Hyaluronic acid injection for the face, wrinkles and lip augmentation

The hyaluronic acid injection procedure is frequently used as a filler in cosmetic treatments to restore a younger appearance to the skin and improve hydration levels. It is a substance naturally produced by the body and is known for his remarkable ability to retain water, thus helping to maintain tissue hydration and volume.

• Hydration: it helps skin retain the moisture.
• Firmness: it contributes to the skin elasticity and prevents formation of wrinkles. 
• Repair: it supports the tissue healing process.

Hyaluronic acid facial injections are non-surgical procedures used to counteract the effects of aging.

As we age, endogenous production of hyaluronic acid decreases and the skin loses volume and elasticity, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid injections help restoring a younger appearance and lost volume, giving the skin a rested and rejuvenated appearance.

Injection treatment can be personalized according to the specific needs of each individual, and results can last from a few months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and your own metabolism.

Hyaluronic acid is appreciated for its high safety profile and its effectiveness in restoring a fresh and hydrated appearance to the skin.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, through their diversity, allow for personalized treatments, depending on the specific wishes and needs of each patient.

These fillers vary in durability and viscosity, being essential in aesthetic procedures to smooth wrinkles and add volume to the facial area.

Temporary Fillers are the most commonly used and include well-known brands such as Restylane and JUVEDERM®These are absorbed by the body over time and usually last from 6 months to a year.

Semi-permanent Fillers, AS Radiesse or Sculptra, can last up to two years. In contrast, Permanent Fillers they are not biodegradable and can provide results that last even longer.

• Safety and reversibility are two major advantages of temporary fillers compared to semi-permanent and permanent ones.

The different types of Fillers are designed to target specific areas of the face. For example, Juvederm Volbella It is often recommended to add subtle volume to the lips and soften fine lines around the mouth.

Juvederm Voluma, on the other hand, is preferred for restoring volume in the area of cheekbone.

It is important to choose the appropriate type of filler, depending on the area and the desired result.

Safety is a key aspect of filler treatments. Numerous fillers with hyaluronic acid were approved by the Ministry of Health as safe for use for aesthetic purposes.

It is recommended to opt for products that have undergone rigorous clinical trials and received FDA/EMA approval such as Restylane and JUVEDERM®.

Treatments must be performed by an aesthetic dermatologist in order to minimize risks and guarantee the best results.

The process of injecting facial hyaluronic acid is complex in itself and requires attention to detail, from choosing the doctor and preparing the patient, to the injection technique and managing patient comfort.

Choosing the Right Specialist

The first step is to choose a specialist. It is recommended that this is a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon.

The doctor's reputation and experience give the patients the assurance and peace of mind that they will have the best results.

Patient Preparation

A preliminary medical examination is necessary before the procedure, in order to establish expectations and discuss any possible complications, allergies or medications which can influence the treatment.

It is recommended to avoid medications that may increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

How does a hyaluronic acid injection actually work?

On the day of the procedure, the targeted area is properly cleaned, and an anesthetic cream is applied, cream which contains LIDOCAINE.

The procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area treated and the amount of hyaluronic acid used.

Wrinkle and Lip Injection Techniques

The hyaluronic acid injection technique can be performed with a needle or cannula. The choice between these methods depends on the specific area of the face to be treated and the doctor's preferences.

The needle allows for precise placement of hyaluronic acid, while the cannula is often used to minimize the risk of bruising.

Pain and Comfort Management

In order to manage pain and to ensure patient comfort during the procedure, the doctor can use hyaluronic acid containing LIDOCAINE, an anesthetic substance.

Also, hyaluronic acid injection procedures are often quick and induce a minimal discomfort. After administration, a slight edema may occur, which heals within a few days.

Hyaluronic acid injections are a popular option for reducing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Results may vary from patient to patient, but frequently provide a rejuvenated appearance and improvement of lost facial volume.

Immediate and Long-Term Results

The results of hyaluronic acid injections can be immediately visible, the skin achieving a smoother and fuller appearance.

Products like Restylane Lyft, Volume XC, and Vollure XC are specially designed to counteract volume loss and blur wrinkles.

The effects may persist up to 18 months, depending on the product and the area treated. For example, lips can show results that last approximately 6 months, while nasolabial folds can benefit from an effect that lasts between 9-12 months.

What Influences the Durability of Fillers

The durability of the effects of hyaluronic acid injections is influenced by several factors:

• Dermal type of filler used; various formulas are designed to last for different periods of time.
• Individual metabolism- some people metabolize hyaluronic acid faster than others.
• Treated area- some areas of the face absorb the filler faster than others.

Maintaining long-term results may require repeated injection sessions to preserve volume and further reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaluronic acid injections may have certain side effects: edema (swelling), bruising, and discomfort.

Adverse Reactions and Treatment

• Swelling and Bruising: applying ice for the first 48 hours after treatment can reduce swelling and bruising. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise.
  
• Pain and Discomfort: using over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can help relieve pain. It is best to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Allergic Reactions: to minimize the risk of allergic reactions, the patient must inform the doctor (from the beginning) about any known allergies.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Infection: signs of infection include: persistent redness, increasing pain and local warmth. The patient should contact their doctor immediately if they suspect an infection.
• Severe Allergic Reaction - If symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, emergency medical care should be sought.

Patients should follow their doctor's recommendations for post-procedure care and not hesitate to seek medical advice if any unexpected symptoms occur.

Both hyaluronic acid (HA) injections and autologous fat (Lipofilling) injections are popular methods used in aesthetic and reconstructive treatments.

Each method has unique properties, advantages, and disadvantages.

Hyaluronic Acid

Advantages:

• Surgical andminimally invasive procedure:it can be performed in a doctor's office under local anesthesia. The procedure generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
• Immediate results:the volume and contour of the lips are visible immediately after the injection.
• Reversibility:the hyaluronic acid is resorbable, with effects lasting between 6 and 12 months. In case of unwanted effects, they can be easily corrected.
• Low risk of side effects:because it is a natural substance in the body, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is minimal.

Disadvantages:

• Duration of effect:the results are temporary, requiring the procedure to be repeated at regular intervals.
• Recurring costs:due to the need for periodic recharging, costs can accumulate over time.

Autologous fatgrafting (Lipofilling)

Advantages:

• Durability:results can last between 2 and 3 years or even longer, depending on the patient and lifestyle.
• Naturalness:since your own fat is used, the results have a very natural appearance and there is no risk of rejection.
• Additionalbenefitsthe procedure may include mini-liposuction, also improving the contour of the donor areas.

Disadvantages:

• Surgical procedure:it is more invasive than hyaluronic acid injection and may require general anesthesia, being performed in a surgical intervention room.
• Recovery:the recovery period may include swelling and discomfort in the donor area and injection area.
• Complexity:the procedure is more complex, involving harvesting, purifying, and injecting the fat.

EVIDENCE based on studies:

1. Treatment of temporal atrophy.
   • Temporal atrophyUm It refers to the loss of volume in the temple area, which can occur due to aging, weight loss, or other factors. This creates the appearance of a "hollow" or "hollow" in the temporal area of the face.
   • Effectiveness. The acid showed superior results compared to autologous fat grafting in treating the temporal fossa. The Hyaluronic Acid required fewer injections and provided better symmetry and contour, with less fibrosis (Ueland et al., 2019).

2. Knee osteoarthritis.
   • Pain relief. Studies comparing the effectiveness of fatty acids and fatty acids for knee osteoarthritis are ongoing, but initial findings suggest that both have potential benefits in pain relief and functional improvement (Jones et al., 2018).

3. Unilateral paralysisof the vocal cords.
   • Result. Both AH and Lipofilling improved voice quality, reducing the need for repeated injections (Sheikhany et al., 2022).

4. Facial lipoatrophy to the HIVpatients.
   • Restoring facial volume. Both acid and fat are effective, but fat injection may provide longer-term durability with fewer complications, e.g. subcutaneous papules (Shuck et al., 2013).

5. Nasolabial groove filling.
   • Longevity. Although both methods are effective, autologous fat injection has shown longer-lasting results compared to hyaluronic acid, although it has been associated with more prolonged edema and redness (Hu et al., 2017).

6. Maintainingand integrating the adipose tissue transplant.
   • Combining the two (injection of hyaluronic acid and own fat) can improve fat graft integration, increase vascularization and prolong volume maintenance (Alghoul et al., 2012).

Conclusion

Both hyaluronic acid and fat injections have their merits, with the acid often providing immediate and predictable results, and lipofilling sometimes providing longer-lasting results but requiring more complex procedures.

The choice between the two depends on the specific clinical application and patient needs.

>> Read all about injectable lipolysis!