VOLUMA® in Pittsburgh, PA

As a natural result of aging, volume is lost significantly in the cheek area, giving an appearance of a gaunt, tired look. Instant cosmetic treatments, such as Voluma injections, help restore volume in the cheeks for more youthful facial contours. It is also used as an alternative to silicone-based fillers during a cheek augmentation for individuals who have naturally flat cheeks. It is manufactured by the same people behind Juvederm with the same hyaluronic-acid base. Pittsburgh Voluma specialist, Dr. James Fernau, directly injects the gel around the hollows of the cheeks, which consequently reduces wrinkles and creases around the treated area. 

Voluma is injected into the skin with fine needles, so some patients may experience some minor pain from the initial prick. Numbing creams may be applied on the injection site to ease the patient’s discomfort. Patients also have the option to use lidocaine, which is mixed with the Voluma solution, to help provide anesthetic effects in and around the area. A treatment may last up to 30 minutes. Patients will be able to return to daily activities after several hours. There may be some swelling, discoloration and tenderness around the cheeks, but will subside after a few days. Results are readily evident, and can last up to 2 years. 

Compared to other injectable fillers, Voluma tends to cost more because the formulation is more advanced. One advantage of choosing Voluma is its results last longer (an average of 2 years). The price for a full syringe can range from $900 to $3,600. However, a single treatment is more likely to use more than a single syringe. A session may use between 2 and 6 syringes, which means patients can expect to pay between $2,000 to $6,000 per session, depending on the patient’s cosmetic goals.

Hyaluronic acid, Voluma’s main ingredient, is derived from natural substances found in the human body. Its main function is cell hydration, and with its cross-linking abilities, it is generally useful in helping facial areas that lack volume. Over time, the gel substance breaks down and is absorbed naturally by the body without any side effects.

Those who seek improved volume in the cheeks may consider Voluma as a noninvasive solution. The lack of cheek volume may be due to aging or the patient’s natural facial structure. The doctor will be able to recommend if Voluma is the best option during the initial consultation.

Right after treatment, patients will be able to resume to their normal routine with restriction on strenuous activities or any movement that may put pressure on the treated area. It may take up to 1 week before the derma filler settles within the cheek pockets.

Among derma fillers available in the market today, Voluma can last up to 2 years or longer. Reinjection varies as patients’ bodies process and break down hyaluronic acid at different rates.