Juvederm Volbella vs Juvederm: Target Areas Comparison & More

Juvederm Volbella is a clear, transparent, biocompatible, and biodegradable filler gel that is manufactured by Allergan. As one of many fillers in the Juvederm collection, it if formulated to target specific aging concerns. This filler contains 15mg/ml of modified and cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel that is integrated with 0.3% lidocaine. The active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, is produced synthetically from the fermentation of bacterial cultures. The molecules are then extracted and purified to be free from any bacterial endotoxins before being cross-linked via patented Vycross Technology. This technology tightly cross-links a majority of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid chains and a minority of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid chains together, resulting in an implant with moderate cohesivity and low-medium elasticity and viscosity. Not only that, the Vycross Technology also reticulates the hyaluronic acid chains once to produce an injectable implant with monophasic and monodensified gel texture.

Juvederm also produces other fillers using Vycross Technology, including Volift and Voluma. The brand also uses Hylacross Technology to produce fillers such as the Ultra collection. This technology boasts a smoother and less granular filler consistency.

Target areas: Juvederm Volbella vs Juvederm Ultra XC

Juvederm Volbella is indicated for the correction of superficial to medium skin depressions and lip augmentation. This versatile filler is a favorite for patients looking do correct premature signs of aging.

Ultra XC is indicated for the correction of moderate to deep facial wrinkles. Many doctors also use Juvederm Ultra XC for lip augmentation and contouring.

Is Juvederm Volbella better for lip augmentation?

To determine its effects, 168 patients were treated with Juvederm Volbella. Over 60% of patients had at least a one-point improvement in lip fullness and appearance of perioral lines one year after the treatment. Not only that, almost 90% of the test subjects reported that their lips felt and looked natural for a year after treatment. That being said, doctors also commonly use Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Volume for lip augmentation. Although Volume isn’t the first choice for many doctors, some patients prefer the firm gel for longer lasting results.

Juvederm Ultra XC, on the other hand, was studied in 208 subjects. A touch-up treatment was done between two to four weeks after the initial session. After one year of treatment, 56% of patients had at least a one-point improvement in lip fullness. Both Volbella and Ultra XC were reported to last up to 12 months for the majority of participants. As well, both fillers contain lidocaine, which makes for a more comfortable treatment.

Should I use Juvederm Ultra or Juvederm Volbella for lip augmentation?

Both Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Ultra XC are the brand’s two most popular fillers for lip augmentation. Although both of these fillers received comparable positive feedback from patients, they are actually used in different scenarios. Juvederm Ultra XC is used when the lips are thinning due to age or to add fullness to naturally thin lips. Juvederm Volbella is used to smooth vertical lip lines and to add subtle volume to the lips. Doctors usually recommend Volbella when only minor volume correction is needed. The use of either filler should be determined by your goals. If you are looking for more enhanced volume, patients and doctors find that Ultra XC provides the best results. If you are looking to get rid of the “barcode” look and to add subtle volume, doctors recommend Volbella.

How does Juvederm Volbella compare with the rest of Juvederm collection?

Each filler that is part of the Juvederm collection has an indication for specific, unique dermal concerns. That being said, many practitioners will often alternate between the filler variants for patients, depending on what their expectations are.

A quick breakdown:

Juvederm Ultra Smile replaces lost volume and enhances the shape of the area surrounding the lips and mouth.

Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, a filler with a thicker formulation, is used to create more stable volume where needed.

When considering what is the best suited choice from the Juvederm product collection, the most important factor likely will be what your end goal is. Based on what desired results are, your doctor will determine a plan of action using the best filler, whether that be for lip augmentation or the correction of lines and wrinkles.