Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally-occurring substance in skin known for its incredible capacity to attract and hold onto over one thousand times its weight in moisture. It is a vital, naturally-occurring substance that’s part of the skin’s healthy matrix. When used in skin care products like creams and serums, hyaluronic acid brings moisture to the surface of your skin. So as a topical product it will make the skin appear more dewy and younger because it improves skin elasticity.
What are HA Injectables?
HA injectables use a gel form of hyaluronic acid to add volume to the dermal layer of the skin. In these fillers, hyaluronic acid is bound in a gel carrier which holds it in place where it is injected. The HA in these gels creates volume because it draws in water to the area, creating a filling effect. Injectable HA is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, facial folds, and to create structure, framework, and volume to the face and lips. The effects of injectable hyaluronic acid are seen immediately. Because HA is naturally-occurring, is considered very safe as the main ingredient in these products. Since they are non-allergenic (no skin tests required), noncarcinogenic and nonteratogenic (meaning they stay in place once injected into the skin), HA injectables have helped revolutionize the skin filler market.
Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane are all HA fillers. Each of these injectables has unique characteristics, which influence what location(s) on the face they are best suited, how deep they should be injected in the skin, and their longevity after injection. Outcomes and longevity vary from patient to patient and depends on the individual properties of the hyaluronic acid filler, the age of the patient, the individual characteristics of the patient’s skin, and where the filler is injected. For example, results in the lips may last six months, but those in the nasolabial folds may last nine to twelve months or longer. Juvederm Voluma can last up to 24 months when injected in to the cheeks. As the filler is naturally absorbed, additional injections are required to maintain the desired effect.
We invite you to come in for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss which of our HA fillers, or combination of fillers, would be a good choice for your specific goals.
