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How Long Do Dermal Fillers Take to Settle?

To rejuvenate your facial contours with immediate results, dermal fillers have proven to be an excellent treatment with minimal expense and downtime. One quick, painless appointment can smooth fine lines and wrinkles, resolve facial hollows, and plump your lips to enticing, sensual contours.

But though the initial benefits of this treatment are immediate, you typically experience optimal outcomes a few weeks after your injections. This article provides critical information about ensuring an effective recovery and looking your best as soon as possible.

How Long Before Fillers Settle?

It takes time for dermal fillers to take full effect. Dermal fillers, like Juvéderm®, are gel-like substances made of hyaluronic acid. Once injected, they integrate into tissue, binding to water molecules to hydrate the skin from the inside. This process may take several days or weeks, but the result will be worth the wait.

Furthermore, many fillers can cause minor swelling and bruising at the injection site, leaving your skin feeling firm and full. This common effect typically clears up within a few days as the filler incorporates with your skin’s structure. When the swelling diminishes, you’ll realize optimal benefits.

A Versatile Solution

Another remarkable benefit of dermal fillers is that they are incredibly flexible. Years of research and clinical trials have improved available formulations to ensure the highest comfort, quality, and durability levels.

We employ the Juvéderm® and Restylane® family of dermal fillers at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. We have your solution if you want to re-contour your cheeks, plump your lips, or erase wrinkles in minutes.

The Results Are Natural

Dermal filler benefits look natural because they are. Fillers have hyaluronic acid as their active ingredient. Though having an acid injected into your face may sound intimidating, HA is a naturally occurring compound in the human body that attracts and retains moisture.

The Benefits Get Better Over Time

Because these injections stimulate collagen and elastin production, your optimal benefits won’t be visible for several weeks. However, adding hyaluronic acid back to your skin will significantly regenerate healthy collagen and elastin. That means you will see initial benefits immediately, then increase over six to eight weeks.

Extend Your Treatment Results

Many patients are satisfied with their filler outcomes for up to two years. However, others want to extend their skin care further. You can prolong your benefits by making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, limiting tobacco and alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and wearing sunscreen. If you would like to take your anti-aging regimen to the next level, surgical solutions like facelifts, neck lifts, eyelid lifts, or brow lifts can provide long-lasting, natural-looking results. Contact us online today to schedule your dermal filler consultation, or call us at (540) 371-7730 to schedule your initial visit and learn how we can help you look younger and enhance your facial beauty.

5 Areas of the Face That Can Be Improved with Fillers


When you look in the mirror, the signs of aging you see on your face can be distressing. Beginning as early as your 30s or even late 20s, fine lines around the mouth and nose, dark circles under the eyes, and drooping upper eyelids, little by little, have started appearing.

Many contributing factors can be causing these irritating symptoms: smoking, stress, lack of sleep, excessive sun exposure, and genetics are all to blame for the early signs of aging.

Fortunately, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia have several non-surgical options in the form of injectable dermal fillers that can rejuvenate your face and help turn back the clock on aging.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Also known as injectable fillers, dermal fillers are a valuable tool in restoring fullness and volume to your face, ultimately reducing the appearance of age-related lines, wrinkles, and other flaws. Many patients experience facial fat and volume loss as a natural consequence of the aging process.

Fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin with a blunt tip cannula. Many of the elements injected, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, occur naturally in the skin, making them well-received by most patients. Even better, injections require no recovery time and provide immediate results!

We offer a comprehensive selection of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, specifically formulated for specific skin areas, to patients in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. These include:

  • Juvéderm® Voluma
  • Juvéderm® Ultra
  • Juvéderm® Ultra Plus
  • Restylane®
  • Restylane® Lyft
  • Restylane® Silk

Dermal Fillers, A Noninvasive Alternative

Dermal fillers are highly effective and easily customized for each patient, addressing specific problem areas. For long-lasting results, patients can maintain their results by following a customized treatment plan with routine scheduled treatments.

Curious about how your face could benefit from filler injections? Check out this list of five common areas where dermal fillers can be used!

1. Cheeks and Temples: Added Contour, Curve, and Lift

The rich formula of Juvéderm® Voluma can create more structured-looking cheekbones and add plumpness to your temples, adding a more youthful look to your mid-face.

2. Smile Lines: Smoothed Nasolabial Folds

Filler applied to the mid-face fills in the smile lines and wrinkles known as nasolabial folds, providing a perfect balance of flexibility and smoothness. It’s an ideal treatment for an area that constantly moves as you talk and smile.

3. Lips: Volumized, Smoothed Vertical lines, Improved Symmetry

Not only can we use dermal fillers to achieve natural-looking volume in our lips, but they can also smooth vertical lip lines and wrinkles that form around the lips.

4. Chin: Balanced Proportions, Added Definition

By adding definition to the chin, fillers can create an improved, balanced, and better-defined profile. Many patients are surprised at how much more youthful they look with artfully placed filler injections creating a slimmer chin, together with filled-in lines and wrinkles.

5. Jawline and Neck: Smoothed, Confident, Youthful

The highly cohesive Juvéderm® Voluma formula can be applied along the bony jawline area, strengthening the natural contours, smoothing horizontal wrinkles and lines in the neck.

Take the Next Step, Refresh Your Appearance!

Are you tired of fine lines and wrinkles on your face? Then dermal fillers or other non-invasive facial rejuvenation may be your best move towards refreshing your appearance.

Since no surgery is involved, the recovery time associated with injectable fillers is virtually nonexistent. Patients can quickly complete a filler treatment and then continue with their daily routine, even returning to work the same day.

For more information, schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, conveniently located near downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Call us today at (540) 371-7730 to start your path towards a more youthful appearance!

Popular Treatments In Early Spring


This is the time of year that you want to fall in love with yourself again. It’s the best time to finally get started on those beauty treatments you’ve had on your wish list for way too long. For many reasons, this is the best time of year to think about cosmetic treatments that can help you look your best all year round.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a non-surgical way to restore or improve your youthful look. These fillers can be injected to restore lost facial volume under the eyes, in the temples, and cheeks and offer some amazing benefits:

  • Immediately Visible Results
  • No Recovery or Downtime
  • Boost in Self-Confidence
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimal Risk

You could even consider a non-surgical liquid facelift to rejuvenate the overall appearance of your face, providing a boost that everyone will notice. The best part is that the results are transformative but natural – no one will suspect you’ve had “work” done.

Injectables

The passage of time can leave your face with an aged and tired appearance. However, JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC, made from hyaluronic acid, is an excellent treatment to fill in lines and wrinkles, provide additional volume to your face, and rejuvenate your look. It is a gel that gently lifts the skin on your face and restores lost volume, resulting in a smoother, more natural and youthful look.

Chemical Peels

Many skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull aging skin may be treated with a Chemical Peel. The process loosens and removes dead skin cells and allows healthier skin to grow back and be visible on the surface. Chemical peels can be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures and applied at different depths, from light to deep. Light peels are perfect for exfoliating and unclogging pores and for increasing new skin production. Deeper peels take longer to recover from, but they can decrease discoloration and give you a smoother skin texture. Either way, you can expect a restored glow.

At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, we offer an Obagi Radiance Peel and various Vi Peels, with each treatment being customized to your unique requirements.

Fraxel Laser

Recognized as one of the most popular skin resurfacing tools, Fraxel Laser can penetrate the thickest layer of the skin known as the dermis. It works without burning or damaging the skin. This medical laser can selectively dissolve aged and damaged cells affected by hyperpigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, or acne scarring by applying gentle heat.

Spar Treatment

As a special treat, you could visit our Medical Spa in Northern Virginia, which offers various services. Here is a sample of the treatments we have to offer:

  • Chemical Peels

Spoil Yourself for a Beautiful Look All Year Long

Your next step in planning to look your best is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia. The best way to recapture your youthful look is through an individualized, custom-tailored treatment plan. Call us today at (540) 371-7730.

5 Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Each time you see your face looking back at you in the mirror, you notice the changes. With every new profile picture you post on social media, you may have to work to hide the effects of aging. It seems that every time you see your face, a new wrinkle, fine line, or more sagging skin has appeared. You stare at yourself and wonder if this is what you have to learn to accept?

Too much sun, lifestyle choices, weight loss, genetics, and aging are some of the reasons that your skin might be prone to forming fine lines and wrinkles.

Fortunately, dermal fillers can beautifully reverse these common signs of aging. In less time than you could imagine, you can restore your youth and confidence with smooth and youthful skin.

What Is a Dermal Filler?

Dermal fillers are typically used to help reduce fine lines, furrows, wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging. Your plastic surgeon will inject the selected dermal filler with no pain or bruising and no need for anesthesia.

The result is healthier, tighter, and fuller skin that will leave you looking and feeling younger and more confident and boosting your self-esteem. And the best part? Everyone will notice, yet no one will know.

To learn the reasons why dermal fillers are such a sought after cosmetic procedure, at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, located near downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, we encourage you to think about five excellent benefits:

1.    Immediately Visible Results

After you undergo filler injections, the improvement in your skin becomes immediately evident. You won’t need to wait to enjoy the treatment benefits as you may need to with other procedures.

Injecting the dermal filler into the target area immediately adds volume, smooths out wrinkles, and plumps up the creases in your skin. As it settles under the skin, the filler’s full effect becomes visible in a matter of days.

2.    No Recovery or Downtime

Depending on how many dermal filler injections are planned for your appointment, treatment can take as little as 10 minutes. You can have the procedure completed during your lunch break and then get back to your regular routine.

You can expect minimal side effects — a small amount of swelling or redness near the injection site can be expected, which can be easily covered with makeup. Any redness or swelling should subside over a couple of days as the filler settles under the skin.

Since there’s no surgery involved, this non-invasive procedure doesn’t require you to take any time away from work and also means you have no healing process to endure or scarring.

3.    Boost in Self-Confidence

People turn to facial fillers because they want to restore the impression of youthfulness to their appearance. After your first session, not only will you instantly look younger, but you will also feel great about your appearance. Your self-confidence will grow, encouraging you to take on new experiences and embrace life with renewed vigor.

When you look good, you feel good, which ultimately gives your self-confidence a boost.

4.    Long-Lasting Results

How long the results of your procedure last depend on the type of dermal filler used, the treatment area, and the patient. To maintain your results, plan on scheduling a touch-up appointment in 4—6 months after your initial appointment.

5.    Minimal Risk

Dermal fillers carry the risk of redness, swelling, and mild bruising at the injection site. These side effects gradually disappear over a few days.

Severe complications caused by dermal fillers are rare. The results are typically outstanding when the procedure is carried out by a board-certified plastic surgeon who understands the risks and is skilled to deal with any complications.

Get That Refreshed Look!

Welcome the idea of using dermal fillers to regain your youthfulness. For a consultation at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, contact or call us today at (540) 371-7730. We look forward to your visit!

3 Low Downtime Cosmetic Treatments to Get You Back In The Summer Sun Fast

Customers who are considering cosmetic treatment are frequently concerned with recovery time, especially in the summer when parties and outdoor activities beckon. Of the 17.7 million cosmetic procedures conducted last year in the U.S., almost 90% were minimally invasive treatments with low to no downtime.  

Understandably, the importance of returning to one’s routine and enjoying the summer sun as soon as possible after any treatment is of paramount importance.   

Today, dermatologists perform dozens of cosmetic treatments that require little to no recovery time. Following are three low downtime spa services offered at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, which will ensure you look radiant in the summer sun in no time at all.  

Chemical Peels

When conducted by a board-certified professional, chemical peels are exceptionally safe procedures that use chemical solutions to exfoliate damaged outer layers of facial skin. Chosen by almost 1.5 million Americans last year, chemical peels remove damaged layers of facial skin to reveal underlying healthy, smooth skin cells.  Chemical peels can be done at superficial, medium, and deep intensities, each intensity addressing deeper, more stubborn skin issues.  

Wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone can all be addressed using chemical peels. This procedure provides instant rejuvenation with no downtime. 

Light chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution such as salicylic acid using a cotton ball or gauze. The outer layers of skin will start to whiten, and once completed, the chemical solution will be neutralized and removed. All evidence of the peel is removed before you leave. 

Light chemical peels, such as the AHA Peel or Obagi Radiance Peel offered at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, are generally completed within 30 minutes, and allow you to walk straight out of the clinic and resume your day. 

BOTOX®

Likely the most well-known cosmetic treatment and opted for by 7.5 million U.S. citizens in 2018, BOTOX® is truly one of the safest, fastest and most affordable options available to anyone looking for a restored youthful appearance. A non-surgical treatment that requires zero recovery time, a BOTOX® reveals its effects within days.

BOTOX® works by reducing muscle contractions responsible for creating furrowed brows and wrinkles. Using a tiny needle, a small quantity of the BOTOX® substance is injected into the treatment area, resulting in the relaxation of the muscles in that vicinity.

Frequently used to treat anti-aging, BOTOX® treatments allow customers at Plastic Surgery of Fredericksburg to leave our clinic immediately after the procedure and resume their regular routines.  

Dermal Fillers

An increasingly popular cosmetic treatment, dermal fillers, when conducted by board-certified professionals, are a safe and highly effective method of restoring fullness and vitality to your face. 

The doctors at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg apply dermal fillers to many areas, including the mid-cheek, smile lines, lips, tear trough, marionette lines, or elsewhere. These injections fill out sunken areas of the face and lift the skin to create a more youthful setting. 

If done correctly using proper injection technique, friends and family won’t even recognize you’ve had a specific procedure. Because patients walk in and out of our clinic with minimal interruption to their day, they don’t need to arrange pick up or drop-offs, a convenience that keeps friends and family on a “need-to-know” basis. 

At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, we use a revolutionary injection technique which minimizes any swelling or bruising associated with dermal filling. Contact us to find out more about our DermaSculpt Microcannula dermal filling procedure. 

Need Answers to Your Specific Issues?

Cosmetic treatments are often associated with long rehabilitation periods and costly in-house stays. While this is true for some more drastic treatments, the procedures outlined above are minimally invasive, highly effective methods for restoring your youth, vitality, and confidence with little to no downtime.

If time is of the essence, contact us at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg to discuss the best options for you. Calling our experienced staff at 540-371-7730 with your questions will help you understand all of our options, or you can fill in our online form. We look forward to your visit!

What Can Men Expect During Their Recovery from Dermal Fillers?

Men of all ages are discovering the many benefits of dermal fillers: These versatile compounds can be used to fill in distracting creases, amplify facial volume, and contour specific facial features. Many guys are using dermal fillers to create a more defined jawline or more prominent cheeks without surgery. Some fillers, like Juvéderm® Voluma, can actually emulate a mid-face lift. Juvéderm® Voluma raises and fills the cheeks, tightening loose skin in the process and restoring a youthful yet masculine look.

One of the primary advantages of this type of treatment is its lack of downtime; recovering from filler injections is relatively easy and doesn’t require bed rest. Still, this shouldn’t be taken to mean that fillers have absolutely no side effects. If you’re interested in trying Juvéderm®, you should learn what to expect ahead of time in order to ensure a comfortable post-procedure experience.

Recovering from Dermal Filler Treatment

In some ways, men have an easier time than women when recovering from injectable treatments. Men don’t bruise as easily as women do, and because they have thicker skin and larger facial muscles, they often require less filler. This naturally limits the two main side effects of dermal fillers: Bruising and swelling around the injection sites.

Fillers are the closet treatment to a magic wand. Usually there are no side effects, but mild bruising is possible. Patients can return to work right away. If for some reason you were unhappy with the results it is completely reversible.

Learn More About Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers provide a safe, convenient way for men to refresh their look. Whether you’re seeking better facial definition or the restoration of youthful contours, our doctors can help you achieve the look you want. To learn more about dermal fillers like Juvéderm® Voluma, contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg at (540) 371-7730

Give the Gift of Beautiful Skin

Have you ever noticed what virtually all supermodels have in common? That’s right—it’s flawless skin. Even if you have perfect facial features and a stunning figure, having obvious blemishes, wrinkles, or an overall dull look to your skin can sorely detract from your natural beauty. That’s why here at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, we believe in giving the gift of beautiful skin. Whether your loved one is male or female, young or old, traditional or a fan of avant-garde style, he or she will truly appreciate receiving one of the procedures below as a gift.

The Top 3 Skin Rejuvenation Procedures

  1. The Obagi System

The Obagi system is famous for producing the “Blue Peel,” a highly effective form of chemical peel. Chemical peels are used to remove the uppermost layer of the skin in a gentle yet thorough way. In doing so, they can erase a wide array of different skin imperfections, such as fine lines, sun spots, small scars, enlarged pores, and areas of uneven pigmentation. Likewise, they’re useful in treating areas of dark pigmentation that have arisen due to pregnancy, birth control use, or other factors.

Chemical peels are also excellent collagen stimulators: When they remove the first layer of the dermis, the body goes into “healing mode” and tells the skin to produce new collagen and elastin in order to regenerate skin cells. As a result, the new layer of skin that forms is firmer, brighter, and more even in tone and texture than the one that preceded it.

The Obagi system differs from other chemical peels in the fact that it is capable of treating the aforementioned cosmetic problems on a deeper level—without causing the same amount of peeling, redness, or swelling as a conventional deep chemical peel. Because Obagi peels penetrate more deeply into the supportive second layer of the dermis, they’re adept at treating skin laxity as well as superficial blemishes.

The Obagi system takes measures to help your skin heal more effectively, too. First and foremost, it comes with a specially-formulated professional-grade sunscreen that will keep your skin safe from sun damage after the peeling solution has been applied. (Sun damage is the only major risk associated with chemical peel treatments.) Unlike conventional sunscreen, Obagi system sunscreen will not cause irritation; on the contrary, it’s been designed to soothe and nourish healing skin.

Note that different Obagi formulations are available to treat a range of different skin types (and problems): There’s an Obagi system that specifically targets acne, for example, and there’s a nourishing Obagi anti-aging formula that’s been developed for use on sensitive skin.

  1. BOTOX®

BOTOX® is an excellent “beginner” cosmetic procedure. It’s extremely adept at treating and preventing dynamic wrinkles, it requires just one brief appointment and no surgery is involved. Contrary to myth, BOTOX® does not “freeze” a person’s face, nor is it strongly associated with any other serious adverse reactions.

Because BOTOX® can help prevent wrinkles as well as minimize existing lines, most cosmetic surgeons recommend this procedure for anyone over the age of 30. Starting BOTOX® early relaxes the muscles in common problem areas (such as on the forehead and around the eyes), reducing the amount of stress placed on the skin by muscle contractions. This means it will take much longer for wrinkles to form “imprints” in the skin.

  1. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers aren’t just for lip enhancement anymore. Today, these versatile substances are being used to fill in wrinkles, add volume to the cheeks, erase old acne scars, and even correct imperfections on the nose.  Like BOTOX®, dermal fillers are both safe and temporary; if you have dermal fillers injected, you can expect them to last between 9 to 12 months.

Dermal fillers, BOTOX®, and the Obagi system form a set of what we call “complementary procedures.” This, in brief, means that the results of these treatments coalesce to produce a cohesively smooth, lifted, and revitalized look. Obagi enhances the overall appearance of the skin, dermal fillers fill in deep-set hollows and wrinkles, and BOTOX® eliminates dynamic wrinkles.

Giving the Gift of Better Skin

With all of the skin-enhancing procedures available today, giving the gift of beautiful skin is easier than ever before… And the best part? All the procedures listed above are non-surgical, meaning that the patient doesn’t need to take any time out to have them.

Modern cosmetic medicine is safe, largely side effect free, convenient, and affordable—making it the perfect gift for just about anyone. So, what are you waiting for? Let someone you care about in on the best-kept skincare secret there is: Cosmetic medicine.

Head Off the Signs of Aging with a Mini Facelift

Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you look young and vibrant or are you starting to see the signs of aging? You don’t have to wait for advanced facial aging to do something about it. Fight back against Father Time with a mini-facelift. A less invasive procedure early on can save some patients from needing a full facelift later. Ask us about our mini-facelift by calling 540-371-7730.

What Is a Mini-Facelift?

A mini-facelift is a surgical procedure to help reverse common signs of aging. This treatment is highly customized to your problem areas. If you have jowls, we’ll focus on those. If you need treatment in the mid-facial area, we’ll target that. This treatment is designed around your specific problem areas and needs. It is less invasive than a full facelift and often requires a much shorter recovery period. Some people call it the “weekend facelift”.

How Is a Mini-Facelift Different than a Traditional Facelift?

A mini-facelift is a modified form of the traditional facelift. It is sometimes referred to as an “S-Lift” because the incisions are shorter and smaller. We typically place incisions behind the ears or in the hairline behind the temples. With a mini-facelift muscles are tightened but not cut. The surgery takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Recovery is much shorter—typically 5-7 days.

What Is a Good Age for a Mini-Facelift?

Our mini-facelift patients are typically in their late 40s and 50s. The key to a successful treatment is to come in before the signs of aging are advanced. If you have one or two problem areas or general aging, come discuss your options. Although age can help you determine if the time might be right for a mini-facelift, the more important factor is your appearance. During your consultation we can help you determine if you’re ready for surgery and if a mini-facelift or a traditional facelift would be the most appropriate.

If you aren’t quite ready for a mini-facelift, we can recommend injectable products (like BOTOX® and dermal fillers) and laser treatments to address your areas of concern. Our consultations are one of the best ways to determine your ideal course of action.

Could you benefit from a mini-facelift? Call today and schedule your consultation.

Look Great on New Year’s Eve—Last Minute Cosmetic Enhancement

What’s on your list of resolutions for the coming New Year? If you’re hoping to improve your appearance in 2016, you can get a jump-start by coming into Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. Best of all, with these quick and easy cosmetic treatments, you’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous results at your New Year’s Eve party. Start the year looking your best!

Last-Minute Cosmetic Fixes—Which One Will You Choose?

We’re down to the wire for aesthetic improvement in 2015 but, if you hurry in, you’ve still got a bit of time. These cosmetic treatments are perfect for a last-minute fix. They require no downtime, have minimal side effects, and offer instant (or close to it) results. Which of these treatments will you try?

  • BOTOX®- Got crow’s feet? Smooth them away in just a few days. BOTOX® treatments can temporarily relax muscles that cause certain types of wrinkles, allowing the skin to relax and these wrinkles to fade. Treatment takes just a few minutes with no downtime, but results can take a couple of days to appear. If you want fewer crow’s feet in time for your New Year’s party, you’ll need to hurry in!
  • Dermal Fillers- Restore a younger looking appearance in minutes with dermal fillers. These injectable fillers can smooth out lines and wrinkles, augment the lips without surgery, fill in acne scars, fade dark undereye circles, and so much more. Many fillers offer instant results with no downtime. You may experience a bit of bruising or swelling, but this can be covered with makeup for parties.

Essential Tips for Last-Minute Treatments

Time is running short for a rejuvenated appearance before the New Year. These tips will help to ensure you get the results you need from your last-minute treatments.

  • Work with a Skilled Provider- With last-minute improvement, you don’t have time for mistakes. Make sure you choose a skilled and experienced provider for all of your cosmetic treatments. At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, all of our injectors are highly skilled and trained. We are well known for our natural-looking results.
  • Hurry In- You’ve still got time, but not a lot. If you want to enjoy the benefits of these last-minute treatments before your New Year’s Eve parties, you’ll need to call today and book your appointment.

Happy New Year from all of us at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg!

Voluma XC: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Juvéderm® Voluma XC?

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is made from a modified form of hyaluronic acid which is a natural sugar that occurs within our bodies.

2. What is Juvéderm® Voluma XC indicated for?

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is the first and only FDA-approved non-surgical option to instantly correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area. It is a gel that gently lifts the skin and restores lost volume.

3. How is Juvéderm® Voluma XC actually used in treatment?

Voluma is injected into the cheek. It provides long term volume in the cheek area and gives the appearance of a more youthful, smoother skin surface.

4. What makes Juvéderm® Voluma XC different from other dermal fillers?

Juvéderm® Voluma was specially designed to fill and lift the cheeks. It uses a new advanced technology from Allergan which is called Vycross that creates a smooth-consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel.

5. How long does Juvéderm® Voluma last?

It can provide fullness for up to two years with optimal treatment.

6. Why use Juvéderm® Voluma XC and not a wrinkle filler?

Not every wrinkle filler is right for every wrinkle. Juverderm Voluma xc was specially designed to fill and lift the cheek area.

7. What does the XC after Juvéderm® Voluma XC mean?

XC means there is a small amount of lidocaine mixed in which helps to numb the area during the treatment process.

8. Are the injections painful?

There is minimal discomfort during the treatment process.

9. Is allergy testing needed?

No, since the product occurs naturally in the body allergy testing is not needed.

10. How young can you be treated?

Juvéderm® Voluma XC is FDA approved for adults over the age of 21.

11. Does it matter if I am 30, 40, 50 or older for treating or for the results I will see?

No, speaking practically there are not age limits for you to have a nice result with Juverderm Voluma XC. It’s actual FDA approval is for 21 years and over.

12. Can all skin types be treated?

Yes, it is good for all skin types.

13. Can men be treated?

Yes, however it is a different technique especially for cheeks because what is optimal for a man differs from a women.

14. How long does treatment take?

The actual injection only takes 15 or 20 minutes, but more time may be needed if more than one syringe is required.

15. Does Juvéderm® Voluma require any special techniques or training?

Yes, injecting Voluma requires special training and an understanding of such aesthetics as facial harmony and bone structure.

16. Can you combine Juvéderm® Voluma XC with other facial anti-aging treatments?

Yes, and in some cases it may give you a better result . For example, use of BOTOX® will reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

17. Does it matter when you combine these treatments?

At times more than one type of treatment is needed. For example Juverderm Voluma XC restores volume and lift to the cheek area. Fine lines from facial expressions respond well to BOTOX® and makes a good combination woth Juverderm Voluma XC.

18. When can I return to work and resume my social life?

Juvéderm® Voluma XC results are immediate, so generally you may return to work or social activities right after the procedure. Sometimes side effects occur –like bruising, and mild swelling may happen by the next day, so you do need to consider this in your planning. Consult with your physician and discuss your return to work with them.

19. What are the common side effects of Juvéderm® Voluma XC?

Mild tenderness, swelling, and firmness, at the injection site. These side
effects were usually moderate in severity, and do not require treatment.

20. What can be done to prevent bruising?

Avoid aspirin and aspirin like products (NSAID’s) the week prior to treatment.

21. What if I don’t like the results – can Juvéderm® Voluma XC be removed?

Yes all hyaluronic acid fillers can be ‘removed’ using a synthetic form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in our bodies called hyaluronidase.

22. How often can I be injected?

Juvéderm® Voluma is a long-lasting filler so typically you would not need to be treated again for a long time…up to two years or more. You may need a re-injection a few weeks after your initial injection if you need more volume or more lift. It is better to be conservative and touch-up if needed.

23. How much does it cost?

The price of Juvéderm® Voluma varies according to the needs of each patient. The number of syringes needed to achieve the desired results varies from one person to another. People who have had similar procedures completed in the past may have differing needs from people who are having this type of treatment for the first time. If you get VOLUMA regularly, make sure you sign up for Allergan’s Brilliant Distinctions program. By participating in this program you get points for each treatment which you can then deposit and redeem for discounts on future treatments and products from Allergan. For all of the details, please check out www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com.