Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar (polysaccharide) produced by our own body and is found between the skin cells (extracellular matrix). Its function is to maintain the natural hydration of the cells that compose the inner layers of the skin, as well as to help support and fill this tissue. Over the years, its production diminishes.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used in areas with volume loss, to correct asymmetries, define facial contours, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and even enhance facial features, highlighting individuality.
Hyaluronic acid is applied in an injectable and minimally invasive manner with a needle or microcannula. To alleviate patient discomfort, topical and/or injectable anesthesia is performed, and vibrating devices and cool pads can be used – remembering that pain is subjective, and each patient has their own threshold and perception.
With the aim of providing greater safety, we use ultrasound during the procedure. It allows us to see the structures of the face in real-time. Thus, we increase the precision of the treatment and reduce the risk of possible complications.
Various regions can be treated: under-eye circles, temples, cheeks, nose, lips, chin… There are different types of hyaluronic acid, and the choice varies according to the patient, the area, and the treatment goal (volume, support, contour).
Before undergoing the procedure, a medical consultation is necessary to align the treatment plan, which takes into account the patient’s complaint/desire and the doctor’s recommendation, aiming for naturalness without standardization. This is also an important time to address any possible doubts.
During the consultation, it is also important to check if the patient has any contraindications to the treatment. The main ones are allergy to the product, active inflammation/infection in the skin, certain types of autoimmune disease, and pregnancy.
The application is generally well tolerated by patients. For greater comfort, we perform topical/injectable anesthesia and use vibrating devices and ice. Patients tend to feel more of the skin manipulation than pain.
Immediately after the application, the area may be slightly swollen and red. Small bruises may appear. Normally, these effects last for about 3 to 7 days.
The average duration is 30 minutes, but it may vary depending on the number of areas treated.
Post-treatment instructions are important and should be followed: avoid sun exposure, refrain from physical activity for 24 hours, and do not massage/manipulate the area where the application was performed. Skin care (tailored to each patient’s skin) can be maintained, especially the use of sunscreen and moisturizer – taking care of the skin as a whole will further enhance the result.
Immediately after the procedure, it is already possible to see the result, although the area may be slightly swollen. Sometimes, mild bruising may occur.
To alleviate this, the patient can apply ice to the area and use tinted sunscreen to camouflage any bruising.
In general, after 7 to 10 days, when the swelling subsides, the final result can be seen.
The final result begins to be observed, on average, after the second week of application, and the average effect of hyaluronic acid is 1 year, varying according to the patient’s profile (it tends to last less in athletes), the treated area (tends to deplete more quickly in areas that move frequently, such as the lips and eyes, and last longer in parts that are less mobile, such as the jaw), and the product used.