Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body. High concentrations are found in soft connective tissues and in the fluid surrounding your eyes. It’s also in some cartilage and joint fluids, as well as skin tissue. It is extracted and reformulated and now has become one of the most popular kinds of injectable fillers. If the term sounds familiar, it’s because the same substance is often injected into the aching joints of people with arthritis to ease pain and provide extra cushioning. Brand names include: Allergan, Juvéderm, Perlane and Restylane.
Hyaluronic acid is not derived from animal sources. When this gel is injected, it acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume or elasticity due to normal aging. It also brings water to the surface of skin to keep it looking fresh and supple.
There are hyaluronic acids with different concentrations, used in specific facial areas. There are the nasolabial folds, the perioral lines (smoking lines), marionette lines and other facial deficits. Hyaluronic acid is also used for lip augmentation. Topical anaesthetic cream is used before application to minimize or eliminate pain during injection. Some bruising and swelling may appear after the injections, which can be covered with your make-up. The results from application of hyaluronic acid last for 9-12 months.
