Dermal fillers Scottsdale
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance
Hyaluronic acid actually occurs naturally in the body. It’s known as a polysaccharide, meaning that it’s made of repeating units of a certain type of sugar. HA acts like a sponge, holding water in the tissues and keeping them hydrated. It occurs naturally in the skin as well as in other body tissues, such as cartilage and even muscles.
As people age, their production of HA gradually reduces. As a result, volume is lost in the skin. With less hydration, the skin becomes less firm. It can lose its structure and begin to sag, and wrinkles may form. Injectable HA products (including Restylane, Juvéderm, and Belotero) can be used to help restore a more youthful appearance.
Injectable HA adds back lost volume
The hyaluronic acid present in dermal fillers acts just like your natural hyaluronic acid. It holds water, adding back lost volume. In the field of facial cosmetic medicine, we use HA injections for a variety of different purposes. For example, HA can be injected into the skin under a wrinkle or deep fold in the skin, which will make the skin appear more smooth. Another common use is in lip augmentation, to create fuller lips. HA can also be injected into the cheeks or other areas to replace volume that’s commonly lost during aging, to correct a “hollowed out” facial appearance; however, we more commonly use other types of fillers for this purpose, since they tend to last longer.
HA comes in different particle sizes
Your natural HA is constantly being turned over, with old HA breaking down and new HA being synthesized. When HA in its unaltered form is injected into the body, it’s gone very quickly. In order to provide more long-lasting results, a chemical process called cross-linking is used. This creates chemical bonds between the HA molecules, to slow the rate at which HA is removed by the body.
When a larger number of HA molecules are linked together, the product is said to have a larger particle size. A smaller number of linked molecules creates a smaller particle size. The larger the particle size, the longer the product will last.
At the same time, the product with larger particle size will also have a thicker consistency. This is why products with a smaller particle size are typically used in areas where the skin is very thin (such as around the eyes). Using a larger particle size in these areas may result in a bump or ridge that can be felt or even seen, while a smaller particle size creates a smoother appearance.
HA treatments can be reversed
Although most patients are happy with the results of their injections, there may be cases in which the results aren’t quite what the patient desired. In these cases, HA-based fillers have a huge advantage, because they’re reversible. We can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which will dissolve the HA.
Even without hyaluronidase, HA will eventually break down and be removed by the body. In order to maintain the results, you’ll need maintenance treatments. Some people choose an HA filler initially, because it’s reversible. If they like their results, then they may be able to choose a longer-lasting type of filler, if it’s an appropriate choice for the location. Others choose to continue having maintenance HA treatments over the long term.
Are you considering dermal fillers Scottsdale?
There are quite a few different fillers that are made from HA, and there are also a variety of other filler types currently on the market. New ones are frequently being released, as research advances. As an expert in facial cosmetic medicine, Dr. Henderson stays up-to-date on these products, and is happy to advise you about which would likely work best for you based on your current situation and your goals.
