As we grow up and mature…

we gain experiences and knowledge. But we also gradually lose elements of youth that we used to take for granted, such as our full and rosy cheeks and firm skin.

Certainly, our genetic makeup and way of life play a crucial role in how we grow older

With the life wisdom we have acquired we are called to make wise choices in anti-aging matters. Therefore, in the matter of injectable fillers, international organisations indicate that a high quality and high level of scientific experience are essential for their selection and implementation. Fillers help to compensate for the lost skin volume and help and reduce the depth of wrinkles.

At About Skin we only choose hyaluronic fillers of non-animal origin from approved companies with an excellent safety profile.

What is Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide found naturally in our body. This polysaccharide is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that exists unaltered in nature and is a substance that offers us moisturisation, firmness and gives our skin a healthy appearance. Injectable hyaluronic acid enables the dermatologist to restore certain features of our face painlessly, immediately and with great safety and is a structural component of the human body. It exists in the form of a gel and is colourless, odourless and available in different densities depending on the depth of the wrinkle we want to fill and depending on the type of our skin.

In mesotherapy, we use hyaluronic acid that regulates the hydration of the face and at the same time offers antioxidant protection by contributing to the production of new collagen and elastin fibers of the skin.

The hyaluronic acid liquid filler is not derived from animals, but is made in a genetic engineering laboratory and is almost identical to that naturally present in the human body. Using hyaluronic acid that is identical to that naturally present in our bodies would not be beneficial as it would decompose within 48 hours. It is worth noting that a successful treatment with hyaluronic acid requires that we use safe and approved materials most suitable for the specific case.

How does hyaluronic acid work when injected into our skin?

The action mechanism of hyaluronic acid is essentially what gives us volume and fills wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic molecule and, when inside our skin, it absorbs water and swells. This explains why filling wrinkles with hyaluronic acid has an immediate effect and makes the area where it is applied look fresher and more hydrated.

What is the procedure for applying hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is available in the form of a colourless and odourless gel and its injection is made with the help of a very fine needle. Depending on the wrinkle we want to fill, we also use the corresponding material. In the thickest wrinkles, we need a thicker material, while in the most superficial ones, we inject a thinner liquid. Sometimes, a combination of both materials is required. So based on the type of skin and the type of wrinkle we want to improve the doctor chooses the right materials for us.

The hyaluronic acid that dermatologists use for our applications is divided into two categories:

The completely natural (non-cross-linked) hyaluronic acid of mesotherapy which is indicated for skin hydration and rejuvenation.
The slightly modified (cross-linked) hyaluronic acid which is not easily dissolvable in water, maintains the biocompatibility and biological properties of the natural substance but stays on the skin for a longer time, has a gel-like texture and fills wrinkles.

What are the indications for HA fillings?

Nasolabial folds
Facial wrinkles – perioral (vertical or smoker’s lines, corners of the lips, periocular, middle brow, forehead)
Lips
Cheekbone volume correction
Hand rejuvenation

What are the contraindications?

Pregnancy, lactation
Areas of skin inflammation or infection
When a dermal filler with a non-absorbable product has been injected.
In people with severe allergies or severe autoimmune problems
Unrealistic expectations of the patient

Is hyaluronic acid safe?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that has been engineered to be almost identical to the hyaluronic acid that is naturally present in our bodies. This gives it an excellent safety profile as long as it is used by a qualified dermatologist strong> with thorough knowledge of facial anatomy. It is therefore an inert molecule that does not cause allergic reactions, inflammation or malignancy. The only thing that can be caused is some mild bruising that subsides within a few days.

Is hyaluronic acid expensive?

As we mentioned above, hyaluronic acid is a product manufactured in a laboratory to genetically mimic human hyaluronic acid. Its production process, the security and certification provided by the production companies is commensurate with its price. It is not a cheap material, but the effect, duration and safety of the product are proportional to its price.

How long do HA implants last?

Hyaluronic Acid implants are not permanent. The material will gradually break down and be absorbed by the body. The results last from 8 months to 2 years.

In our opinion the factors that determine how long the result lasts are the following:</ span>

Age & skin type
The depth of the effusion
The preparation of skin tissues with treatments that stimulate collagen production such as lasers and peelings</ li>
The mobility of the anatomical site of implantation
The quality and the right choice of material
The correct and non-traumatic implantation technique. The doctor needs to give time during the procedure, because violent movements injure the tissue and the cytokines produced contribute to the faster degradation of the material
The maintenance of the result with other treatments before the material is completely degraded

What are the side effects?

Hyaluronic acid is generally considered the safest biodegradable product with very rare side effects (less than 0.6%) that are observed mainly on hypersensitive skin. That is why it is not recommended to carry out a test injection (skin testing).

In general, the basic warning for fillers of the American Academy of Dermatology is that it is a medical procedure and should only be performed in a medical setting by a specialist.< /span>

The most common are injection related side effects: edema, swelling, bleeding, ecchymosis, pigmentation disorders and sensitivity in that particular area. They subside in 1 or 2 days.
Substance related side effects are rare. They are usually hypersensitivity reactions and consist of swelling at the area of the filler.

What should I discuss with my dermatologist during the first consultation?

During the first visit you can ask your dermatologist everything that you have in mind about the duration of the results, approval of the materials and side effects. You can even ask to see pictures of the results of previous treatments and find out about costs.

The dermatologist will preform an examination you to figure out whether a filler is the most suitable cosmetic procedure for your specific issue. You should give your full medical history and state any medications or over-the-counter medications (vitamins, anticoagulants, aspirin, vitamin E or herbs) that you take. Do not forget to mention any previous treatments (mainly injections of non-absorbable materials).

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