Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

Safety and Popularity

Among the various fillers available, HA-based fillers have gained traction due to their properties. Given HA’s natural occurrence in the body, these fillers are compatible. They break down naturally over time and are gradually metabolised, with severe complications being rare, making them a safe and reliable option for cosmetic enhancements.

How to Choose the Filler for Your Needs

The first step in choosing the right dermal filler is understanding your aesthetic goals. Whether you want to smooth wrinkles, enhance lips, restore cheek volume, or address under-eye hollows or jawline definition, each filler targets specific areas and concerns. This makes it crucial to consider the treatment area and your desired outcome.

It's also important to factor in your skin type and age, as these can influence how the filler performs and how long the results last. To achieve ideal results, consult a doctor who can recommend the right product for your needs.

Understanding the Difference Between HA and Non-HA Fillers

At Cambridge Medical Group, our doctor will help you find a suitable treatment for your skin. However, you may also find it helpful to know the different types of fillers available, which can help you achieve your desired goals.

Broadly, fillers fall into two categories: HA fillers and non-HA fillers.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

As mentioned, HA fillers are derived from a naturally occurring substance in the body. This remarkable compound provides several benefits for skin health:

• Hydration: HA can retain water and hold up to six litres per quarter teaspoon, helping keep your skin well-hydrated.
• Elasticity: HA is very able to retain water. It can hold up to six litres per quarter teaspoon, helping to keep your skin well-hydrated.
• Volume: When injected under the skin, HA fillers provide a volumising effect, helping to plump areas that may have lost fullness.

With these properties, HA fillers are an ideal option for addressing hydration or volume loss subtly and naturally. 

Their reversibility makes HA fillers a good choice for first-time users. If the results don't meet expectations, your doctor can safely dissolve the filler using hyaluronidase (an enzyme), offering reassurance.

Choosing a treatment plan:

Choosing the right filler can feel overwhelming, but a consultation with our expert at Cambridge Medical Group can help you determine the suitable option.

HA fillers are for those seeking a natural-looking effect that lasts many months. They are ideal for addressing concerns in delicate areas, such as the lips and under-eyes. In contrast, some non-HA fillers, which provide a pronounced volumising effect, may not be suitable for these sensitive areas. 

However, a non-HA filler may be suitable for tackling these issues if you struggle with deep wrinkles or pronounced facial lines. Non-HA fillers are often recommended for areas like the jawline or chin that require more profound, long-lasting volume.

Everyone’s skin concerns are unique. To ensure a safe and optimal outcome, it’s essential to undergo a thorough analysis with a qualified doctor who can provide a personalised treatment approach.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Before a filler treatment, you'll likely have a consultation with your doctor. During this session, your doctor will:

• Assess your skin, including allergies or skin conditions
• Understand your desired outcome
• Discuss the areas you'd like to enhance. 

It's also an opportunity to ask any questions possible to achieve your desired look. Once the treatment begins, you will be given:

• A numbing cream to ensure minimal discomfort
• The filler is injected under the skin using a thin needle

The procedure is quick, usually taking less than an hour, and involves minimal recovery time. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, redness, or bruising. These side effects typically subside within a few days, and applying an ice pack can help alleviate any discomfort during recovery. 

The results of the filler are often noticeable immediately. To maintain your refreshed appearance for as long as possible, here are some filler recovery tips:

• Avoid strenuous activities
• Avoid direct sun exposure 

You should contact your aesthetic doctor immediately if you experience:

• Bleeding or severe pain
• Signs of infection (including fever) at the injection site
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing

Frequently Asked Questions

Are HA fillers safe for sensitive skin?

HA fillers are considered safe for sensitive skin due to their naturally occurring properties.

How long do fillers last?

The duration of dermal fillers varies depending on the filler type, treatment area, and individual skin characteristics.

Can fillers be dissolved if I don’t like the results?

Only HA fillers can be dissolved.

References

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Dermal fillers. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/dermal-fillers#:~:text=Hyaluronic%20acid%20is%20a%20natural,restore%20fullness%20to%20the%20skin.
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, October 13). Dermal fillers. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22667-dermal-fillers
3. Sakamoto, M., & Ishikawa, Y. (2016). The role of hyaluronic acid in the skin and its clinical applications in aesthetic dermatology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 75(4), 760-767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.03.054
4. Consulting Room. (n.d.). Teosyal: Effective, long-lasting, and safe. Retrieved from https://www.consultingroom.com/treatment/teosyal#:~:text=Effective%2C%20Long%2DLasting%20and%20Safe,%20biocompatible%2C%20offering%20patients%20immediate
5. ClinicBe. (n.d.). Juvederm Vycross. Retrieved from https://www.clinicbe.com/what-we-do/cosmetic-treatments/juvederm-vycross/
6. Restylane. (n.d.). The science behind Restylane. Retrieved from https://www.restylaneusa.com/restylane-science
7. Merz Aesthetics Singapore. (n.d.). Belotero. Retrieved from https://merzaesthetics.com.sg/belotero/