1. What is hyaluronic acid filler?
2. How does hyaluronic acid filler work?
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a. Does it hurt getting hyaluronic acid filler?
b. Do you need downtime?
c. Are dermal fillers safe?
3. Is hyaluronic acid filler permanent?
Injectables are big business: A 2019 global report released by Allergan projects that the worldwide medical aesthetics market will be worth $26.53 billion by 2024 and cites that the demand for facial injectables is a major part of the category’s meteoric rise. But these findings are not shocking if you’ve been paying attention to beauty trends over the past few years, particularly ones fuelled by social media.
Whatever your personal opinion is on injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, these minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are increasingly being discussed and no longer the secret they used to be. This means that more and more people are turning to their dermatologists, plastic surgeons or professional aestheticians, who are armed with hyaluronic acid fillers that can help create fuller cheeks, smoother skin and plumper lips.
If you’re curious about hyaluronic acid fillers, there’s a lot to know before getting pumped up. Read on to learn about hyaluronic acid skin benefits, what is the best dermal filler and what you need to know to help you make a decision that is right for your body—no judgment, just the facts.
1. What is hyaluronic acid filler?
Sure, we know that hyaluronic acid for skin is a game-changer when applied topically, but it’s also an incredible tool when it’s injected into the skin by a professional. Dermal fillers are usually (but not always) made from hyaluronic acid—yes, the very same ingredient used in your favourite hydrating serums and moisturizers.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the body, with the largest amounts found in skin, connective tissue and eyes. It’s also a humectant, which means it draws moisture from the deepest layers of the skin to the surface, improving its appearance and feel. When it comes to hyaluronic acid fillers, there are several different kinds and weights, around 15 varieties; each one provides a different “lift-ability” and viscosity, and each varies in longevity.
If you’re wondering what is the best hyaluronic acid filler, really depends on where you’re planning on injecting it. Doctors take this into consideration when selecting the right product for you and your features. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that are larger in molecule size are generally a little thicker and robust, which means they are better formulated for sculpting areas like the jawline. However, if you’re looking for undereye or lip fillers, your doctor will likely use a hyaluronic acid filler that’s lighter, softer and more flexible.
2. How does hyaluronic acid filler work?
People often think of injectables only as a treatment for wrinkles and fine lines, but there are many other reasons someone might get them. If you want to know how to fill in deep wrinkles, creases, acne scars or divots, the most effective method—with immediate results—is with hyaluronic acid fillers.
Once hyaluronic acid is injected into an area of the face—like the lips, under the eyes or the nasolabial lines—it presents as a gel-like product that sits under the skin to provide volume and support. Besides giving the intended area an instant plumping effect—which substitutes for depleted collagen and fat—hyaluronic acid has also been shown to ramp up collagen and elastin production, which means it can recreate the lost structure.
a. Does it hurt getting hyaluronic acid filler?
In short, yes. Areas that are more vascular and have several nerve endings, like the lips, tend to be more sensitive to pain. However, some dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a medication used to numb tissue, which helps, but you still might feel a sting. Most doctors and professional injectors will apply a numbing cream to the injection site a few minutes before the procedure.
b. Do you need downtime?
Generally speaking, there’s not much downtime. After receiving a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, you might notice slight bumps under your skin, but these should soften within a week and disappear. You might also experience swelling for four to eight days after receiving the injections. Bruising is the most common side effect. You might experience purple pinpoints at the injection site or, if you bruise like a peach, you could develop large bruises—or you might experience nothing at all. Like with all bruises, however, it’s temporary.
c. Are dermal fillers safe?
Provided you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding and you’ve done your homework and go to a reputable doctor, yes! If you want to know how to fill in deep wrinkles, it’s really your best bet. However, they are expensive, ranging from $400 to $800 a syringe. If turning to dermal fillers is not a good or accessible option for you, there are deep wrinkle filler creams and treatments. These use a combination of hyaluronic acid weights that help give wrinkles a plumped-up appearance.
3. Is hyaluronic acid filler permanent?
Hyaluronic acid fillers—or any dermal fillers, for that matter—have a shelf life. Generally speaking, they last between six and 12 months. The longevity depends on the amount of the injection, where it was placed, and the type of filler used. A major benefit of using a hyaluronic acid dermal filler is that if you don’t like the way it looks, it can be instantly reversed. The product is called hyaluronidase, and it’s an enzyme shot that dissolves the filler.
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