Juvéderm Voluma XC, commonly referred to as Voluma, is a popular dermal filler variant from the Juvederm family. Manufactured by Allergan, it was one of the first dermal fillers approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Juvéderm Voluma XC is a dermal filler that is hyaluronic acid-based. It is FDA-approved for adding volume to the cheeks and midface area, but is also used in off-label areas like the nose, temples, and chin.

Its mild side effects include swelling and its effects last for up to 2 years. Juvederm Voluma XC costs up to $1000 per syringe and treatment cost varies depending upon individual clients needs.

What is Juvéderm Voluma?

Juvéderm Voluma is a smooth gel that retains its shape over a long period of time. It is commonly used to correct symptoms of aging, such as volume loss in the cheeks and surrounding areas.

All of the Juvéderm fillers beginning with the letter V are created using Vycross technology. This method is highly concentrated and cross-linked, allowing for more points of attachment between molecules.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), the main active compound in Voluma, is a naturally occurring sugar that is found in the human body. It also contains lidocaine, an anesthetic that reduces pain and discomfort in the treated area.

Where Should Juvéderm Voluma be Used?

Voluma was developed for use in the midface and cheek areas and is currently only FDA-approved for this. That being said, there are a handful of off-label uses for the dermal filler that have had desirable results, such as around the nose, chin, temples and under the eyes.

Aesthetic Surgery Journal found Voluma nose injections to have a positive effect in 96% of people who used the product, while JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery looked at Voluma for use in the undereye area, with 71% of patients reporting great results. In a study done in Europe, Voluma injections into the chin found a 98% success rate in improving the aesthetic.

Although further study may prove positive, currently Juvéderm Voluma is not a suitable filler to use in the lips and the surrounding areas. Due to high viscosity, this may result in a lumpy appearance.

Treating these areas may not be FDA-approved due to a lack of published evidence supporting the effectiveness or due to the manufacturer not seeking approval.

How Does Juvéderm Voluma Work?

Juvéderm Voluma operates similarly to other dermal fillers. It is injected into the desired area and the areas surrounding it, penetrating deep into the skin. It is then massaged evenly into the treatment area. The result is a plumper face with more volume in the cheeks.</

How Effective is Juvéderm Voluma?

In order to achieve FDA approval, a 2-year controlled clinic trial was performed. Random and multicentered, its goal was to prove the safety and effectiveness of Juvéderm Voluma XC.

The study found that nearly 50% of the group maintained their positive outcomes for 24 months, with most of the patients experiencing an objective improvement in volume and appearance.

Many subjects reported looking an average of 5 years younger, with full results being seen after only 6 months of treatment. 90% of subjects felt satisfied with the results after 6 to 12 months.

Two additional studies corroborated this outcome, with the first seeing a 95% satisfaction rate in patients after only 3 weeks. The second study ran for 2 years and found 91% of patients to be satisfied with the results of Voluma.

All of the studies conducted concluded that Voluma is effective with very few negative side effects.

Safety and Side Effects

All dermal fillers, Voluma included, are considered safe treatments. All studies have shown serious complications and side effects to be rare and not directly linked to the use of Voluma alone.

However, some side effects can occur with the use of Juvéderm, including pain, redness, itching, swelling, tenderness and bruising after treatment.

In 94% of cases, these issues resolved themselves in an average of 2 weeks, although some subjects experienced infections and longer lasting side effects.

A small number of these cases required additional treatment with antibiotics, hyaluronidase or anti-inflammatories. Side effects are also noted to have lasted longer in subjects who are over the age of 50, and who received larger volumes Voluma.

In all cases, the symptoms were resolved either naturally or with treatment.

Aftercare and Recovery

Following treatment, it is advised that you avoid physically taxing activities, such as sports and exercising, harshly washing your face for 24 to 48 hours and direct sunlight for 24 to 48 hours.

If you are taking any type of herbal supplement or medication, primarily those that thin the blood, you may be at risk of bleeding during Voluma treatment.

All Juvéderm products have a typically short recovery time. In almost all cases the swelling, redness, and tenderness go away within 15 days.

If you experience symptoms that last longer or are more painful than expected, please contact your doctor immediately.

How Much Does Juvéderm Voluma Cost?

The average cost of Juvéderm Voluma is $800 to $1,000 per syringe. Most treatments require only one syringe, but some may require more. For example, injections to the midface on those who are over 50 years old are likely to need 2 syringes, as well as treatments to the nose ands chin.

Due to the difference in desired results, the price varies and can be as high as $1,500 or more per syringe. Additionally, you are required to pay facility and physician fees, which also vary depending on the treatment and desired results.

While the price varies, Juvéderm Voluma generally provides a cost-effective alternative to other, more invasive, solutions for improving these areas.

Juvéderm Voluma is a safe and effective facial dermal filler offering long-lasting results of up to 2 years. While Voluma is only approved for the cheek area by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it has had great results in the nose, chin, and undereye areas as well.