Voluma Injections to Cheeks to Address Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines Unsuccessful - Charlotte, NC

During my consultation, I told the doctor that my nasolabial folds and marionette lines were my major concerns and that was where I was seeking improvement. The doctor suggested Voluma, explaining that the added volume to my cheeks would create the lift to improve the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. I received a quotation for 2 syringes of Voluma. Since the quotation was for 2 syringes, I assumed (wrongly) that 2 syringes would adequately address my concerns. Two syringes did nothing. Two weeks later I returned and received one more syringe. At that second appointment, the doctor said that we could "build on it" and add more Voluma until we get the right results! If I had known ahead of time that 2 syringes (now 3) were not going to work, I would have chosen another treatment that would have addressed my concerns. I am seeing very, very slight improvement. It is not what I wanted or expected. Well, the money budgeted for this treatment is now spent and there is no more. I feel it was a waste of money. My advice: be very, very careful with your choice of doctors and ask a lot of questions. Make sure you explain to your doctor exactly what you are looking for and get very specific answers regarding the treatment, the choice of products, why those products, what to expect and the amount of product needed. I allocated $2000 for this and I spent $2100 and do not have the results I want. I will probably go elsewhere in the near future for another consultation to see what can be done with a very budget.

I did not have a good experience with Voluma injections at Charlotte
Skin and Laser. I had a consult for fillers to my nasolabial folds and
marionette lines, but Dr. Rostan and her staff steered me towards Voluma
injections to my cheek area instead of actually filling the lines
themselves with another filler. She and her staff stated that Voluma was
the current preferred treatment – the volume and lift that Voluma
provides would soften the appearance of the nasolabial folds/marionette
lines. I received a quote for 2 syringes of Voluma. When I called to
schedule my appointment, I reiterated my goal of minimizing my
nasolabial folds and marionette lines and was reassured that volume
replacement to the cheek area using Voluma was the way to go. I had the 2
injections. Two weeks later, I saw no change and returned for a 3rd
(unplanned) injection. Even after the 3rd injection, I did not see any
change to the area. I called CS&L to discuss this and I was told
that Dr. Rostan was satisfied with my results and had taken me as far as
she could and recommended I see a plastic surgeon. I was told that the
Voluma “did what it was supposed to do”. I had assumed that what the
product was supposed to do was address my clearly-stated goal of
improving the appearance of my nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
There was no visible improvement to that area. My thoughts are that
either CS&L lost sight of my goal and had their own goal that they
did not share with me (that would explain their satisfaction with my
results), or that the wrong treatment was chosen for my particular case.
Either way, I am out $2100.00. This was a one-time gift from my
husband. There won't be another treatment for me. If you, like me, are
only planning to do a cosmetic treatment one time, be cautious. Do your
homework, get your goals in writing at the time of your consult, get
other opinions and, be sure to consult with a Bd. Certified Plastic
Surgeon. I can’t even begin to express how sick it makes me feel to see
$2100 of my family’s hard-earned money go up in flames. I made a huge
mistake that I will regret for many years.

The doctor did see me after 2 phone calls and a letter. Without getting into specifics, we worked it out. My advice: 1st, make your goals and expectations absolutely CLEAR and make sure your doctor is listening. Don't let the doctor rush you. If they cannot give you their time during a consultation, go somewhere else. Get their recommendations (based on your goals) in writing. Ask if the improvement will be subtle (ie: inperceptable to the naked eye), or noticeable. #2: Get a few opinions. Different doctors use different approaches and products. #3 If you are not satisfied with your results, call the doctor and go back so that he/she can see why you are not satisfied. Don't be shy or intimidated about speaking up. You spent good money on your procedure and most doctors really do want you to be happy. Voluma did absolutely nothing for me. If you are older (like me) and have lost significant fat/bone, it may not work for you either. If you are going for Voluma, ask the doctor why he/she thinks Voluma is the answer and ask how many syringes will be necessary to achieve your goals. This is where the doctor's experience is crucial. If you can't get a reasonable answer, go elsewhere. When it comes to my money and, more importantly, my face, I am not a fan of surprises. After reading the horror stories on here about face lifts and other surgeries gone wrong, I am grateful that despite being naive and making a mistake, my first experience with a cosmetic procedure did not ruin my face and only cost me $2100.00 (down the drain of course), but a small price compared to what others have lost and I am grateful that I sustained no permanent damage. I know excitement about a treatment can take over, but do not let it impair your judgment and rush you to a decision.