In San Francisco Juvederm is a trusted name for injectable fillers in the world of cosmetic enhancements, and Volbella is among their latest generation of FDA-approved hyaluronic acid-based fillers. Juvederm Volbella is an injectable dermal filler that is used to decrease the appearance of vertical lines in the lips and to provide a subtle enhancement to lip volume. Dr. Sheena Kong has focused her med spa in SF on anti-aging technologies and treatments, and uses this advanced formula to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and produce a subtle plumping effect on the lips.

The Symptoms of Aging it can address

As the lips age, vertical lines begin to appear, commonly called "smoker's lines" or "lipstick lines," giving the lips and mouth an unattractive, pursed appearance. The lips also start to lose volume over time, losing the plump, lovely appearance of youth. Loss of tissue volume can also leave the edges of the lips poorly defined, and reduce the youthful appearance of the cupid's bow, the M-shaped divot in the middle of the upper lip.

In addition to the lips themselves, the perioral area (tissues around the mouth) start to reveal the effects of aging skin. Fine wrinkles appear, with "marionette lines" extending downward from the corners of the mouth. A slight downturn to the corners of the lips can also give the appearance of a constant frown. Juvederm Volbella injections can effectively reduce these signs of aging.

How Volbella Works

Volbella is a filler that is formulated from a patented form of hyaluronic acid, and is injected directly into the lips and surrounding areas. Unlike other fillers on the market, Volbella uses a combination of different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, enhancing the molecules' crosslinking abilities for an ultra-smooth gel that allows for a subtler, more natural-looking result. This avoids the excessively puffy, swollen appearance associated with many other lip injection products.

Volbella is not intended to significantly increase lip volume, but rather to simply provide a slight augmentation that will decrease the appearance of wrinkles and lines and improve the definition of the lips. Additionally, it has also been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of bags under the eyes and treat pitted acne scars.

Injectables With Dr. Sheena Kong

What to Expect from Your Treatment

Injectable dermal fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment associated with very few, mild side effects. These include temporary swelling, soreness, and a tingling sensation. The different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid in Juvederm Volbella not only allow for a more natural result; they also reduce the amount of water retained in the area following the procedure, minimizing swelling. Volbella injections also include the numbing agent lidocaine, for a higher level of patient comfort. You will be sent home with an ice pack to help alleviate any redness, swelling, or discomfort, and should be able to return to your daily activities immediately.

The effects of Volbella are relatively long-lasting, lasting for up to an entire year after treatment. For facial areas that have been left untreated for some time, a more comprehensive treatment may be required, with Volbella combined with other injectable products to stimulate natural collagen production and enhance results.