In this article
01 What is Hyaluronic Acid?
02 How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits the Skin
03 Types of HA Fillers in the Market
04 How Much Will HA Fillers Cost?
05 Preparing for HA Fillers
06 Potential Side Effects of HA Fillers
07 Facial Treatment Aftercare
08 The Takeaway
If you’ve ever marveled at someone’s smooth, plump under-eye area devoid of creases, it’s likely due to one of two factors: either they’re blessed with exceptional genetics, or they’ve benefited from hyaluronic acid fillers, commonly abbreviated as “HA fillers”.
Hyaluronic acid fillers, a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, have gained popularity for their ability to restore volume and smooth out wrinkles, providing a youthful and rejuvenated appearance. However, before you go out to get your shot of HA fillers, here’s a guide to the basics of this intriguing aesthetic treatment.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid — also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate — is a naturally occurring slippery substance that the human body produces naturally. It’s a type of sugar molecule that attracts and binds water, helping to hydrate and plump the skin. Found in high concentrations in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes, its primary function is to retain water to keep tissues well lubricated and moist. This ability to hold and retain moisture makes it a vital component in maintaining skin health.
A single gram of HA can hold up to six liters of water. This is crucial because well-hydrated skin appears plump, luminous, and healthy. As we age, our bodies’ natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to decreased firmness and the appearance of wrinkles. This is where HA-infused skincare products and fillers come into play.
When injected into the skin, these fillers replenish the lost hyaluronic acid, restoring volume and smoothing out wrinkles. They are a popular choice for those seeking a non-surgical approach to anti-aging skincare.
How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits the Skin
- Hydration: Think of hyaluronic acid as a deeply quenching, revitalizing elixir for your skin. It can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to keep the skin moisturized and healthy. Hydrated skin will look plump and healthy.
- Improved Skin Elasticity: An easy way to see if you have sufficient elastin is to pinch your skin and observe if it snaps back quickly. If it does, you still have a lot of elastin. While hyaluronic acid does not replace the elastin lost with age, its ability to fill the skin with moisture allows it to be tightened, giving it a more youthful appearance.
- Lipid Barrier Enhancement: The lipid barrier, also known as the moisture barrier or skin barrier, is the outermost layer of the skin’s surface, serving as a protective shield from harmful toxins that bombard us on a daily basis. Hyaluronic acid can enhance the lipid barrier, slowing down its deterioration as a result of aging.
- Prevent Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Hyaluronic acid’s plumping effect on the skin reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, especially for the areas around the eyes. A hydrated and protected skin focuses on skin cell production, leading to smoother skin.
Types of HA Fillers in the Market
Several types of hyaluronic acid fillers are available on the market, making it a challenge for consumers to choose from. Here are some of the most popular hyaluronic acid fillers available on the market:
Juvederm: Produced by Allergan Aesthetics, Juvederm is a leading brand of facial fillers, offering a collection of five unique and long-lasting fillers – Juvederm Ultra Plus, Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Vollure, Juvederm Volbella, and Juvederm Volux. Each filler is designed to add volume and cater to different needs in specific areas of the face, including lips, cheeks, chin, smile lines, under eyes, and jawline.
Restylane: Produced by Galderma, a global dermatology company specializing in skin health, the Restylane facial fillers range offers a holistic approach to achieving natural-looking results that work harmoniously with every individual. Its range includes Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Contour, and Restylane Eyelight.
Belotero: Produced by Merz Aesthetics, a branch of Merz Pharma, a global healthcare company specializing in aesthetics and neurotoxins. Belotero products are designed to integrate into your skin and adapt to your facial contours, providing a smooth and natural appearance. The Belotero facial filler range includes Belotero Balance, Belotero Soft, Belotero Intense, Belotero Volume, and Belotero Lips Shape.
Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero family of HA facial fillers are FDA-approved and require a qualified healthcare professional to administer.
How Much Do HA Fillers Cost?
The cost of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific type of filler used, the area of the face being treated, the number of syringes required, and the geographic location. You can expect to pay between $500 to $1,000 per syringe on average.
Some areas, like the lips, may require only one syringe, while others, like the cheeks, may require two or more. It’s also important to note that HA fillers are a temporary treatment and will need to be repeated every 6 to 18 months, depending on the specific product used and individual factors. Therefore, the cost can add up over time.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for a detailed estimate based on your specific needs and goals.
Preparing for HA Fillers
Before undergoing a hyaluronic acid filler treatment, it’s important to have a detailed consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Here are some tips to prepare for a hyaluronic acid filler treatment:
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid any medications or supplements that can thin the blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, for at least a week before the procedure.
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain a healthy skincare routine
- On the day of the procedure, come with a clean face free of makeup or any skincare products.
Remember, communication with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring a successful treatment outcome. Make sure to discuss any concerns or questions you may have before the procedure.
Potential Side Effects of HA Fillers
While Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are generally considered safe, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential side effects that you should be aware of. Common side effects at the injection site include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Itching
These are typically mild and resolve on their own within a week or two. More serious but less common side effects can include lumps or bumps under the skin, discoloration or change in pigmentation, and allergic reactions.
In rare cases, HA fillers can cause more serious complications. If the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, it can block the blood supply and cause skin necrosis (skin cells dying) or even blindness. However, these serious complications are extremely rare, especially when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced provider.
Seek medical help immediately if you notice any unusual side effects after the procedure such as severe pain, changes in skin color, or signs of a stroke (like sudden difficulty speaking, drooping on one side of the face, or weakness in an arm or leg).
Facial Treatment Aftercare
After receiving Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler injections, following certain aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible results and minimize potential side effects is important.
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated area
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after the procedure
- Avoid heat exposure such as saunas or hot tubs
These can increase blood flow to the area and potentially exacerbate swelling or bruising.
In the days following the procedure, you may continue to experience some swelling or bruising. Applying a cold compress to the area can help to reduce these symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can be used to manage any discomfort, but avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can increase bruising. It’s also important to protect the skin from the sun, as UV exposure can break down the HA filler more quickly and can also increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) in areas that have bruised.
The Takeaway
If you are looking for a naturally-derived treatment to address facial volume loss, fine lines, or wrinkles, hyaluronic acid fillers are a great option to consider. These fillers, including popular brands like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero, are FDA-approved and have been used safely in millions of treatments worldwide. It’s important to have a detailed consultation with a qualified healthcare provider to understand what to expect. As with any cosmetic procedure, individual results may vary, and it’s important to have realistic expectations.
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