This article aims to make it easy for patients to understand exactly what Hyaluronic acid (HA), (the substance found in dermal fillers) is and why it works so well as an aesthetic treatment.
HA is a naturally occurring substance found throughout your body. It is especially found in your skin, joints, and eyes. Its main job is to hold onto moisture. You will often hear the fact that it can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Your skin relies on HA to stay hydrated, soft, and resilient but as you age, your natural HA levels decrease. This can lead to dryness, fine lines, and a loss of volume.
In aesthetic medicine, HA is used to restore what time takes away. It’s commonly found in injectable fillers, where it helps smooth lines, contour the face, and restore volume in a subtle, temporary way.
Why is HA used in aesthetic medicine?
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In aesthetic treatments, hyaluronic acid is used to restore moisture and volume in targeted areas. When injected into the skin, it binds with water to create a plumping effect. The idea is that it will soften lines, reshape facial features and restore fullness in areas that have lost volume with the ageing process.
Fillers made with hyaluronic acid are temporary and flexible. That means your results can be adjusted over time and, if needed, reversed using an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Common treatment areas include the lips, cheeks, jawline and under the eyes. Patients choose HA fillers for their natural-looking results and lesser downtime than alternatives.
How HA works under your skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar molecule your body naturally produces. With dermal fillers, the molecule is modified to last longer after being injected. The result is a clear gel-like substance, sitting beneath the skin, holding itself in shape. After the injection it blends with the surrounding tissue and draws in water, giving lift, or contour to the area.
Manufacturers will adjust the texture and structure of the gel, depending on where it’s meant to be used. A softer filler might be used in the lips, and a firmer one can give better definition along the jawline or cheeks.
Are all hyaluronic acid fillers the same?
Not exactly. All HA fillers are created using the same base molecule, but they differ in how they are processed. These variations affect how the filler feels, its longevity, and its behaviour beneath the skin.
Some fillers are smooth and flexible, intended for fine lines or subtle hydration. Others are firmer and more structured, more suitable for areas such as the chin or cheeks requiring more shape or support.
The amount of crosslinking, which is the process that makes the gel more stable, also plays a role. More crosslinking, generally means the filler lasts longer, but it can also feel firmer. Less crosslinking might provide a softer finish, but it tends to break down more quickly.
Your clinic will discuss, and will select the appropriate type of HA filler depending on the treatment area and your goals.
What to expect during and after your HA treatment?
HA filler treatments are usually quick and don’t require any preparation. We clean the area, apply a numbing product, if needed, and then inject small amounts of filler into the targeted areas using a fine needle or cannula.
The procedure itself will typically take from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how many areas you have treated. You might feel a bit of pressure or mild stinging, but most patients find the process tolerable.
After treatment, you may notice slight swelling, redness or bruising where the injection was given. Effects such as these are usually mild and settle within a few days. Most patients carry on their normal activities the same day, though strenuous exercise and alcohol are better avoided for 24 hours.
You will notice the visible difference straight away but HA dermal fillers may take up to two weeks to fully settle into the final result.
What are the possible risks of HA Fillers?
HA fillers are considered safe when performed correctly, though side effects and complications can still happen.
In rare cases, complications can include delayed swelling, uneven results or the formation of small lumps under the skin. These are usually manageable with follow-up care.
More serious side effects are uncommon but may involve infection, allergic response or accidental injection into a blood vessel. This can lead to more serious outcomes if not recognised and treated quickly.
These risks highlight the importance of choosing a qualified medical professional with experience in facial anatomy and safe injection techniques.
Questions to ask before your HA treatment
Before going ahead with HA fillers, it’s always worth asking a few questions. It is important that you understand the treatment and that you know you’re in safe hands.
Ask what type of filler is being used and why it’s suited to your treatment area. Different products will behave differently, so your practitioner must choose one that matches exactly what you want from the dermal filler.
Check who will be performing the procedure. It should always be a qualified medical professional with experience in facial injections.
Finally, ask what happens if you’re unhappy with the result. Reversible treatments like HA fillers offer flexibility, but it’s still important to have a clear plan in place.
Your Next Steps with HA Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers are one of the most widely used injectable treatments in aesthetics When performed by a qualified professional, they will offer a temporary and natural-looking way to restore volume and shape to the face, with minimal downsides.
The treatment is quick, the results are immediate, and the filler can be adjusted or dissolved if needed. HA fillers are a reliable option with predictable results.
As with all these types of treatment, better results will come from good planning, realistic goals and skilled, careful appliance. If you’re considering HA fillers, speak with us at The Doctors Laser Clinic. We can guide you through your options.
