In our skin, HA is present in large quantities in the extracellular matrix (ECM).  Because of its significant ability to attract and bind water molecules, HA is important for maintaining structure and volume in the skin. Together, collagen, elastin, and HA form the scaffold of the skin, providing structure, and texture.

Hyaluronic acid also plays a role in tissue and wound repair. In the joints, HA is present in cartilage and synovial fluid, acting as both a lubricant and shock absorber.

As we age, our skin tissue becomes dehydrated and the collagen and elastin fibres lose their structure, resulting in a loss of skin volume and the formation of the facial wrinkles and folds that are common characteristics of aged skin.

HA helps reduce wrinkles and improves skin health
Hyaluronic acid provides continuous moisture to our skin by binding up to 1000 times its weight in water. It is the only biological substance that can retain this amount of water. Indeed, one of the hallmarks of youthful skin is its moisture content that helps keep the skin looking smooth, plump and healthy.
With age, the ability of our skin to produce HA decreases: our skin loses moisture, resulting in a loss of firmness and elasticity.

Hyaluronic acid also plays a significant role in reducing oxidative damage to our skin caused from both internal and external factors, such as UV irradiation (also referred to as photoageing).

The primary way in which HA helps improve the appearance of photoaged skin is by reducing water loss from the epidermis.
Skin ageing is also influenced by hormonal changes: decreased production of sex hormones like oestrogen can lead to collagen degradation, which results in dryness, loss of elasticity and wrinkling of our skin.

Newer generation HA dermal fillers have been specifically developed to adapt the movements and dynamism of our faces.

They offer an immediate volume-boosting effect and are designed to create or restore facial volumes and resculpt facial contours.

Thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen production and its excellent capacity to retain water, hyaluronic acid also keeps our skin smooth, plumped up and well hydrated.

Due to its presence in so many structures throughout the body, numerous medical applications have already been discovered for hyaluronic acid. 

Some important applications include:

• Scar formation in surgical wounds can be prevented by the administration of HA during surgery.
• Produces beneficial wound healing outcomes
• Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Treatment of cataracts
• Drug delivery agent for various routes of administration,including ophthalmic, nasal, pulmonary, parenteral, and topical

HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS

What do hyaluronic acid injections treat? 

HA injections are an attractive treatment option to address age-related changes in skin quality and appearance. Hyaluronic acid can be injected into our skin to fill and plump specific areas. Hyaluronic acid injections are applied to:

•  Reduce wrinkles
• Model cheeks
•  Correct facial lines and lip shape
•  Lessen the appearance of sagging
• Reduce the appearance of depressions in the skin caused by acne scars or injury
•  Improve elasticity and hydration of facial, hand, neck and neckline skin

How are hyaluronic acid injections performed?

•  After cleansing the injection site with an antibacterial agent, a topical anaesthetic may be used to prevent pain. In some cases, the HA dermal filler contains an anaesthetic.
•  During the injection, small amounts of HA are injected into the superficial or deep layers of our skin.
•  After the HA injection, the practitioner massages the treated areas to achieve an optimum distribution of the injected filler.
•  The procedure usually lasts less than 30 minutes, depending on the area to be treated.

How often are hyaluronic acid injections needed?

The effects of HA fillers last various lengths of time, depending on the type of the filler and the area where it is administered. However, as HA is eventually broken down and is absorbed by the body, the effects are not permanent. To achieve long-lasting results, injections should be repeated between 6 to 24 months.

What is the recovery time from a hyaluronic acid injection?

Most people tolerate the injection without irritation or complications and do not require any recovery time. Immediately after treatment, the area may be red, swollen and bruised, but this subsides within a few days.

Did you know?

Compared to permanent injectable wrinkle fillers, the effect of all HA fillers are reversible and are naturally eliminated from our bodies over time.

Hyaluronic acid is a native molecule that occurs naturally in our bodies. It is a polysaccharide, a kind of sugar molecule, which can bind huge amounts of water—1,000 times its own weight. Hyaluronic acid therefore helps our bodies to retain water and to keep our body tissues soft, hydrated and flexible.

Natural hyaluronic acid in our bodies form long molecular chains. This naturally occurring hyaluronic acid degrades quickly, in 24-48 hours. Restylane dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid that has been stabilized with a cross-linking technology. This makes the chains of the hyaluronic acid molecules form a three-dimensional network that is very similar to naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, but does not degrade at the same rate.