Hyaluronic Acid & Fillers
It is a fact that beauty treatments with hyaluronic acid are becoming more and more popular day by day. This is because it is a non-invasive procedure that can give impressive results very immediately and without pain and suffering.
The treatments concern both men and women and their main purpose is to restore the elasticity and firmness of the skin, giving a fresh and youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid can also be used to create volume in areas that need it.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule found in large quantities in our skin and especially in the intercellular substance. Today, this molecule is produced by the chemical industry and is safe for use in aesthetic medicine, as an injectable material. It is completely safe and does not need a sensitivity test.
As a molecule, hyaluronic acid has the ability to gather water molecules around it, thus increasing the volume of the area it is injected into. Thus it gives a freshness, when used in dilute concentrations (concentrations), as in mesotherapy. In denser concentrations, it is used as a filler to fill fine wrinkles, such as “crow’s feet” around the eyes, or “smoker’s” wrinkles around the mouth, etc. In even denser concentrations, it is used as a filler in medium and deep wrinkles, such as: nasolabial, mid-frown, etc.
In what cases is it used?
Hyaluronic acid injections are used when we want to eliminate static wrinkles, that is, wrinkles that develop over time and not expression wrinkles, which are usually treated with botulinum toxin injections.
Also, hyaluronic acid due to its ability to add volume to areas of the face and body, among other things is used in cases such as filling scars created for example by acne, increasing volume in the lips, strengthening the chin and cheekbones , correcting the shape of the nose and lifting and augmenting the buttocks.
On which parts of the body can it be placed?
Hyaluronic acid is usually used to treat wrinkles and to enhance the volume of various areas of the face. Of course, there is the possibility that it can sometimes be used in areas of the body.
More specifically, hyaluronic acid treatments are applied:
On the lips , in order to increase their volume and make them more fleshy
For forehead wrinkles, to treat and eliminate them
In the dark circles under the eyes, with the aim of eliminating them
On neck wrinkles, to reduce and weaken
On the chin , to increase the volume and improve the contour of the face
On acne scars , to smooth the skin
On the nose , to correct its shape
In the nasolabial areas, to eliminate wrinkles
On the cheekbones , so as to restore the lost volume
On the buttocks, for lifting and increasing the volume
When are the results visible?
Its action as a filler is immediate and the result is obvious. In this case, the inside of the wrinkle is filled, with the result that the wrinkle becomes shallower and therefore reflects light more easily and is less visible. In even denser concentrations (like a gel), it is used to increase volume in the cheekbones, chin, lips, etc. The duration of the action depends on the density of the material. In general, the duration of treatment ranges from 3 months to a year and a half.
What should I know about before and after?
Hyaluronic acid is in the form of a gel and can be completely simulated with the corresponding material already in our body, which is why it is a completely safe beauty treatment. The gel is absorbed by the body and therefore after a period the treatment should be repeated.
Treatment with hyaluronic acid does not require any preparation. It takes place in the doctor’s office and takes just a few minutes. It is painless and all the patient can feel is an infinitesimal discomfort for a few seconds. No recovery time is needed and the patient can immediately return to his daily activities.
After the procedure is completed, there may be some reactions such as swelling and redness in the application area, which disappear within the next 2-3 days. The effect of the treatment can become apparent immediately after the treatment and even more visible 2 or 3 days later.
In which cases can we not treat with hyaluronic acid?
Although hyaluronic acid treatments are completely safe, there are some situations where it is best to avoid using the material. These include when the patient is under 21 years of age, if she is breastfeeding or pregnant, if she is dealing with acute infectious diseases (eg flu, herpes) or autoimmune diseases, if there are hypertrophic scars, an allergy to hyaluronic acid or an increased tendency of bleeding and finally if the patient has had chemotherapy in the last 12 months.
Is hyaluronic acid only injectable?
Hyaluronic acid beauty treatments are injectable only. Of course, they are performed with very fine needles and are painless.
Can it also be used to fill scars on the face?
Hyaluronic acid has the ability to bind water and increase tissue volume. For this very reason, it can reduce wrinkles caused by aging and smooth the skin. Hyaluronic acid treatments are ideal for smoothing the skin, which is why they can be used to fill scars. Of course, how effective the treatment will be depends on the depth and size of the scar. A specialized plastic surgeon will be able to suggest a personalized plan according to your situation.
Is there a difference between botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid?
Many times, people mistakenly tend to confuse these two beauty treatments. On the one hand, it makes sense that something like this happens, as both are injectable and their main goal is to eliminate wrinkles and restore the freshness and youth of the face. Of course, their primary and basic difference is the fact that botulinum toxin is applied to deal with wrinkles caused by repeated expressions, while hyaluronic acid is used for wrinkles created due to skin aging.
Botulinum toxin is a liquid protein that is injected directly into the muscle, it has the ability to relax it and its effect lasts 4 to 6 months. Hyaluronic acid is injected into or under the skin and due to its hydrophilic properties it can smooth wrinkles and create volume.
How much does hyaluronic acid treatment cost? Is the price affordable?
The cost of hyaluronic acid treatment depends on a multitude of factors. The area of application, the number of areas, how much material will be used and the experience of the plastic surgeon are just some of them. At the first consultation appointment you will make with the specialized doctor, all your questions will be answered and a specialized treatment plan will be proposed to you, which will be consistent with your needs.