What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid therapy has been increasing in popularity for use as a filler for facial augmentation. It is used to soften facial lines, furrows, and as a lip enhancer by using products like Restylane, Perlane, and Hylaform. Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in all living things. It is found in the fluid that surrounds the eye and in soft connective tissue. In the skin Hyaluronic Acid acts a filler between elastin fibers and collagen. However, as we age the amount of Hyaluronic Acid is decreased and destroyed.

What can Hyaluronic Acid therapy be used for?

Hyaluronic acid injections can be used as a filler to improve the lines in the skin, reduce scars, and reduce depressions. It can give a smoother and more youthful look by filling in lines and depressions. Facial lines and features that can be corrected using hyaluronic acid implantation include:

• Smoker's lines (vertical lines by the mouth)
• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Worry lines on the forehead
• Marionette lines at the corner of the mouth
• Crow's feet
• Deep smile lines that run from side of the nose to corners of the mouth
• Redefining lip border
• Under eye hollows

How is Hyaluronic Acid therapy administered?

A local anesthetic is normally used before the procedure begins. Next, the doctor does a series of small injections into the dermis using a very small needle. It is normal for the treated area of the skin to be red and slightly puffy a couple hours after the procedure has been completed.