Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Injectable Fillers are one of the most popular facial rejuvenation techiques. As we age, the underlying tissues that keeps our skin looking youthful and firm begin to break down due to the effects of gravity, sun exposure, diet, genetic factors, and years of facial muscle movement. Over time these factors contribute to the development of lines, wrinkles, and folds in the face.

Where Do Wrinkles Form?

Your skin consists of two layers known as the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, acts as the skin’s primary defence against the environment. The dermis, or inner most layer of the skin, is composed primarily of connective tissue and provides the skin with a support network. Most facial wrinkles and deeper folds occur within the dermal layer of the skin.

The Basics of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occuring complex sugar molecule that forms large matrices in the connective tissue of the body, such as skin and cartilage. Much like a sponge, its primary function is to bind and absorb water molecules, which creates volume in the face. Hyaluronic acid fillers are generally used to treat facial wrinkles and folds and to enhance the appearance of the lips. One of fastest growing dermal filler treatments available, hyaluronic acid fillers works by replacing the hyaluronic acid in the body that has depleted over time, which restores the volume beneath the skin’s surface.

Procedure Preparation

Depending on the extent of treatment, hyaluronic acid injection procedures typically last between fifteen and sixty minutes. Prior to the start of your procedure, the treatment areas will be cleansed, usually using an alcohol based cleaner. Unlike collagen injections, hyaluronic acid injections do not include an anesthetic agent. Therefore, a local or topical anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area during the procedure.

Hyaluronic Acid Injection Procedure

Using an ultra fine needle, hyaluronic acid is injected into the dermis at several points along the edge of the treatment area. After approximately two to three injections, the physician will massage the treatment area. The physician will continue injecting the filler along the length of the wrinkle or fold until maximum correction has been achieved. If a local anesthesia has not been used, you may feel some minor stinging from the injections. As the injected hyaluronic acid molecules attract and bind water molecules, the volume beneath the skin will increase, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Hyaluronic Acid Injection Recovery

Immediately following the injections, you may experience some redness, slight stinging, minor swelling, or bruising in the treatment area. Tiny scabs may also form at the injection sites. These symptoms typically disappear within two to three days. Bandaging is not necessary and most patients are able to resume normal activities immediately following treatment.