Are you worried about sagging cheeks making you look older than you really are? Have you lost so much volume in your midface that you feel like you look old or chronically ill? If so, you may be a good fit for Voluma injections at Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida in Hollywood, FL. To help you decide whether this treatment is right for you, today, we’re taking a look at how long the results of this treatment last and who is usually considered a good candidate.
How Long Does Voluma Last?
Voluma results typically last for 24 months. However, individual results vary based on numerous factors, including your age, diet, and lifestyle choices. While you can’t do anything about your age, you do have some control over how long the results of your treatment will last. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective steps you can take to enjoy results that last for as long as possible.
Minimize Sun Exposure
Staying out of the sun is one of the most effective steps you can take to ensure your Voluma results last for as long as possible. The sun’s violent ultraviolet rays easily penetrate the outer layers of your skin, reaching all the way down to the foundational layer of your skin where its collagen is found. Collagen is a mesh-like protein that serves a number of roles, including preventing sagging, providing volume, and promoting self-healing.
Do your best to avoid exposing your skin to sunlight when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. This occurs between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. If you have a family history of melanoma or other skin problems, you may want to download a UV index widget on your phone to advise you on when the sun’s UV rays are particularly strong. Also, make sure that you wear sunscreen whenever you will be exposed to sunlight, even if you are in a car or windowed office.
Eat Well
Eating well is another vital step you must take if you want your results to last as long as they possibly can. Remember, collagen helps to prevent your skin from sagging, but several ingredients are necessary for your skin to produce collagen. Furthermore, several ingredients are necessary to keep your existing collagen healthy and strong.
If you want to keep your midface looking young and healthy for as long as possible, you need to make sure you are eating enough protein every day. Protein is made up of amino acids, and there are three essential amino acids that your skin needs to produce and maintain the health of its collagen. Eating plenty of protein is far more effective than taking amino acid supplements due to the bioavailability of protein found in foods and beverages. Also, you should:
- Eat citrus fruits for vitamin C
- Eat foods that are high in water
- Eat nuts that are high in zinc
- Eat foods that are high in copper
Moisturize Daily
Your skin doesn’t just need vitamin C, zinc, copper, and amino acids to produce collagen and keep your existing collagen healthy. Water is another key ingredient you need to ensure is in abundance in your diet. However, it’s not enough to drink enough hydrating fluids to stay hydrated. Moisturizing your skin is also important for the long-term integrity of your results. Make sure you moisturize once or twice per day depending on your skin type.
Keep in mind when picking out your moisturizer that it should be safe for the face. While your cheek skin is very thick, generally, facial skin is much more delicate than the skin in other regions of the body. If you use body lotion to moisturize your face, your skin may become irritated. Also, keep in mind that you should choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if you have sensitive skin. Excellent gentle options that are highly effective include:
- CeraVe
- Aquaphor
- Vaseline
- Cetaphil
Exercise Regularly
Your skin will also benefit if you exercise regularly. Specifically, you should try to get 2.5 hours or more of moderate cardiovascular exercise weekly. The reason cardio is so important to the longevity of your results is that getting regular cardio supports the efficiency of your circulatory system. The more efficient your circulatory system is, the more efficiently growth factors and nutrients will be delivered to your skin to fuel the production of more collagen.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
The only way to find out for sure whether Voluma injections are right for you is to attend an initial evaluation with a skincare professional. However, you should know that most people who are at least 22 years old and worried about the appearance of their midface qualify for this anti-aging treatment. Also, you should know that there are certain medical conditions that will prevent you from qualifying for this treatment.
For example, you will be considered a poor fit for this treatment if you have to take blood-thinners daily. You will also be disqualified from receiving these injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have very recently stopped breastfeeding. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your health, including any allergies you may have, as well as your goals, to verify your candidacy for this treatment.
Can I Use This Treatment if I’m Worried About My Temples?
Most of the time, people who are considered good candidates for this treatment are concerned about the appearance of their cheeks. However, you may still be considered a good candidate for this injectable anti-aging treatment if you are worried about the appearance of your temples or jawline. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your goals thoroughly, and advise you on whether this injectable is the most effective treatment method for your needs.
What Should I Expect During My Treatment Session?
You should expect your treatment session to be quick and painless. The reason you can feel confident that your treatment won’t hurt is that we use a special injectable formula that contains lidocaine. Lidocaine is an injectable anesthetic that will numb the treatment area within seconds of administration. Once your cheeks are numb, they will remain numb throughout the entire treatment process.
Before the numbing medication kicks in, you will only feel a small amount of pressure. The needle we used to administer this dermal filler is so small that it will not cause pain, and you don’t need to worry about any discomfort, either. If you’d like, we can apply a topical numbing cream to your skin, so you don’t feel anything at all. However, this can add around 15 minutes to your treatment time. Usually, injection sessions take anywhere from 25 to 60 minutes.
What Should I Expect After My Treatment Session?
You should expect to be free to return to work once your treatment session is complete. While there is a recovery period that requires you to adhere to certain restrictions, there is no downtime. Nonetheless, there is a chance that you may want to take the rest of the day off from work. After your injections are complete, it is essential that you keep your blood pressure within a normal range.
If your job is physically demanding, make sure you advise your supervisor ahead of time that you may need modified duties temporarily. If no accommodations can be made, you will not be able to return to work. Also, you should know that preventing sun damage is vital after your treatment. It may be a good idea to take the rest of the day off from work if you work outdoors.
What Other Restrictions Should I Be Aware of?
Another important restriction you must adhere to following your injection session is to avoid applying too much pressure to the treatment area. On the night of your treatment, make sure you sleep on your back. Also, do not apply makeup to your cheeks that will be hard for you to remove.
The Time To Act Is Now
The bottom line is that the results of Voluma injections usually last around 24 months, but there are steps you can take to increase the longevity of your results. For example, your results will last longer if you do your best to stay out of the sun, eat nutritiously, and moisturize your skin regularly. If you think this cheek augmenting treatment is right for you, contact us today at Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida in Hollywood, FL to schedule an initial evaluation.
