Juvederm VOLUMA XC is a new filler recently FDA approved for volume loss in the cheek. It is a hyaluronic acid filler in the same class and Restylane and Juvederm. Hyaluronic acids are naturally found in the skin (and other tissues) and absorb water; hence they have been called hydrating.

What is the value in adding volume to the cheek?  The cheek ages by: the falling of the youthful looking cheek pad, the recessing of the bone of the cheek, the thinning and loss of elasticity of the skin of the lower eyelid(more severely than the cheek skin), and the apparent translucence of that same skin. To add insult to injury, as the lower face (jowls) gains fullness the face appears more rectangular than triangular and the nice shadow under the cheekbone diminishes--a hallmark of the aging face.

VOLUMA is unusual in that it is designed and FDA approved for deeper injection, to add volume to the area of the cheekbone. The goal is, to some degree, to restore the prominence of the cheek relative to the jowl. The effect can be dramatic and subtle at the same time, and very satisfying.  

From the Juvederm VOLUMA web site: Side effects are moderate and generally last 2 to 4 weeks. Common side effects include temporary reactions at the treatment site such as tenderness, swelling, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, pain, redness, discoloration, and itching.

Is that the only option?  No, but it can be a good one, and injected in the office in a brief visit. One can see why it is popular.

You might ask what about the aging of the skin of the lower eyelid that also make the eyes look so ‘hollow?’ Does the VOLUMA injection improve it as well?  Not directly, but in the improvement in shape, the skin drapes more smoothly and the effect is positive. Direct treatment of the skin can include RetinA cream, chemical peels and laser treatments and blepharoplasty. As one can see, this is a complicated area.