What you need to know about hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. HA is a naturally occurring sugar found in the body that retains water. It is found in the highest concentrations in fluids in the skin, but is also found in the eyes, cartilage, and various other areas and cells in the body.
The vital differences between hyaluronic acid-based fillers are: source of HA, concentration of HA, the particulate quantity of HA, whether the HA is cross-linked, the type of cross-linking agent used, whether the HA is monophasic or biphasic, if the HA is mixed with anesthetic. These differences determine the indications of the filler.
Particle sizes
Various companies in the industry, including Allergan, Galderma, and Merz, all produce and offer dermal fillers which are containing non-animal sourced HA gels. The particle size specified refers to the sizing of the hyaluronic acid molecules. Any larger molecule sizes are most often used for focusing on deep wrinkles or volume restoration, while smaller molecule size is used for any superficial corrections. As well as these details, some of the available dermal fillers contain a mixture of molecule sizes. Juvederm, Belotero, and Restylane, three products all manufactured as part of a range of fillers that contain a variety of HA molecule sizes for the intent of targeting specific aging concerns for skin.
HA concentration
The concentration of hyaluronic acid in a filler refers to how much HA is used in the formulation. This concentration can be anywhere from 13mg/ml to 24mg/ml, for example.
What to expect after an injection
Post-injection, you can expect to experience some pain or tenderness, redness, swelling, and possibly itching.
If symptoms persist or worsen in the days after the treatment, you should contact your physician.
Choosing a dermal filler based on the severity of wrinkles
It’s important to recognize that there is not 1 filler that can alleviate all concerns. Different fillers have different functions and the appropriate filler must be selected according to the concern. Some fillers may be formulated to correct a number of concerns, while others may target 1 specific concern.
Your doctor will choose a filler that best suits your needs.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be considered as medical advice. We, MedicalSparx.com do not agree, endorse or approve opinions expressed by authors of our medical community. Articles are not reviewed for accuracy by MedicalSparx.com. You should always consult your doctor when seeking medical advise.
