The Role Of Hyaluronic Acid In Dermal Fillers

​

Hyaluronic acid (or hyaluronan) is a sugar naturally produced and found in the body. Its primary function is to keep water, keeping the skin and joints lubricated. Well-lubricated tissue is less prone to damage and is more resilient against the daily wear and tear that the body experiences. High levels of HA may also help speed up the healing of wounds and improve bone density and strength.

HA-based dermal fillers have grown in popularity over recent years, primarily because of their ease with integrating with the body. Since hyaluronic acid is already found in the body, dermal fillers that use HA can be injected without the fear of body incompatibility.

The body creates it naturally, though, like most processes involving the skin, the production of hyaluronic acid slows down as it ages. Other conditions can also slow down the production of hyaluronic acid, like repeated damage from sun exposure and other types of skin cancer.

​

Using Dermal Fillers That Have Hyaluronic Acid

Dermal fillers that have hyaluronic acid include Juvederm and Restylane. Primarily used for treating wrinkles, these two fillers use generous amounts of hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin, fill in areas that need volume, remove light to moderate wrinkles, and last for an average of 8-12 months before needing reapplication.

​

Juvederm

Juvederm is mostly used to remove lines around the lips, mouth, nose, and eyes. It’s a filler designed to take care of more delicate areas like marionette lines, which are typically more difficult to fill in with traditional fillers. Most injections of Juvederm also have lidocaine, a numbing agent that helps decrease pain during the procedure.

​

Restylane

Restylane is more versatile in the areas where it can be used, ranging from the cheeks to the back of the hands. The variety of Restylane products means it can remove most mild-to-moderate lines and wrinkles, though several applications may be required if a large area needs to be filled.

Typically, the hyaluronic acid in both products makes them excellent filler material for almost any kind of line or wrinkle that needs filling. Juvederm works particularly well for areas under the eyes that may be too sensitive for regular fillers, while Restylane’s formulas are more efficient at filling in deep areas like nasolabial folds.

Both dermal fillers can be applied within 15-30 minutes and are usually painless, especially when a topical numbing agent is applied.