Hyaluronic acid is not an acid at all – it’s actually a powerful sugar molecule that pulls water to itself and holds it there.
Your body is full of hyaluronic acid – it’s in your skin, joints, connective tissues, eyes… Babies have a ton of hyaluronic acid – that’s why they’re so soft and lovely to touch.
Hyaluronic acid formulated for injectable gels is structurally identical to the natural HA in your skin – it’s just formulated in a lab instead. The fillers used for adding volume to cheeks, folds, wrinkles, lips, chins and under eye hollows all work by attracting and binding water to form a “jelly like” gel that feels and acts like the natural hyaluronic acid in your skin!
When a filler is first placed in the skin, it’s like a kid given access to a candy counter – the HA molecules pull in lots of water very quickly. Thus, the quick swelling that is seen from injections in some areas (not all).
Initial swelling is a temporary overabundance of water – not too much filler!
Every body is different and every person will have varying degrees of swelling after hyaluronic filler injections. If it looks like you are a super-sweller, then cold compresses will help take things down.
A natural equalizing process will occur over the next days and any overly abundant swelling will go away. So if you have lip injections and worry that you’ll look like the fish in the bowl, you can stop worrying.
On the outside chance that your body likes to hold on to more water than you like the look of, Dr. Pilest can dissolve some of the HA and adjust the look for you. Usually, though, when initial swelling goes away, 99.99% of patients are fully satisfied.
Interested in finding out about the hyaluronic acid fillers at Total Dermatology? Call (949) 727-3800 or complete a consult request for your personal consultation with Dr. Pilest.
When it comes to your skin and your health, it really is all about what’s best for you. Total Dermatology understands this, which is why we offer versatile treatments with experienced and highly trained aesthetic professionals led by Dr. Nissan Pilest. Your Total Dermatology transformation awaits.
