Is it better to add volume in stages with Volbella or add it in one stage with a thicker filler like Ultra Plus?

When it comes to lip fillers, less is definitely more. I always like to start slow, and add more later if desired. That’s a preferable strategy to trying to do it all at once and possibly overfilling. Because your lips are already large, you need to be extra careful not to overfill or you could look unbalanced. I’d suggest starting with Volbella. It is a nice, thin hyaluronic acid-based filler that adds subtle volume to the lips. In expert hands, you can re-contour your lips so they look younger without looking overdone. Then, if that’s not enough, you can add more later or switch to Juvederm. Don’t rush the process; find the filler and amount of volume that works for you.I do not recommend using Voluma, as that will make your lips stiffer rather than soft and natural. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist will allow you to explore your options in more depth and come up with a plan to give you just exactly the amount of volume you need without going overboard.

Thank you for sharing your question.  Unfortunately repeated rounds of Volbella will not equate similar results as using Juvederm Ultra Plus as the composition of each is quite different.  Volbella helps to add subtle definition and volume to the lips, smoothing out any wrinkles that may exist. Juvederm Ultra Plus is better at creating changes to lip shape, contour and a more dramatic increase in volume.  Based on your narrative I would recommend the Juvederm Ultra Plus.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation. 

This is difficult to answer without pictures. Usually Doctor's will inject with one syringe first to avoid over filling and then touch-up after 1-2 weeks, if necessary. These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a symmetrical and full lip.  Implants or fat are an alternative. See an expert in facial sculpting for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer 

I use both Volbella and Juvéderm for my lip augmentations. The difference is in the result. Volbella delivers a smooth, extremely natural looking results almost as if you are wearing permanent lip gloss. Juvéderm is more about plumping. The right one for you is going to depend on your anatomy and needs so schedule an appointment with a really experienced injector to be assessed in person. 

Thank you for
your question fitzknits. Volbella
is a hyaluronic acid filler designed to enhance the lips. It works well for subtle enhancement. For volumization Juvederm works better. If enough Volbella is used it can volumize as well. In my experience I find that it requires twice as much Volbella to achieve the same results in terms of volumization in the lips as Juvederm. Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Hi there! Thanks for the question. It's hard to assess your concern fully based solely on the question without photos or an in-person exam, so take this as very general information and not specific medical advice.I agree with some of the other plastic surgeons/dermatologists here that Volbella may be better for generalized volume plumping but not necessarily for fine enhancement/shaping of the cupid bow, philtrum, or other anatomic features. However, this is HIGHLY dependent on injector technique and skill. I'm not totally convinced that there are tremendous performance differences among the Juvederm and Restylane families of products with the exception that Perlane (Restylane Lift) and Voluma (I think you meant to ask about Volbella in the text of your question) tend not to be as appropriate for lip injection as they hydrate more dramatically and are considered volumizers mostly for cheek, nasolabial, temple and other locations. Have you had lip injections before? It might be good to start with 1cc of Juvederm Ultra XC (I like the lidocaine) or Restylane-L and see what you think, with the option of adding more volume at a touchup session about two weeks later. This may create a more harmonious gradual enhancement and allow you to get used to it. There is usually a lot of swelling if more than 1cc of a product is used in one setting and though I do perform that routinely, new patients may prefer a gradual adjustment period. Then you can always go back when you are due for your renewal of lip augmentation in several months and decide if you want the same product or want to try something else like Volbella.

Although Volbella and Ultra Plus are both hyaluronic acids fillers, their structure and composition are very different. Therefore regardless of the amount of layering you do, the results will be different depending on filler used. Volbella adds generalized soft volume and is not ideal for creating shape or lift. I prefer to use it for lips that look dehydrated or sun damaged just to refresh the lip and surrounding skin while maintaining its natural shape. Ultra and Ultra Plus are better at creating volume, shape and lift. If you would like to have some volume added AND keep it soft, I believe a good in-between choice would be Ultra. Like all fillers, adding more will not change the inherent softness of the filler - it will only change the amount. There are other options as well such as Restylane and Restylane Silk. It is best to have an in-office examination so that the optimal treatment plan can be created to match your goals. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery

Lip augmentation is a procedure where filler is injected into the lips to increase volume and enhance the borders of the lips. There are a number of different fillers available to improve your lips. Restylane-L and Juvederm Ultra XC provide excellent volume. Juvederm Volbella can create definition or smoothing without volume. Restylane-Silk smooths the surface. They can be used in combination. 
Remember: The reactive swelling goes down in the first 2 days. Then it takes 2 weeks for the filler to absorb water and reach your final result. Bruising may delay the result further. Before that point, it's too early to evaluate your outcome and you end up chasing your tail by touching up prematurely. Small touch-ups are more precise than overfilling and dissolving in my opinion. 
Patience is virtue. Don't rush into adding more filler or dissolving with hyaluronidase. Make sure you follow-up with your doctor so they can track your progress to a safe and happy result. Safety comes first. 

Volbella is a smoothing filler. It is not for volume. So if you wish to add volume, to plump your lips, Volbella is not a good choice for you. You will want something like Restylane or Juvederm for volume. A 1ml syringe (which is what Restylane and Juvederm are) - is less than 1/4 teaspoon of material. So look at this and then decide if you think that's enough volume. Volbella is a .55ml syringe - so half of that amount - or less than 1/8 a teaspoon. If you want them larger, you can always add another syringe a few weeks later. This is how I prefer to do lips - in stages. It looks much more natural and gives the body a bit of time in between injections. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."