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Hyaluronic Acid - Get Younger Looking Skin Instantly
Dermal fillers are currently a high trend in our age obsessed world. Celebrities and the media promote procedures and surgeries that they swear turn back the clock but just how effective are they really?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally forming product in the body which adds volume and suppleness to the skin. It has a plumping effect which minimises wrinkles and lines and the body's production of hyaluronic acid reduces with age. With the aging process you naturally lose elasticity of the skin and collagen depletes which cause wrinkles and saggy skin. The release of dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid give a more natural appearance than their collagen predecessors. The choice is between you and your surgeon as to which you would prefer.
Current hyaluronic acid fillers are more often known as Restylane or Perlane which previously were extracted from animals but are now produced in laboratories. This change in production means less chance of those with allergies developing an adverse reaction or spread of disease.
The most common uses of injecting hyaluronic acid are the lips for a plumper effect, contouring of the facial structure such as cheek bones and chins, removal of wrinkles and lines around the eyes (crows feet) and nose, acne or surgical scars that have healed below the surface of the skin, and to correct sunken eyes.
You will discuss with your doctor as to whether an anaesthetic will be required, and if you decide that you would like one a topical anaesthetic will be applied to the area. Your face will be cleaned with an antiseptic and then the injections can begin. There are several needle techniques to provide optimum results. The full needle may be inserted into the line and is slowly withdrawn lengthways whilst injecting the solution. This causes the wrinkle to absorb the same amount of solution the whole way through leaving a natural and consistent fill. The second technique uses several injection sites where the solution is injected along the wrinkle. The injections are so close together that the line is uniform and there is limited chance of bumpiness or unevenness. The fan method uses the threading process by injecting the filler along the length of the wrinkle first one way, then the needle direction reverses and another layer of solution is injected.
Unlike collagen, hyaluronic acid does not require a skin test as it is a naturally occurring body substance. A full medical history must be taken and a waiver will usually have to be signed to acknowledge that you understand the procedure, the risks, the solution being used and the side effects. The treatment itself will take around 30 minutes and depending on the depth of the injections the pain you experience will vary. The results are temporary and need to be maintained every 9-12 months as the body naturally breaks the solution down. The area should not be touched for 6-12 hours after the injections have taken place and if required a touch up procedure may be undertaken after 3-4 weeks.
How happy you are with the results depends on your expectations. Often people believe that by plumping their lips or filling in lines will cause a much more dramatic effect, however, depending on your facial structure over plumping of these features can leave an unnatural look.
The risks of hyaluronic acid are extremely low as it is less likely than any other injectable to cause an allergic reaction. Bruising is a common side effect however this is usually very limited and will disappear after a few days.
The cost of dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid is dependent on your doctors experience and your location. In the United Kingdom you can expect to pay upwards of £300 per session, the average price in Australia is AU$530 and America US$450.
Hyaluronic acid is an instantaneous quick-fix with limited side effects and high level results. It is a non-surgical alternative to achieving younger, healthier looking skin. Your doctor can advise as to whether hyaluronic acid is your solution.
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