Anti-Aging With Juvederm Voluma
Dermal Fillers
One of the common symptoms when it comes to aging of the face is that tissue loses volume. When the face loses volume, it can leave one looking gaunt, tired, and old. Fortunately, there is Juvederm Voluma, an injectable volumizing agent that can reduce signs of aging.
Juvederm Voluma is a dermal filler that is designed to give one a more youthful appearance. Its main active ingredient is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in humans, which makes it great for bonding to skin structures without the chance of rejection. In short, it’s safe. The idea of fillers such as Voluma is to add volume to areas of the face that have hollowed due to aging. Because we lose volume when we age, replacing volume restores youth.
Voluma & the Others
Voluma has become popular because of its longevity. The company, Allergan, claims it lasts up to two years. This puts this product in the long-lasting list of dermal fillers such as Radiesse, Belafill, and Sculptra. However, unlike Radiesse, Belafill, and Sculptra, Voluma has no permanent or semi-permanent effects. That is, once it’s gone it’s gone. This contrasts starkly to calcium hydroxylapetite, the ingredient found in Radiesse, and the combination of collagen and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) that makes of Belafill. Sculptra is made of polylactic acid. Much of the effects of Sculptra are indeed permanent.
What makes Voluma more enticing than some of the other products listed above is that it can last very long yet it is reversible. For some, the temporary results from Voluma is a good thing. Many men and women are scared of permanent fillers for a few reasons. One, fear that it won’t look good. And two, the fear of infection.
Voluma, as well as all hyaluronic acid products, can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. This is an enzyme that breaks down the hyaluronic acid in the product. However, because Voluma still lasts very long in the body, infections can certainly occur. In rare circumstances, biofilms can develop on the product. Biofilms can cause prolonged inflammation or swelling. Thus, the surface of the skin must thoroughly be cleaned before injection.
Where One Can Use Voluma
Not all injectables can be used in all of the same areas. Voluma is a thick product. It works well in areas that benefit from lifting, such as the cheeks. It cannot safely be used in the lips given the risk of nodules.
Voluma can be a wonderful product to restore volume. The downside is its price. The cost of the product is almost twice as its shorter lived cousins, Juvederm and Restylane.

Dr. Tim Neavin is a board-certified plastic surgeon located in Beverly Hills, California.