Face to Face with Dr. Rabkin
Hayaluronic acid fillers have been the mainstay of facial rejuvenation for over a decade. They are used to produce immediate reduction of folds and wrinkles and restore age related loss of facial volume. Other uses include contouring of facial features, such as in chin augmentation and liquid rhinoplasty. Nonsurgical liquid face lift incorporates the use of these fillers.
Latest addition to the family of these fillers is Juvederm Voluma XC by Allergen. It has been used in Europe for many years and has been approved by FDA in December of 2013. Voluma differs from other fillers. It’s more viscous (thicker), lasts up to 2 years (as opposed to 9-12 months), requires great injector expertise and is somewhat more expensive than other fillers. The cost is offset by its longevity.
Voluma XC is best administered with an advanced injection technique utilizing micro-cannulas. This essentially allows for avoidance of bruising, pain, or swelling. The results are immediate and produce a volumizing, lifting effect of the entire face. Round contours and elevation of cheekbones creates a youthful, natural and attractive appearance. Procedure is virtually painless when using microcannulas and topical anesthetics. Voluma XC also comes premixed with an anesthetic to further decrease any discomfort.
Voluma XC is a great product to be used for facial rejuvenation. When combined with other minimally invasive facial, age reversing modalities in a properly selected patient to produce immediate, relatively longlasting (up to 2 years) beautiful results. The goal is a subtle, natural, painless, bruiseless outcome. Only a trained cosmetic, plastic reconstructive surgeon, who is an expert injector, should be offering Voluma to his or her patients. Generally, volume restoration provides a more youthful look than a surgical face lift or blepharoplasty because it recreates natural contours that we associate with a youthful face.