Key Takeaways
- Voluma is a highly cross-linked, thicker hyaluronic acid filler specifically designed to add lift and volume to the mid-face and cheek area.
- By restoring mid-face volume, Voluma can indirectly improve nasolabial folds, under-eye hollowing, and smile lines without directly injecting those areas.
- Most patients require one to three syringes of Voluma, and results typically last 12 to 18 months in practice rather than the full two years advertised.
- Alternatives to Voluma include Restylane Lyft for similar mid-face volumizing at a slightly lower cost, and Radiesse for its collagen-stimulating benefits.
- Side effects are minimal and include bruising, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site, with no significant downtime required.
Voluma is a highly cross-linked filler, meaning it is thicker. Therefore, it is most appropriately used in the midface and cheeks to give a “lift”. One of the most common reasons people come to me interested is filler is to treat the prominent folds, such as smile lines (the lines between the nose and corner of the mouth). One thing that many people don’t realize is that this fold is frequently a symptom of the loss of volume in the midface which is a natural progression as we age. Often, by adding volume to the midface with a filler, we can indirectly improve other areas of the face, such as the under eye area and the smile lines by giving a “lift” to the face.
Voluma in Northern Va is one excellent option to add volume to the cheeks and midface. It gives a natural result and provides an excellent lift for this area. Allergan, the company that makes Voluma, advertises that Voluma can last up to 2 years. The length of time Voluma lasts varies among patients but is probably closer to 12-18 months for most patients. The study done by Allergan included a large volume of filler injected and patients had touch up at 3 months. So in my opinion, most patients won’t get a full 2 years of effect from a single injection session. In general, most patients in my practice have 1-3 syringes injected to achieve the result they are looking for. We can also inject other types of fillers during the same visit to improve other areas at the same time, such as the smile lines or the lips. Voluma and other fillers generally have very little to no down time. The most frequent side effects are bruising, swelling and tenderness at the injection site.
There are also other options available for cheek and midface volume. Restylane Lyft is another example of a thicker filler that gives excellent results in the midface and cheeks. Restylane Lyft is also a Hyaluronic Acid filler and has some similar properties. One of the benefits of HA fillers are that we have a medication that we can inject to dissolve it if needed. Restylane Lyft also is very good at volumizing the midface and can be used in the smile lines also. Restylane Lyft is slightly less expensive than Voluma, but may not last quite as long, although close to it.
Radiesse is a filler made of Calcium Hydroxylapetite. Radiesse is also an excellent option to add volume to the cheeks and can also be used for the smile lines. There are several benefits to Radiesse. There is some research that suggests that Radiesse may stimulate collagen production, leading to longer term results but stimulating your own body to produce collagen in the area that is injected.
If you are interested in learning more about receiving Voluma in Northern Va, contact us NOVA Plastic Surgery at (703) 574-2588 to schedule a consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Voluma and what makes it different from other fillers?
Voluma is a highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid filler, meaning it has a thicker consistency than most HA fillers. This makes it ideal for adding lift and restoring volume to the mid-face and cheek area, where a thicker product is needed to support the tissues and create a natural lifting effect.
How long does Voluma last?
While the manufacturer advertises results lasting up to two years, most patients experience results lasting 12 to 18 months in practice. Studies supporting the two-year claim involved larger volumes of filler and touch-up injections at three months, so individual results will vary.
Can Voluma improve areas other than the cheeks?
Yes. By adding volume to the mid-face, Voluma can indirectly lift and improve adjacent areas such as the under-eye hollows and nasolabial smile lines without requiring direct injection into those areas. This lifting effect makes it one of the most versatile fillers for overall facial rejuvenation.
What are the alternatives to Voluma for mid-face volume?
Restylane Lyft is a comparable HA filler that is slightly less expensive than Voluma and delivers excellent mid-face and cheek volumizing results. Radiesse, made from calcium hydroxylapatite, is another strong option that may also stimulate the body's own collagen production.
How many syringes of Voluma are typically needed?
Most patients receive between one and three syringes to achieve their desired result. The exact number depends on the degree of volume loss, the patient's facial anatomy, and whether other filler products are being used in combination during the same appointment.