Volbella is a newer injectable product which is used and FDA approved for perioral lines and rhytids.
This filler is hyaluronic acid based filler is crosslinked with a similar process like Juvederm Voluma using Vycross technology. Volbella was first approved in Europe in 2011 and was recently FDA approved in 2016.
Tenderness, swelling and firmness can happen immediately after the injections. Lumps and bumps may occur and typically resolve within 2 weeks. Rarely Volbella can cause necrosis if injected into a blood vessel but this is rare with an experienced injector.
Patients with allergy to lidocaine or gram positive bacterial protein should not have this product.
According to the trials, Volbella lasted up to 1 year. Patients may have variable results depending on their lips, metabolism, and amount of movement.
In some patients, working out has no impact on Volbella’s duration while in others patients will notice the filler does not last as long.
There are multiple products available which are competitors to Volbella. Restylane Silk is a similar product in treatment area. Dr. Shah also uses other products such as Restylane, Restylane Lift, Juvederm, and Voluma in nontraditional areas since he likes the duration for the patient.
Volbella is one of many fillers Dr. Shah can potentially inject in patients depending on their aesthetic goals.
Pricing is similar with filler products with the exception of Voluma and Sculptra which tend to cost slightly more.
Volbella can be used anywhere in the body but it is only FDA approved the perioral lines and lips.
Fortunately for most US patients, many of these products are injected in other locations first for many years before the FDA will approve the filler here in the US. These products have been used for 5 years elsewhere with an excellent track record.
Restylane Silk tends to be inflammatory and patients may have swelling over the first few days. Both products can be used similarly.
Volbella can be watched along the lip initially for the first few weeks. The product is reversible so it can be reversed with hyaluronidase.
Patients with Voluma will typically see more results than Volbella in regards to Voluma placement.
Other fillers can be used in conjunction with facial filler Volbella.
Initially ice can help reduce swelling. Some patients benefit from the use of antihistamine orally to help reduce initial inflammation.
Any facial filler can cause a Tyndall effect. Some fillers are less likely to cause a Tyndall effect, especially those that are thinner.
Volbella will cost a similar amount as Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus.
Yes, for most of our patients lip injections are comfortable. We make lip injections more comfortable by using topical anesthetic as well as using a smaller needle. Larger needles can make the product lump as well as cause more bruising and pain. In addition, Juvederm Volbella has lidocaine inside of it to make it even more comfortable for patients. This means the product numbs as it is injected.
The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes for it to be injected.
Ideally patients should avoid blood thinners which will make a bruise less likely. Blood thinners can include medications or herbal supplements.
It is expected to last between 1 and 2 years but can be influenced by other factors.
No, it is a temporary filler which can be used again in subsequent visits.
Dr. Shah’s office is located in Chicago, IL. at 200 West Superior St., Suite 200.
Volbella is a great product for fine lines along the lips and even anywhere in the face. Patients also benefit from this product along the lower eye cheek junction depending on their aesthetic desires. This product can be placed in the body or tubercle of the lip but may not create a “pillowy” look if this type of look is desired.
