Manufactured by the Allergan pharmaceutical company, a long-awaited product has just received FDA approval: Juvederm Voluma XC. Voluma is the first approved drug for adding volume to the cheek area.
While the drug had already been approved in 72 countries, cosmetic dermatologists, in the U.S., have waited 5 years to offer this anti-aging, non-invasive treatment to their patients. And the U.S. is known for the most rigorous research and testing to insure its approved products are safe and effective.
As the name implies, loss of volume is one of the most common and visible signs of aging or, perhaps, simply of fast weight-loss. Usually most noticeable under the eyes or in the hollows of the lower cheeks, the effect is a drawn, tired appearance. Adding back some fullness and rounder contours definitely creates a youthful, more radiant look.
Voluma offers, what is often described as, a “liquid facelift.” It is injected using very fine needles, contains an anesthetic element of Lidocaine for optimum comfort, has a very fine consistency and is based on hyaluronic acid, which is already produced by the body and, therefore, does not require allergy testing.
But, perhaps, the two most highly-celebrated aspects of Voluma are its immediate and natural-looking effects and its longevity. Voluma will last between 18 – 24 months, depending upon the individual’s age, lifestyle and other personal characteristics. That’s about 3 times as long as the popular sister products like Juvederm and Restylane.