39-year old considering Juvederm Voluma cheek injections but worried about risks.

Question

I'm 39 and considering having Juvederm Voluma injected into my cheeks for the first time. I've been doing some research and worrying about the worst case scenario. I've read online about intraarterial embolization and potential blindness from blocking an eye artery and this causes me a bit of anxiety (the idea of going blind simply terrifies me). Are there any eye arteries in the cheeks? How high are the risks? Also, what is the best way to locate the most experienced doctor? Thank you. Maria

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @fama! I recommend seeking treatments from expert injectors who have the skill and experience to precisely inject fillers into treatment areas and avoid risks and complications. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

Voluma is a very safe product that can restore volume to the midface, rejuvenating your look in a natural and subtle manner. Although all procedures have risks, particularly when the face is being injected, it is very unlikely that you would have any side effects other than slight bruising, swelling and redness for a few days. Your concerns, however, point to the importance of finding a board-certified dermatologist with expert injection technique and knowledge of anatomy.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Voluma is a great product to provide more 
definition and lift to the cheeks.  Every patient will have their own 
individual needs and the technique is extremely important to help 
maximize amount of lifting and shaping using the least amount of 
product.  I conduct many train many injectors on some advance techniques
 and find that most patients can see a noticeable change with 1-2 
syringes of Voluma.  Some may need more to get their desired effect.  As part of the training, I strongly emphasize aspiration prior to injecting as a means to minimize the chance of intravascular injection of the product.I would recommend visiting with a board certified 
plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can help conduct a thorough 
assessment and develop an overall treatment plan for you.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Sometimes the truth shall set you free, but at times too much knowledge can be paralyzing. There have been case reports, and there is a theoretical risk of intra-arterial injection and blindness after injection anywhere in the face.  This is related to the speed and volume of injection, as well as injection technique.   The bottom line for minimizing complications after any procedure, filler or otherwise, is by finding an experienced, board-certified, specialist for that particular procedure.  Referrals from happy patients as well as this site are good places to start.

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

Serious complications, such as blindness or intraarterial injections (leading to tissue breaking down and scars), or infections should be very very rare with injecting Voluma into the cheeks. In doing research on injections that have led to sudden blindness, it occurs with injections of fillers in between the eyebrows, and on the nose - especially if the patient has had previous facial injury or surgery. It is still extremely rare. There is a chance of injecting into an artery, but if you go to someone with a lot of experience and they are pulling back as they inject, or, with Voluma, they are injecting directly above the bone - this shouldn't happen. Voluma is new on the market and is a long standing filler (2 years), so we need to be sure to use very clean technique to avoid delayed complications. Common side effects would include temporary redness, swelling, and bruising. I love Voluma and think it is a great filler. It works really well in the cheeks. Patients are loving it.

Craig W. Colville, MD, FACS · Answer

All procedures have risks that many people worry about, especially since a lot of reviews people post are usually horror stories, it may have minimal risks that do effect some people, but Voluma is a safe product. Find an experienced injector that you are comfortable with to ease your worrying.When calling offices to find an expert injector ask how long they have been injecting, how often they inject (such as how many injectable patients weekly or monthly), and if their patients often return for multiple treatments. I recommend choosing a plastic surgeon for your cosmetic injectable treatments. When you are in the office ask to see photos of before and after pictures, ask them to explain how the product works, and once you are comfortable and ready to proceed then go for it! Voluma is a great product and I have been able to get tremendous outcomes with my patients. Patients love the product and I am sure you will too, once you are comfortable with the injector and the process you will think it's silly that you ever worried, just be sure to pick someone that you believe to be an expert!

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

Excellent question. Any procedure carries the chance of risks and complications. Thankfully, the risk profile for Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma is quite minimal. However, devastating complications such as blindness have been reported. These reports have occurred with injection to the nose, glabella, and eyelids. Voluma is FDA approved only for cheek augmentation and should not be injected into these areas. I would recommend for optimal safety that you be injected by a board certified plastic surgeon.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The chance of having an intra-arterial injection are almost nil if blunt cannulas are used and the injector is constantly moving the cannula.  In my opinion, needles have more pain, more bruising, and more risks.  Think about the cannula, it has no sharp tip, so it's practically impossible to enter a vessel.  Also, the filler comes out the side of the cannula, making it even harder.  Steve Weiner, MD, Facial Plastic Surgeon.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

First, all procedures have potential risks and you're very wise to investigate them thoroughly. I have not seen or heard of any cases of vision impairment after cheek injections. Vision loss has occurred following injections between the brows, however. Issues following Voluma treatment are typically mild and related to the injection procedure - redness, bruise, temporary bumps. They usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. Seek a highly experienced injector with an aesthetic eye if you choose to move forward with Voluma treatment. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Seth Kates, MD · Answer

Hi Maria,To the best of my knowledge, blindness has never been described with the use of fillers in the cheek.  It is very rarely described with fillers in the temples and along the nose/sides of the eyes.  Other than bruising, in my experience, the cheeks are a very safe area to use Voluma or most other fillers.  I would recommend an experienced injector but other than getting recommendations from your trusted friends or PCP it is difficult to figure out who is proficient at the procedure.  When done nicely it does look great!Good luck...

39-year old considering Juvederm Voluma cheek injections but worried about risks.

Answers (10)

More Voluma Questions

Can I massage the area injected with Voluma to better mold? (photos)

Will Voluma cheek injections improve under eye hollows?

What are Voluma XC risks or side effects?

I'm looking for a defined, chiseled jawline. Does Voluma work for jaw augmentation?

Does Voluma last longer than Radiesse and can it be used in tear troughs?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS