Hyaluronic Acid Filler
What is Filler?
Filler, also known as dermal filler or hyaluronic acid filler, is synthetic version of hyaluronic acid developed to be injected into the body to replace lost volume. Hyaluronic acid is a complex sugar that occurs naturally in the body. It can hold 1,000x its weight in water, and it creates fuller more hydrated skin.
How does it work?
Hyaluronic acid filler is created with different levels of firmness and flexibility. This allows for more areas and their individual needs to be met. Areas, such as the cheeks and chin, that provide structural support, need thicker/firmer filler. Areas like the lips, that move constantly, need a softer more stretchy filler.
Considerations
Possible risks and side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, infection and scarring. A serious, but rare risk includes vascular occlusion. Hylenex kept on hand for dissolving as needed.
Avoid ibuprofen, alcohol and other blood thinners for 24hrs before and after treatment. No make-up, hot tubs, saunas, extra hot showers or vigorous exercise for 12-24hours. Bruising and swelling can take up to two weeks to completely resolve.
Filler can last 6-18months depending on metabolism and lifestyle.