Are wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin making you feel less like yourself? Are you struggling to recognize the person looking back at you in the mirror? Then you may be interested in Juvederm Voluma, an incredible injectable that lifts and plumps the skin in just one simple session. Here at Shenandoah Women’s Healthcare in Harrisonburg, VA, we’re thrilled to offer patients the opportunity to feel more gorgeous and more comfortable in their skin.
What Is Juvederm Voluma Used for?
As its name suggests, Juvederm Voluma is a dermal filler designed to add volume to the skin in areas that have lost volume as a result of aging. It’s made from hyaluronic acid and is generally used to enhance the appearance of areas such as the cheeks, chin, and jawline. It is also sometimes used to augment other areas such as the lips or nose. This filler is highly effective at restoring volume and adding definition to the facial contours.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a type of sugar molecule found in many tissues throughout the body, where it plays an important role in maintaining the structure and hydration of this tissue. One of the most important functions of HA is its ability to keep skin hydrated and plump; it is present in high concentrations in the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin. Here, it binds water to create a gel-like substance that helps to moisturize and protect the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis.
Hyaluronic acid levels start to decline as we age, which can lead to drier, more wrinkled skin. HA is also an important part of the body’s production of collagen and elastin, so with less HA comes less of these proteins too. This causes the skin to sag and fold on itself, creating wrinkles and lines. Certain lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure, poor diet, air pollution, and smoking, can speed up the decrease in hyaluronic acid levels.
So How Exactly Does This Treatment Work?
Voluma uses a synthetic version of HA as its key ingredient. When injected into the skin, the HA works as per usual, attracting and binding water molecules to the injection site. This plumps up the skin and creates a lifting effect. Additionally, the product helps stimulate new collagen and elastin production, which further improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin. The result is a diminishment in wrinkles and lines, and a more youthful, supple appearance.
What Are the Different Types of Juvederm?
Voluma is only one of the many products in the Juvederm suite of dermal fillers. Each filler has different benefits and results, depending on the needs of each patient. The most popular filler is Juvederm Ultra, which is used to add volume and hydration all across the skin. Juvederm Vollure, meanwhile, is used to soften lines and wrinkles. Juvederm XC is the only Juvederm filler that contains lidocaine, which helps to numb the area during the injections. Voluma, the subject of this article, is most commonly used to lift and sculpt the cheeks.
The different types of Juvederm fillers are made from different types of hyaluronic acid, all with varying consistencies. Juvederm Ultra is made from non-animal sourced hyaluronic acid, while Juvederm Voluma is made from bioplastics. There are also differences in where they’re injected: Juvederm Ultra is injected into the mid to deep dermis, while Juvederm Voluma is injected into the deep dermis. Juvederm Vollure is injected into the superficial dermis. Juvederm XC is injected into the mid to deep dermis.
What Will Happen During My Treatment?
An Initial Consultation
The first step of the process will be a consultation with a member of the Shenandoah Women’s Healthcare team to discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment. We’ll make sure your skin concerns are due to a lack of volume and a loss of HA, ensuring this treatment is the best remedy for them. During this consultation, we may also conduct a physical examination of your skin to assess its condition and determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment.
Preparing for Treatment
Ahead of your appointment, we may ask you to follow a few simple steps to make sure your skin is ready for the injections. We’ll ask that you stop taking any blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or fish oil tablets, to minimize your chances of bruising. It’s also important you don’t get sunburnt prior to your treatment. On the day of treatment, we’ll ask that you come in with a clean face free from any makeup so nothing can contaminate the needle.
Your Appointment
We perform this treatment right here in our Harrisonburg office! Your practitioner will carefully inject the filler into the areas of your face where you want to restore volume. The treatment is typically performed using a small needle or cannula and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the extent of treatment. We’ll follow along with a treatment plan that’s tailored to you specifically; this details how much product we use and how many injections will be made. After we’re done, you’ll be immediately free to leave.
Is There Downtime Needed After the Appointment?
There is no downtime required after getting these injections, which is in contrast to many surgical options like a FaceLift. This means that you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately after the treatment, without having to rest or take time off from work. It’s always a good idea, however, to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours after your appointment, as this can increase swelling and bruising. You should also avoid exposure to sunlight or heat for the first 24 hours.
How Long Do the Results of Treatment Last?
The results of this treatment can last up to two years with the right maintenance. There are also a few things you can do at home to help prolong the effects of treatment. Make sure to cleanse your face twice daily and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. You should also avoid excessive sun exposure and extremes of heat or cold. We also warmly invite patients back for maintenance sessions every six to twelve months if required.
Who Is a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
Good candidates for this dermal filler are people who have lost volume in their faces due to aging. Since treatment is also used to correct asymmetries in the face and to add volume to specific areas, such as the cheekbones or lips, it may be suitable for younger candidates who have struggled with these aesthetic concerns for as long as they can remember. We do not recommend one particular age, gender, or skin tone; provided you are over 18, treatment may be right for you.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment is to schedule a consultation with a member of the team here at Shenandoah Women’s Healthcare. Unfortunately, some preexisting medical conditions and medications may make you ineligible for treatment, as will pregnancy and breastfeeding. If we determine that this treatment won’t be suitable for you or your cosmetic goals, we may suggest an alternative cosmetic solution offered at our gorgeous clinic.
What Are Some Other Methods of Skin Rejuvenation?
Botox
Botox is a neuromodulator that, when injected into the skin, temporarily reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It does this by relaxing overactive muscles in the face, which cause crow’s feet, frown lines, and other types of wrinkles. This makes it an excellent option for people whose wrinkles are not caused by sagging skin, but rather repeated facial movements. It works similarly to a dermal filler, requiring a few injections in one session, and results last for 3-4 months.
SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared microneedling device. It works by creating tiny punctures in the skin, using an automated needling technology that features a pen-like applicator with 12 small needles. This triggers a healing response that leads to collagen and elastin production. When used consistently, patients will see their skin tighten, as well as surface-level improvements: it can reduce the appearance of broken capillaries, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, pigmentation disorders, and textural irregularities with minimal risks of complications.
Feel Like Yourself in Your Skin Again
With Juvederm Voluma, you can enjoy lifted, supple skin that makes you look younger and has you feeling more like yourself. If you’re struggling with wrinkles and lines on the lower part of your face in particular, such as the cheeks and around the mouth, this type of filler may be right for you. To learn more about this incredible treatment, schedule your consultation with Shenandoah Women’s Healthcare in Harrisonburg, VA, today.