Hollow, or sunken, cheeks can occur as people age. The gradual loss of facial tissue between the bony arch of the cheek and the jaw can affect both women and men. Collagen and elastin break down over time, resulting in changes that can make people appear older and tired.
It is possible to restore lost cheek volume and reshape cheek contours with Juvederm Voluma®. This product is part of the popular Allergan line of dermal fillers that includes Vollure® and Volbella®.
What is Voluma®?
Juvederm Voluma® is an injectable hyaluronic acid filler in gel form. It’s used to lift and correct age-related volume loss in the midface region. Since hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the human body, it’s considered a safe product to use and is FDA approved for use in the cheeks and chin areas. Voluma® adds natural looking contours that can last up to two years. Voluma® can also be used in the chin area to improve overall chin profile and facial balancing.
Treatment and Recovery
Fraxel laser treatment is a good option for patients who have acne and other scarring, uneven skin texture, dark spots or hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and crepey skin. Fraxel treatments heal faster than other CO2 laser resurfacing because only specific areas are targeted. Many patients will only need one treatment to attain their desired results.
Is Fraxel for everyone?
Dr. Cristina Keusch only performs Fraxel laser resurfacing under full anesthesia following a surgical pre-op appointment. Patients should be in good general health. People with a history of poor wound healing or a compromised immune system may not be the best candidates. Fraxel laser resurfacing may not be appropriate for every skin type. Those with darker skin tones should discuss options with their physician. Patients who are considering the procedure must avoid sun exposure for several weeks before and after the procedure. The use of any topical treatments that irritate the skin must be discontinued. Those with active acne breakouts should postpone.
What is recovery like?
Fraxel laser resurfacing requires at least 5-7 days of recovery. Patients should expect soreness, swelling, redness, itching, oozing, and crusty skin. This is equivalent to a second degree burn. Complete healing takes 10-12 days, although redness may remain longer. Patients must stay out of the sun during the skin’s healing process.
Next Steps
It’s essential to select a highly trained physician for any laser treatments. Dr. Keusch is a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in providing Fraxel laser resurfacing treatments. Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center is an accredited ambulatory surgical center. If you are considering Fraxel laser resurfacing, contact Dr. Keusch today to schedule a consultation.