Juvéderm® VOLITE

It is a low concentration hyaluronic acid that is introduced directly into the skin with a number of fine injections. Its purpose is to improve skin quality, skin hydration and skin elasticity. It can also improve skin smoothness and skin complexion.

The effects last approximately 6 months after a single treatment.

The product has been developed and is made by Allergan, a company that is the global leader in medical aesthetics, and in cosmetic fillers in particular.

It is categorised as a dermal filler, although it works more on skin texture improvement than on adding volume to the face. Juvéderm® VOLITE belongs to the renowned Vycross range of fillers for face treatments.

It has been under development and trials over a number of years leading up to its launch in February 2017. Prior to launch we were fortunate enough to use the treatment in a number of our patients, and the results have been very pleasing.

When face moisturiser is used on dry skin it is simply adding an artificial layer that may hydrate the skin surface and feel smooth, but adds nothing to the skin vitality or healthy functioning. In fact over time moisturiser can weaken and thin the skin. Some skin products contain hyaluronic acid and are promoted to improve skin hydration, however very little or none will be absorbed into the skin so the benefit is very limited.

By delivering hyaluronic acid directly into the skin it has been shown histologically that markers for skin hydration (AQP3 and GAG) are significantly increased.

It is administered via a number of injections just into the skin, using a very fine needle. Usually topical anaesthetic will be used in advance to make the treatment more comfortable.

Juvéderm® VOLITE can be used in younger age groups to improve and brighten the skin, and in older age groups with dry skin, leathery skin, or simply for optimising skin texture. We have also seen an improvement in acne scarring.

VOLITE is not just used for the face, but can also be used to improve skin quality and texture on the neck, décolletage and hands.

Juvéderm® VOLITE works at several levels. The presence of the filler material has a gentle plumping effect, but over the weeks following treatment the skin will feel smoother and appear brighter with softening of wrinkles and tightening of pores.

Topical anaesthetic cream, is usually applied first, and then multiple small droplets of product are introduced into the skin layer by injection.

There is some discomfort but due to the fine needle and the presence of local anaesthetic cream this is usually well-tolerated.

Juvéderm® VOLITE can be used to treat any area of skin. The typical areas that we treat are the cheeks, forehead, neck, décolletage and hands.

One treatment gives results for up to 6 months, when the treatment can be repeated.

Typically results reach their peak after 2-4 weeks. Observations range from brighter, firmer skin, to a smoother feel to the skin, and improvement in fine wrinkles.

The main side-effects are from the injections themselves, that is a little swelling for a few hours afterwards, and possible bruising.

This depends mostly on whether the skin bruises easily. Some bruising is to be expected, but this is usually minor and easily covered. Some areas such as the neck tend to bruise more readily, and thinner skin will tend to bruise more easily.

There is not a set cost for treatment, and this will vary from clinic to clinic. Costs are likely to be between £300 and £600 for treatment, depending on the area.

It is interesting to speculate on the potential benefit of directing annual spending from a possibly ineffective over-the-counter skincare regime to Juvéderm® VOLITE.

The closest treatments to Juvéderm® VOLITE are termed “skin boosters”. The disadvantage with skin boosters is that 3 treatments are required to achieve a result, versus a single treatment with VOLITE, and usually the results do not last as long. This affects the cost of treatment as well as the total downtime.

The majority of patients we have treated have been pleased with the results and are planning to repeat the treatment as it becomes necessary.

We are working on building a portfolio to show you the range of results that can be achieved.