Hyaluronic acid wrinkle injection (HA filler) is a method of filling wrinkles, scars, facial irregularities and contour deficiencies by injecting a gel (dermafiller). Almost everyone has some kind of skin imperfections. However, wrinkles, acne scars (e.g. condition after acne vulgaris), scars from injuries and contour imperfections can be very visible and disturbing. While in the past there were practically no easy-to-perform ways to remove or improve these skin imperfections, wrinkle injections are now a recognized and effective procedure to get beautiful and even skin.
Indications (areas of application)
- Age-related wrinkles
- Scar correction (superficial scarring conditions).
- Lip filling
Before treatment
- Before the start of treatment, an educational and counseling discussion should take place between the physician and the patient. The content of the conversation should be the goals, expectations and the possibilities of treatment, as well as side effects and risks.
- The patient should not apply makeup at least one day before treatment; if this is not done, the skin should be treated with chlorhexidine for at least three minutes after makeup is removed. Regardless, clean the skin before the injection.
- The patient should clean the hands with an alcohol-based gel.
The procedure
Hyaluronic acid is an injectable, water-clear and viscous liquid. It has been used as a filler since 1997 and is applied into the dermis or deeper (subcutaneously). It is one of the resorbable filler substances. The molecules support regenerative processes of the connective tissue – this process is called matrix engineering. However, hyaluronic acid does not contribute to collagen stimulation. The hyaluronic acid products available today differ in origin (avian origin: cockscomb; genetically engineered from bacterial cultures/Streptococcus equi). Hyaluronic acid wrinkle injections are performed along the corresponding skin fold, scar or contour irregularity. As a result, it relines and tightens the skin, improving its contour. After injection, subsequent massage can be used to distribute the fluid. Lip filling should always be performed at the end of the treatment. The practitioner should take care not to touch any other parts of the face after the mucosa (oral mucosa) has been touched. The effect of the hyaluronic acid wrinkle injection is visible immediately (immediate effect). The durability of the hyaluronic acid is about 4-9 months. One treatment (= 1 session) takes about 30 minutes. Side effects are hardly known except for an occasional reddening for a few weeks. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis – under local anesthesia if desired – with short treatment and recovery time.
After the treatment
- Avoid extreme cold or heat for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity.
- Do not massage the treated region!
- Sleep one night with head slightly elevated.
- Do not perform skin cleansing until after 24 hours.
Possible complications
- Edema (swelling)
- Hematomas (bruises)
- Infections
- Visual loss (immediate onset in approximately 90% of cases): most commonly, ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) was present, followed by branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO); patients with CRAO and OAO had a rather poor prognosis, patients with BRAO had the best prognosis (60 cases worldwide)
Benefit
Hyaluronic acid wrinkle injections help you – immediately visible and long-lasting – to remove skin wrinkles, scars, skin retractions and contour irregularities. Your natural contours are restored and you achieve a more youthful appearance. Booster treatments are easily performed.
