Have you ever flipped through old photos of yourself and noticed how the apples of your cheeks used to show when you smiled? Or how your face looked more rounded and smoother? When you weren’t looking, the fat pads that gave you those appealing contours began to diminish. Dr. Daniel Achtman and Dr. Carmine McConnell at DSA Dermatology in Plano, TX restore facial volume with an effective dermal filler called Voluma.
How cheeks change over time
Once you reach physical maturity, your face has distinct fat pads – superficial around the eyes, temple, and forehead; and a bit deeper around eyebrows, nose, and mouth. Deep fat pads are located in the midface region. The type of fat in this area renews slowly (it takes about a decade for cellular turnover).
As we get older, our bodies begin to function less efficiently. In this case, the body cannot keep up with depletion of tissues, so deep fat pads begin to thin. Cheek apples disappear, cheeks flatten, and the face looks more angular and masculine.
While these changes to fat distribution are occurring, it also becomes more difficult to maintain bone and muscle mass. Without those substructures in the upper portion of the face, skin on the lower half sags into wrinkles and jowls.
How Vycross technology restores cheek volume
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a carbohydrate found naturally in the human body. HA has the unique ability to bind with water, so it helps to lubricate joints, and is a vital component of ocular fluid and other tissues. HA also helps to keep skin supple with internal hydration.
HA is a key element of Voluma, a dermal filler in the highly respected Juvéderm family of aesthetic products manufactured by Allergan. Traditional Juvéderm fillers are made with crosslinked HA. Hylacross is a method of binding molecules of hyaluronic acid together so they provide optimal volume and plumping when injected into skin. Allergan takes the technology a step further with the Vycross cross-linking technique using HA with varying molecular weights. This arrangement results in a filler that:
- Can be injected more deeply.
- Has a thicker consistency ideal for mid-face volumization. It delivers a natural and appealing lift to the cheeks that helps to smooth skin on the lower half of the face as well.
- Is dynamic – it moves with facial expressions, avoiding a fake or plastic appearance.
- Has a soft feel but does not diffuse as easily as thinner formulations.
- Provides long lasting results – up to two years.
What you need to know about Voluma treatment
For effective placement, Voluma requires deeper injection than other fillers. However, our doctors are professional injectors, trained and experienced in providing comfortable treatments. Plus, Voluma is infused with lidocaine, an anesthetic that reduces discomfort.
Your journey to more youthful looking facial contours begins with a consultation with Dr. Achtman or Dr. McConnell. The doctor examines your skin and takes plenty of time to understand your concerns, before explaining treatment options. If Voluma is the best choice for your needs, your first session can be scheduled. It is important that you are not taking any Asprin, Advil, fish oils, or omega fatty acids for the week before injections in order to reduce the chance of bruising. Also you must tell the Doctor if you are on any blood thinners. If you bruise easily you may want to consider starting ‘Arnica Montana’ both orally and topically before your appointment. This is a herbal supplement that reduces bruising and is available at health food and many grocery stores.
Your skin will be properly cleaned, then a topical numbing cream is applied for approximately 45 minutes and then your skin is re-cleansed. The doctor determines precisely where the product will be placed and how much will be needed to achieve the desired volume, while still looking natural. After your injections are completed, cold compresses are applied to the treatment area to reduce any chance of swelling, redness, or bruising at injection sites. The entire process including the numbing and the injection usually takes about an hour. You are free to return to usual activities after treatment, and wear makeup. You will see immediate change, with continued improvement for about a week as HA grabs and holds water. Then simply enjoy your rejuvenated appearance for 18 months or longer.
Personalized attention
Voluma may be the only treatment needed to accomplish your skin improvement objectives. However, our doctors are adept at developing tailored treatment protocols that enhance your unique characteristics, rather than resulting in a cloned or cookie-cutter appearance. DSA Dermatology offers a broad range of nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques which may be combined for personalized rejuvenation.
Voluma works well with other dermal fillers, as well as neuromodulators like Botox, light and laser therapies, Kybella for reduction in double chin, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. You may want to complete your look with aesthetic services such as professional makeup application, laser hair removal, or eyebrow shaping.
In Plano, TX, Voluma dermal filler is an effective treatment with the added assurance of care from a Board-certified dermatologist. Call (972) 362-9567 to schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. McConnell or Dr. Achtman at DSA Dermatology.
Why Choose DSA Dermatology?
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX,
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX, Dr. Daniel S. Achtman, Dr. Carmine G. McConnell and Dr. Jordan. Achtman.
Dr. Achtman is a board-certified Dermatologist with over three decades of experience. Having graduated from the medical school of McMaster University, he also studied at the UTSW Medical Center in Dallas, TX where he also served as Chief Resident in the Department of Dermatology. In addition to possessing extensive training and experience in cosmetic enhancement techniques, Dr. Achtman is widely known as a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin cancers. He is an active member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Achtman goes the extra mile to understand your medical concerns and to ensure that he helps you meet your unique aesthetic goals.
Dr. Carmine G. McConnell is a board-certified physician in Plano TX. Having been trained at McMaster University, Canada, she went on to earn her board certification in Texas. Having served as Chief of Staff of her department at Plano Medical Center, she has over two decades of experience in practicing medicine in her practice and while assisting Dr. Achtman in the practice of dermatology. In addition to her extensive postgraduate training in laser therapy and aesthetic surgery, among other procedures, she possesses vast experience in both cosmetic dermatological techniques and family medicine. As a conscientious and caring physician, Dr. McConnell provides her patients with customized non-surgical treatments to help address health and aesthetic concerns related to the skin. She is also keen on helping patients understand their skin and how it can be cared for and protected.
Dr. Jordan Achtman is a board-certified dermatologist in DSA Dermatology at Plano, TX. Dr. J. Achtman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed his residency in dermatology at UT Southwestern. His expertise spans general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. J. Achtman also has various special interests including chronic itch, infectious diseases of the skin, and the relationship between mental health and skin health. He is also very keen on helping patients form healthy skincare regimens and habits. In the hands of Dr. J. Achtman, you can be assured of innovative and cutting edge solutions for all your skin concerns.
