Posted February 16, 2014 in Blog, Uncategorized, Voluma

What is Voluma? JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC injectable gel is the first and only filler FDA-approved for deep injection in the cheek area to correct age-related volume loss. Voluma is a hyaluronic acid injectable gel is manufactured using VYCROSSTM technology to give a specialized smooth-gel filler that produces long-lasting results at the treatment site. Our patients and physician injectors are repeatedly amazed at the immediate aesthetic improvement.

How is Voluma different from other fillers? The VYCROSSTM technology allows Voluma to last for up to 2 years. Voluma injects easily and smoothly. All other hyaluronic acid fillers last 6 to 9 months.

How long has Voluma been used in the United States? Voluma was FDA approved for use in the US December 2013. It has been using in Europe since 2008.

Where is Voluma used? Voluma is FDA approved for restoring volume to the cheek area. It has been used off label in other facial areas.

What does Voluma do? As you age, the cheek area loses its youthful shape. The cheeks flatten out and the skin may begin to sag. JUVÉDERM VOLUMATM XC injectable gel is designed to temporarily reverse these signs of aging. It is a gel that is injected into the cheek area to lift the skin. It voluma afterkathytemporarily adds volume to the cheek area and results in a smoother contour and more youthful appearance to the face.

JuvedermWhat areas of the face are improved by Voluma injections in the cheeks? Amazingly, the placement of Voluma in the cheeks improves the appearance of the lower eye lid tear trough hollow, the nasolabial fold, and even laxity and wrinkles in the lower cheeks, jowls, and marionette area.

What differentiates Dr. Persky and Dr. Sunder from other Voluma injectors? Both Dr. Sunder and Dr. Persky were privileged to be among 30 US injectors trained in the Voluma de Maio Master Injection Technique Course, a full day course with live model injections under the instruction of Voluma world expert Mauricio de Maio, MD (San Paulo, Brazil). Dr. Persky

Dr. Persky and Dr. de Maio at Voluma de Maio Master Injection Technique Course

Dr. Persky and Dr. de Maio at Voluma de Maio Master Injection Technique Course

and Dr. Sunder know how to analyze where Voluma will give their patients the maximum volume rejuvenation using the minimum amount of syringes. As facial plastic surgeons, our physicians use their knowledge of facial anatomy for the best results in the safest manner to avoid complications

I see women who look like “Cheeks and Lips on a Stick.” I don’t want to look like one of the “Housewives.” Can I have a natural, not-done look with Voluma? Voluma is not a commodity. As with all aesthetic treatments, it is not the product, but rather the injecting physician’s artistic vision, skill, experience, and ability to create a natural aesthetic appearance helping the patient to achieve their cosmetic rejuvenation goals.

Persky sunder volumaWhat is the most important aspect of my Voluma treatment? Again, with any facial aesthetic treatment, the most important aspect is the choice of the cosmetic physician. Patients must choose their Voluma injecting physician most carefully.

What should I expect at a Voluma injection session? At our office, patient’s are first examined and evaluated whether Voluma will be beneficial. Most patients can benefit from Voluma rejuvenation of their cheeks. Pre-treatment photos are taken. The face is washed with an anti-bacterial soap. The injection session is similar to having other filler injections. Depending on the amount of facial volume needed, anywhere from 1 to 6 syringes of Voluma may be used, but most patients have 1 or 2 syringes.

Does Voluma injection hurt? We care very much about our patients comfort during their treatment. Voluma has local anesthesia mixed into the syringe. We use simultaneous application of ice to the patients face which acts to distract the brain from feeling the Voluma injection. Most patients comment that their treatment was easy with very little discomfort. There may be mild tenderness in the injected areas for a few days following treatment.

How will I look when I leave the office after Voluma injections? There is an immediate notable improvement in facial volume. There may be a variable amount of swelling that usually resolves within 2 to 3 days.

Any special instructions after Voluma injections? Patients should not exercise and should avoid heat and sun exposure for at least 24 hours after Voluma injections to minimize the risk of swelling and bruising. Patients are given ice packs to use for a few minutes after their injections. We ask our patients to try to sleep on their back for two nights if possible.

How many Voluma injection sessions will I need? Usually one, we ask our patients to return to our office for a “face check” 10-14 days after their treatment for evaluation and possibly a small additional amount of Voluma.

Can Voluma be reversed or dissolved if I don’t like it? Voluma is a hyaluronic acid. It can be dissolved with an injected enzyme hyaluronidase. It takes a bit longer for Voluma to dissolve than Juvederm or Restylane.

Voluma Persky injectingWill I bruise from Voluma injections? Voluma is injected deep, just above bone in the cheeks and below muscle. There is the possibility of minor to more noticeable bruising. As with all injectable treatments we ask our patients to not take any medications that cause the blood to thin such as aspirin, Advil, Motrin, anti-inflammatories, or other supplements that may increase the chance of bruising for at least 7 to 10 days before their injections. Patients are encouraged to use both oral and topical Arnica to help minimize bruises. Should bruising occur, it can be easily hidden with cover-up.

How long does Voluma last? US studies have shown Voluma to last up to 2 years.

Will I have lumps and bumps after Voluma is injected? At the completion of injecting Voluma, we palpate our patients face to insure that there are not lumps or bumps from the Voluma. If any are felt, they can be easily massaged down and smoothed out. There can be a bump from a deep bruise, these resolve within a few days.

Can other fillers be used with Voluma? Yes, using Voluma does not affect the use of other facial fillers. We particularly like to compliment Voluma cheek volume with using Sculptra to shape the rest of the face.

Are there any contra-indications to Voluma? There have been very rare patients with allergy to other hyaluronic acid products (Juvederm,Restylane,Belatero). These patients should not receive Voluma.

voluma-before-and-after-2What does Voluma cost? Once again, Voluma is not a commodity. Our Voluma charges reflect our physicians expertise, artistic vision, master training, and excellent natural aesthetic results. US studies showing that Voluma lasts up to 2 years were based on the use of 5 to 6 syringes. Thanks to their Voluma de Maio Master Injection Technique, Dr. Persky and Dr. Sunder are able to use 1 or 2 syringes strategically placed to get lasting results. The cost of a syringe of Voluma at our office varies depending on the number of syringes used. The first syringe is $1150, subsequent syringes are $50-$100 less.

What if I have other questions about Voluma? Please feel free to contact Dr. Sunder or Dr. Persky with any further questions or concerns that you may have regarding Voluma. Thank you and be well!

If you are interested in a Voluma procedure, please schedule your consultation with Dr. Persky by calling (818) 501-3223. Join our newsletter to receive special offers & promotions exclusively available for subscribers. 

image001Dr. Michael Persky and Dr. Sarmela Sunder are located in Encino, California and Beverly Hills, California but service all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Including, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, La Canada, Pasadena, and more. Please subscribe to our blog by clicking the link above, right, and “Like” us on Facebook. Thank you! + Michael Persky