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What Is It?
We've all heard of hyaluronic acid injections (fillers), but did you know that this molecule is naturally present in the skin? It is a type of polymer consisting of two alternating sugars (polysaccharides) that are found naturally within the body, including skin, connective tissue, and joints that hydrates our skin to keep its youthful glow for longer. It is notably thanks to hyaluronic acid that young skin appears so naturally plump.
Its unique physical properties, such as its large water-binding capacity, along with its established track record of effectiveness and safety make it a popular choice as a dermal filler. Due to its molecular structure, hyaluronic acid dissolves over time and is excreted through the body.
The Benefits:
Whether high or low molecular weight, hyaluronic acid is the best moisturizing and anti-aging ally for all skin types. It boosts the natural hydration of the skin while limiting its dehydration for maximum results.
● With high molecular weight, it creates a protective barrier on the surface of the epidermis to limit the natural evaporation of water and thus keep the skin hydrated and plump throughout the day.
● With low molecular weight, it penetrates deeply and fills and plumps up fine lines and wrinkles for an immediate lifting effect, much like its competitor retinol.
What Are The Amazing Effects Of Hyaluronic Acid On The Skin?
● Stimulates collagen production
● Adds volume
● Smoothes texture
● Decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
● hyaluronic acid (HA) exists naturally in the body
● Results that typically last six months to a year
Hyaluronic acid fillers can stimulate collagen production, which leads to fresher-looking skin, and can be used for preventative reasons, to combat volume loss and fine lines earlier on in the aging process. That’s why it’s considered the superhero of your beauty routine.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers vs. Botox:
As we mentioned above, there’s obviously a huge difference between hyaluronic acid fillers and Botox. We all know that Botox doesn’t exist naturally in the body, let alone the fact that Botox and HA approach aging concerns from different angles.
hyaluronic acid fillers differ from neurotoxins (Botox) that ‘freeze’ the muscles to reduce wrinkles because fillers smooth the skin by filling wrinkles and increasing fullness
- Botox is a diluted botulinum toxin and therefore it is usually given in infinitesimal doses. It allows certain muscles to be temporarily and reversibly rested, which makes the purpose of the toxin is to inhibit the production of Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter allowing communication between nerve fibers and muscle fibers. Thus, the muscles responsible for expression lines are put to rest.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a biodegradable synthetic substance in the body that will hydrate the deep layers of the skin by capturing water and keeping it there. It will mix with the hyaluronic acid already present in the dermis and will restore its initial volume. It can be in non-crosslinked (fluid) or crosslinked (dense) form (The more it is reticulated, the longer the effects will last ).
What To Expect Before, And After A Treatment?
● Before an injection of hyaluronic acid, it is important for the patient to take certain precautions in order to obtain a good result and to avoid complications:
- In order to avoid the formation of post-injection hematomas, it is imperative for the patient to stop his consumption of anticoagulants such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin C, or food supplements based on omega 3 or Gingko Biloba, at least 5 to 7 days before the procedure. Indeed, all these compounds are intended to thin the blood since HA contains ( a powerful blood-thinning agent) and can therefore promote the formation of bruises or hematomas after injections of hyaluronic acid.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs must be stopped at least 72 hours before the procedure.
- In the event that the patient notices an inflammatory skin reaction on the same day of the intervention, such as herpes, acne, or eczema, it is recommended to reschedule the appointment with the doctor.
- The patient must avoid exposure to natural and/or artificial UV rays at least 24 hours before the procedure.
- The patient must stop drinking alcohol at least 12 hours before the procedure.
- If the patient has an autoimmune disease, a potential progressive allergy, or if he has previously received injections of non-absorbable products, the doctor can contraindicate hyaluronic acid injections.
● After Treatment: You should know that the side effects of the injection are as follows:
- For a few days, it will be best to avoid alcohol, Aspirin, anti-inflammatories, the sun, and the sauna.
- The immediate side effects may possibly be marked by the appearance of edema (swelling) and skin redness, the extent, and duration of which vary greatly depending on the product and from one individual to another, but they remain usually moderate
- On the lips, however, the edema, which is often more marked, can sometimes last a week.
- More rarely, one can observe during the first few days, at the level of the injection points, a certain sensitivity of the skin. Like itching, skin pallor, hyper-pigmentation, or small spot bruises.
- It should be noted that in the first few days, there may be some temporary irregularities due to the inhomogeneous distribution of the edema, or an aspect of hypercorrection (in relief) which will gradually disappear.
- You don't have to worry if:
1. You noticed localized redness at injection sites. They rarely persist beyond 3 to 6 days.
2. You Noticed Bruises: these disappear in a few days.
3. You Noticed Swelling: they disappear within a few days.
Potential Side Effect
Considering HA is found naturally in the body, the risk of adverse side effects is pretty unlikely. But still, as with all facial injections, there’s always the chance of redness, swelling, or slight bruising.
Unlike other fillers, such as collagen, hyaluronic acid has few side effects and rare postoperative complications. but in general, it should be remembered that local reactions may occur even if they are often linked to the injection itself those side effects include:
1. Appearance Of Edema
2. skin Redness, Itching.
3. Erythema, Sensitivity.
4. Localized Pallor.
5. Irregularities.
6. Small Bruises.
These reactions are normally natural. It is therefore perfectly useless to be alarmed, these temporary reactions will disappear spontaneously within a few days.
The natural anti-wrinkle treatment causes incomparably fewer allergies than collagen (even if it is always possible, the allergy is unpredictable). Post-operative complications, even if they are exceptional, must always be exposed before the injection.
Aftercare:
Following a filler treatment, you should use Ice on the area, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours following treatment. Alcohol is known to exacerbate bruising, so toasting to your new filler directly post-injection could lead to temporarily not-so-favorable results. Additionally, avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for three days, as those, too, can lead to more severe bruising during the healing process.
In Conclusion:
Now you know everything you need to know about this miracle molecule. There are tons of ways you can use this miracle to your advantage, but before you think about using it don’t forget to consult your doctor first.