Volbella and Vollure are both varieties of Juvederm, a popular brand of dermal fillers that can be used to smooth the skin, fill deep lines, and plump the lips, among other things. With names that sound so similar, it can be easy to get these two filler options confused. So what exactly do these facial fillers do? Volbella vs. Vollure: What’s the difference?
In this post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the difference between Volbella and Vollure. We’ll discuss what makes these fillers different at a molecular level, then talk about what that means practically and which filler might be right for you.
Volbella vs. Vollure: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Like all Juvederm fillers, Volbella and Vollure contain hyaluronic acid molecules. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that helps the skin look plump and smooth, and it’s something we have in our bodies naturally. Many fillers contain a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid, which, when applied strategically, can smooth and fill the skin, correcting a huge range of cosmetic skin care issues.
So Juvederm Volbella XC and Juvederm Vollure XC both contain hyaluronic acid molecules as their active ingredient. But what makes these two fillers different is how these molecules are linked together, which changes how the fillers work when applied to the skin.
In fillers, hyaluronic acid molecules are linked together by a scientific process called cross-linking, then suspended in water to make a smooth gel. The thickness of a filler can be changed by the size of these molecules and by how tightly these molecules are packed together. Fillers can be thick, medium, or thin, and the consistency of a filler can make it better for different cosmetic applications.
Juvederm fillers that have uniform molecule weights are called Hylacross fillers. Many of Juvederm’s fillers are created using the Hylacross process, including Juvederm XC. However, fillers can also have multiple molecule sizes linked together through a process called Vycross technology, which can allow a filler to have multiple consistencies. For example, a Vycross filler can have the qualities of a filler that’s, say, both thick and thin if large and small HA molecules are bonded together.
This is where the difference between classic Juvederm formulas (such as Juvederm XC and Juvederm Ultra) and newer formulas (like Volbella and Vollure) comes in. The classic formulas have a hyaluronic acid suspension that was created using Hylacross technology. But all of the Juvederm formulas that start with “Vol” (including Volbella, Vollure, and Juvederm Voluma XC) have been created with Vycross technology.
So while all types of Juvederm are made of hyaluronic acid, each type of Juvederm has a different chemical composition. And though Volbella and Vollure are both created using Vycross technology, their composition is also different, due to the ratio of large to small molecules within the filler. Volbella’s unique chemical composition makes it very thin and spreadable, while Vollure’s chemical composition makes it strong, yet still spreadable.
Now that you know all about the scientific difference between Volbella and Vollure, let’s take a look at what their differences mean for how they work.
Volbella vs. Vollure: What They’re Used For
The chemical makeup of these two smooth gel fillers means that they’re often better at targeting certain skin care issues. Here’s a closer look at what they treat and why:
Volbella: This filler is one of the thinnest, most easily spreadable fillers available today. This means that Volbella is often an excellent choice for filling small or delicate areas like fine lines around the lips (often called “smokers lines”) and for correcting volume loss in the area under the eyes.
Vollure: This filler contains both large and small HA molecules, which makes it durable, yet flexible in the skin. Vollure is often a great choice for filling nasolabial folds (“smile lines”) around the upper cheek area or marionette lines around the lower cheek area. Vollure often works well on these areas because it fills them well (it is firm and can fill more deeply than many other fillers) but is still flexible enough to look natural. Vollure also lasts longer than the other type of Juvederm often used on these areas, Juvederm XC. Vollure can last for up to 18 months, while Juvederm XC lasts for 6 to 12 months.
FAQ About Volbella vs. Vollure
Are Volbella and Vollure both safe?
Yes, both of these fillers are FDA-approved for use in the United States. Additionally, Volbella and Vollure are, in fact, made by the same company, Allergan, which makes all forms of Juvederm.
Do Volbella and Vollure Have Side Effects?
Like other types of facial fillers, Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Vollure can have some side effects. Some patients do not experience side effects from these fillers, while others may. Generally, the side effects of Volbella and Vollure are mild and resolve within 30 days. Some common side effects of Volbella and Vollure include swelling, tenderness, bruising, redness, pain, and itching.
Are Volbella and Vollure Permanent?
No, Volbella and Vollure are both temporary facial fillers, though they do have long-lasting results. Volbella can last for up to a year, while Vollure can last for up to 18 months.
Also, note that if you are unhappy with the results of either Volbella or Vollure, these fillers can both be dissolved and removed.
Volbella vs. Vollure: Which is Right for You?
It’s excellent for a doctor to have multiple types of fillers in their arsenal, which helps them strategically choose certain fillers for certain issues. Volbella is often a great choice for things like fine lip lines or the under eye area, while Vollure is often a great choice for filling nasolabial folds or marionette lines.
However, even though these types of fillers are specifically designed to treat certain areas, choosing a filler is not a one-size-fits all situation. For example, for some who want to fill their smile lines, Vollure might be the ideal choice. But for others, depending on their unique body, another filler could work better. So while we can say what Volbella and Vollure are typically used for, it’s hard to say which filler would be right for you without having a face-to-face consultation.
Fillers are simple to receive but applying them in a way that looks natural can be tricky if the practitioner is not highly experienced and aware of how every type of filler works. This is why we always recommend only going to a board certified, experienced doctor like Dr. Zadeh for fillers, rather than going to someone who may be less experienced and skilled, such as an aesthetician at a salon.
If you’re considering Volbella or Vollure, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Zadeh. At your appointment, Dr. Zadeh will examine your skin, learn your aesthetic goals, and help you decide which type of filler would be best to reach those goals.