What Is Juvéderm Voluma? A Simple, Surgeon’s Guide
Voluma is a firm hyaluronic acid (HA) filler designed for structure. Placed deep, it restores cheek contour and can balance the chin without surface puff.
Because it’s HA, it’s also adjustable with hyaluronidase when needed.
What Voluma does
- Supports shape in the midface and chin by adding deep, stable volume
- Lifts shadow to improve how light travels over the cheek and jawline
- Refines profile without implants or surgery in the right candidates
Think of Voluma as scaffolding: it reinforces the architecture so smaller, superficial tweaks look better.
Who does best with Voluma
- Flattened cheeks or loss of midface support
- Mild jawline blur that improves when the cheek and chin are balanced
- A short/recessed chin that benefits from subtle projection
- Good skin quality; main problem is volume loss, not heavy descent
For a case-planning overview, see top-to-bottom facial analysis for fillers.
How I place it (to avoid puffiness)
- Deep planes: mostly on bone (supraperiosteal) or deep subcutaneous with small aliquots per point
- Vector-based lift: support where ligaments need it, reassess, then add conservatively
- Needle vs. cannula: chosen by anatomy and precision; safety mapping every step
- Staged approach: review at 2–4 weeks to fine-tune rather than overfill day one
Voluma vs other fillers (quick take)
| Product | Great for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Voluma (HA) | Deep cheek support, subtle chin projection | Firm, structural; adjustable with hyaluronidase |
| Volux / jawline-focused HA | Sharper mandibular angles and jawline | Higher stiffness for edge definition |
| Volbella / softer HA | Fine lines, lip detail, tear-trough-adjacent polishing | Not for structural lift |
Choice depends on what needs support—bone landmarks and ligament vectors, not just a product name.
Results, longevity, and maintenance
- Immediate contour, then subtle settling as early swelling fades
- Longevity: often about 12–24 months depending on area and metabolism
- Maintenance: small touch-ups age better than big one-time volumes
Safety and when to wait
- Common, temporary effects: swelling, tenderness, small lumps that usually settle or respond to guided massage
- Rare risks: vascular compromise—managed with depth control and reversal protocols
- Not today if you have an active infection, certain bleeding/immune issues, or are pregnant/nursing
For how Voluma fits into a full aging plan, see anti-aging with Juvéderm Voluma.
FAQ
Will Voluma make me look puffy
Not when placed deep and conservatively. Puffiness comes from superficial bulk. Structure first, surface last.
Can Voluma be dissolved if I don’t like it
Yes. As an HA filler, it can be adjusted with hyaluronidase.
Is Voluma a replacement for surgery
No. It restores shape; surgery repositions descended tissue. They can complement each other when sequenced.
Dr. Tim Neavin is a board-certified plastic surgeon located in Beverly Hills, California.
