January 12, 2015
By Caroline Glicksman, MD
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com
JuvedermVolumaXC™ is the first injectable filler in the United States that is FDA approved to correct age associated volume loss in the mid-face. This gel, which is very similar to JuvedermXC™ (currently used in the lower face) lasts much longer, usually about 2 years.
Receive Injections from a Skilled Doctor
Be very careful where you go to for this treatment. The injection of Voluma takes far more skill than a Botox™ injection or even the more commonly used JuvedermXC™. There are some very real and possibly serious risks with this product due to the thickness of the gel as well as the locations where it is injected. Most doctors require only online training to be able to sell Voluma in their offices. With over 23 years of experience as an injector, I still felt that I needed more training, not only to be competent when injecting JuvedermVolumaXC™, but to do it well.
Facing the Injection Safely
Voluma is supposed to be injected deeply, and that is where the difficulty lies. The safe use of Voluma demands that the injector, whose only training may have been an online certification or evening course provided by the manufacturer, should not only be able to evaluate your facial aesthetics, but must be very knowledgeable of facial anatomy; every facial artery, vein and nerve. In addition, because Voluma is injected deeply into the tissues, and lasts for up to two years, there is a critical need for sterile technique to prevent deep infections and the establishment of biofilms around the gel.
Stunning Results!
The results from Voluma can be absolutely amazing, and the fact that it can be performed safely and quickly in an office – with very minimal recovery – has truly revolutionized facial aesthetics. Like all procedures that I perform, safety and proportion should still be the first priority.