Hyaluronic Acid: What is it?

A naturally occurring substance in skin, hyaluronic acid is a key component of the skin’s fundamental matrix. It attracts water to hydrate tissues.

With aging, hyaluronic acid degrades in quality and quantity, leading to dermal deterioration. Skin becomes drier, fine lines form, then wrinkles appear. Cheeks, cheekbones and lips lose volume.

The Solution

Hyaluronic acid’s volumizing and hydrating effects fill wrinkles and restore facial volume. It reshapes cheeks and harmonizes facial contours. Simple intradermal injections can now correct imperfections and wrinkles.

While very fine formulations can treat forehead, glabellar, and crow’s feet areas, botulinum toxin (Botox©, Vistabel©, Dysport©, Azzalure©) is now preferred for these zones. Thicker formulations work best for nasolabial folds.

Hyaluronic acid also reshapes cheeks and sculpts the facial oval for harmonious results. This resorbable, well-tolerated implant has been used medically since the 1930s!

  • Can be non-animal derived
  • Not recognized as foreign substance
  • Typically requires no skin test (unless physician advises)
  • Fully resorbable
  • Immediate, natural-looking results with no social downtime

Today’s diverse formulations (including synthetic, animal-free options) address both volume restoration and fine line reduction. Patient allergy history must be considered.

The Treatment

Performed with ultra-fine needles for precise targeting to erase or reduce wrinkles. Minor touch-ups may occur after two weeks if needed.

Minimally painful – local anesthesia may be offered for sensitive areas like lips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hyaluronic acid?

Abundant in young organisms, this vitreous transparent glycosaminoglycan (GAG) diminishes with free radical exposure (sun/pollution). By age 50, humans retain only half their childhood levels.

Supporting skin’s layered structure alongside collagen/elastin fibers, this gelatinous connective tissue facilitates nutrient transport via capillary networks.

Aesthetic formulations come cross-linked (longer-lasting) or non-cross-linked.

How are injections performed?

Injected intradermally as hydrophilic gel via fine needles, it blends with natural dermal hyaluronic acid to restore volume. Immediate visible results smooth wrinkles without scarring.

Treatable areas include:

  • Nasolabial folds
  • Perioral wrinkles
  • Oral commissures (“marionette lines”)
  • Lip border restoration/reshaping
  • Facial oval smoothing
  • Cheek/cheekbone volumizing

Often combined with botulinum toxin for glabellar, crow’s feet and forehead lines. Also treats some acne/scarring.

How long do results last?

Typically 6-12 months (longer for first treatments). Annual maintenance optimizes cumulative effects while stimulating natural collagen production.

Side effects?

Temporary redness/swelling (hours to days). Minor edema may occur – ice application post-treatment helps reduction. Most resume normal activities immediately.

Are there risks?

Among safest fillers, though hypersensitivity reactions (rare) may occur long-term.

Contraindications:

  • Active skin conditions
  • Hyaluronic acid sensitivity
  • Autoimmune diseases/diabetes
  • Keloid predisposition (especially darker skin)

Ideal candidates?

While more popular among women, specially concentrated formulations address men’s thicker skin (15-20% thicker) and deeper wrinkles.

PHOTOS

While treatment result photos are widely available online, their display is now prohibited by Belgian medical regulations. During consultation, we’ll provide personalized visual references to evaluate potential outcomes.

Want customized advice? Schedule a consultation.

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