Volift XC (Hyaluronic Acid - Allergan)

What is Volift XC

Volift XC (Product name: Juvéderm Vollure XC, Ingredient code: VYC-17.5L) is a non-animal-derived hyaluronic acid (HA) injection agent developed by Allergan. Through its proprietary VYCROSS™ cross-linking technology, low molecular weight and high molecular weight hyaluronic acids are cross-linked in a unique ratio, creating a gel with high cohesivity and elasticity. It has an intermediate hardness suitable for improving nasolabial folds (nasalabial grooves), marionette lines, and wrinkles around the mouth corners, while maintaining a natural appearance by following facial expressions.

Features and Scientific Basis of VYCROSS™ Technology

Conventional hyaluronic acid fillers used uniformly cross-linked HA using BDDE (1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether) alone, but VYCROSS™ technology mixes low molecular weight HA and high molecular weight HA in specific proportions before cross-linking. This approach produces three characteristics: ① the gel has high cohesion and reduced spreading after injection, ② residual cross-linking agent (BDDE) is minimized with superior tissue compatibility, and ③ adaptability to facial muscle movement is improved. A 2022 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Karim Saleh et al.) explains the correlation between elastic modulus (G′) and clinical duration of hyaluronic acid fillers, demonstrating that formulas showing low strain elastic modulus like VYCROSS™ gels are suitable for moderate wrinkle improvement and long-term durability.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety Based on Clinical Trials

The efficacy of VYC-17.5L (Volift XC) was verified by a randomized controlled double-blind trial published in Dermatologic Surgery in 2018 (DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001529). In this trial conducted on 123 subjects with moderate to severe nasolabial folds, 93.2% of subjects showed at least 1-point improvement in nasolabial fold severity scale (NLFSS) at 6 months post-treatment, and 82% of subjects reported being "very satisfied." When compared to the control filler group, serious adverse reactions (swelling, induration, etc.) at the injection site were significantly fewer, and practitioners noted that the results were "smoother and more natural-looking with easier injection and contouring" compared to the control group. The inclusion of lidocaine (anesthetic agent) contributes to reduced injection pain and improved patient satisfaction.

Treatment Flow and Downtime

After confirming the treatment area and injection volume during consultation, cleansing and disinfection are performed. A topical anesthetic cream is applied for 20-30 minutes, followed by injection of hyaluronic acid into the deep dermis to subcutaneous tissue using a fine needle or cannula. The treatment time is approximately 15-30 minutes for both sides. Visible results can be noticed immediately after injection, but swelling, redness, and firmness at the injection site may occur for 48-72 hours. Bruising is rare but if it occurs, it resolves within 1-2 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and alcohol on the day of treatment; normal activities can resume from the next day. Duration varies individually, but clinical trials confirmed that some subjects maintained improvement even at 18 months post-treatment, and like other VYCROSS™ products, long-lasting effects have been reported.

Treatment Areas and Indications

Volift XC is suitable for improving the following areas: ① Nasolabial folds (nasalabial grooves): smile lines and deep lines from aging, ② Marionette lines: vertical wrinkles extending from the mouth corners to the chin, ③ Perioral area: improvement of mouth corner sagging and laxity, ④ Correction of cheek depression after buccal fat removal. The moderate hardness (G′ value) and excellent blending of the VYCROSS™ gel make it particularly suitable for the perioral region with frequent facial expressions. A 2022 article in Aesthetic Surgery Journal (DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjac007) details the importance of filler selection aligned with anatomical layers in midface volume correction, and intermediate elastic modulus formulas like Volift XC are considered optimal for use in the dermal layer.

Precautions and Risks

Risks common to hyaluronic acid fillers in general include bruising, swelling, induration, infection, granuloma formation, and delayed inflammatory reaction (Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018, DOI: 10.1007/s00266-017-1063-0). The most serious complication is skin necrosis and vision impairment from intravascular injection, making it essential that treatment is performed by physicians with expert anatomical knowledge using appropriate techniques. Additionally, delayed inflammatory reactions (swelling, erythema) may occur following fever, infection, or post-vaccination. Since dissolution with hyaluronidase is possible, early intervention can be performed if allergy or vascular occlusion is suspected. Treatment is not available for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or those with lidocaine allergy.