General Information

As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to wrinkles and sagging. Sun exposure and years of muscle movement (i.e., smiling, chewing, and squinting) also contribute to tissue breakdown of the skin. Your skin consists of two layers known as the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, acts as the skin’s primary defense against the environment. The dermis, or innermost layer of the skin, is composed primarily of connective tissue and provides the skin with a support network. Most facial wrinkles and deeper folds occur within the dermal layer of the skin. Fortunately, there are innovative cosmetic procedures to help ease this aging process and sustain one’s youth.

Facial fillers, which are also known as “dermal fillers” and “injectables,” are temporary to long-lasting solutions administered through a few tiny injections on specific areas of the face. Various types of facial fillers are available; each is designed with one or several purposes, such as wrinkle reduction and lip augmentation. A qualified doctor or dermatologist can work with you to determine which facial filler will provide you with optimal and rejuvenating results.

Procedure

Depending on the extent of treatment, hyaluronic acid injection procedures typically last between fifteen and sixty minutes. Prior to the start of your procedure, the treatment areas will be cleansed, usually using an alcohol based cleaner. Unlike collagen injections, hyaluronic acid injections do not include an anesthetic agent. Therefore, a local or topical anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area during the procedure.

Using an ultra fine needle, hyaluronic acid is injected into the dermis at several points along the edge of the treatment area. After approximately two to three injections, the physician will massage the treatment area. The physician will continue injecting the filler along the length of the wrinkle or fold until maximum correction has been achieved. If a local anesthesia has not been used, you may feel some minor stinging from the injections. As the injected hyaluronic acid molecules attract and bind water molecules, the volume beneath the skin will increase, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Side Effects

Before receiving treatment, patients may need to undergo a skin test. This can help to prevent complications; however, some of the most common side effects include: allergic reaction, bruising at injection site, numbness, and temporary redness, swelling, pain/tenderness, or discoloration

Recovery

Injectables require very minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to work and their normal activities directly following treatment. Yet for the first 24 hours, individuals may be instructed to refrain from strenuous activities and excessive sun or heat exposure.