XC is the first facial filler to be approved by the FDA for the non-surgical treatment of the cheeks. Voluma adds volume to the cheeks and mid-face, which commonly becomes drawn as the human body ages and collagen production slows. The filler gently lifts the three areas of the cheek (the apex, apple, and hollows) for a more youthful and healthy appearance.

Voluma is better suited for refining the cheek region because of the smooth hyaluronic acid gel that the product is composed of. The substance is easily sculpted and the hyaluronic acid helps restore necessary moisture to the skin’s structure. It lasts much longer than some of its filler counterparts, delivering results for up to two years. The advanced injection techniques used by Dr. Clevens make the procedure virtually painless, and as with other injectable treatments patients can resume normal activity right away.

What is the procedure like?

Injections of Voluma are made in the surgeon’s office. For most patients the procedure takes only about 15 to 20 minutes without anesthesia. If preferred, arrangements can be made to increase comfort during treatment. Since hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, allergy testing is not necessary. All skin types can benefit.

What can I expect during recovery?

Essentially, there is no downtime. Immediately after leaving the Clevens Face and Body Specialists, patients can head back to work, go shopping, run errands, or whatever else it is they would normally be doing. Some patients are more sensitive than others and will see temporary side effects after the procedure. Injections of Voluma may lead to redness, bruising, and mild swelling. Tenderness, lumps, discoloration, and itching are also side effects that can possibly occur. Side effects will fade within 2 to 4 weeks and the only noticeable results will be enviably youthful cheeks.

What is the difference between Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma?

Juvederm Voluma is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid, making it more viscous and able to last longer. It is currently approved and intended for correction of volume loss in the cheeks. The original Juvederm is also a hyaluronic acid, but is not as “thick.” It is often used to enhance the lips and lines around the mouth. The results will last about 12 months compared to Voluma’s 24-month span.