Hyaluronic acid (HA – hyaluronic acid) is a substance that is naturally found in our body – in the largest amount occurs in our skin. With age, hyaluronic acid decreases, hence its deficiency can be supplemented by the hyaluronic acid filling. Hyaluronic acid is a glucosaminoglycan that binds water in the skin and is responsible for proper skin hydration. The treatment aims to supplement the deficiency of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for the proper water management of the body – including skin. The effect of liquidation of deficiency is visible improvement of the process of water binding in cells, and thus – the improvement of the volume of the skin in places where the sagging occurred. In aesthetic medicine there are two main types of hyaluronic acid – cross-linked and non-crosslinked. Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is used in mesotherapy preparations to moisturize the skin – after administration it stays in the tissue for a short time (from a few days to about a month). It is then given into the skin by a thin and short needle in the form of point punctures after applying local anesthesia with anesthetic cream. Hyaluronic acid cross-linked is a typical filler of hyaluronic acid, which, depending on the degree of crosslinking, stays in the tissue for a long time. The more cross-linked the acid, the longer it stays in the tissue, although it also depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the place of application. Fillers with hyaluronic acid last an average of 6 to 18 months. Hyaluronic acid can be administered in practically every area of the body, but the most common treatments concern the face and especially the cheeks, lips and nasolabial furrows.

The treatment is not complicated, however, like all procedures of aesthetic medicine, it is always preceded by an in-depth medical consultation. In the first stage, the preparation with anesthesia is applied to the skin undergoing treatment – usually in the form of a cream. Sometimes, in demanding cases, the physician decides to use a stronger agent similar to the anesthesia used in dentistry. The treatment consists of an injection into the epidermis in a place in need of renewal, a preparation with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has an elastic, very plastic and crystalline form of the gel, which complements the places where wrinkles or furrows appear, or lacking volume. Hyaluronic acid can be given with a needle or microcannula. The microcannula is a blunt needle that slides in the tissue, does not cause bruising, hematomas and minimizes the risk of damaging the blood vessel. Hyaluronic acid can be administered in many different ways – linearly along the lines of wrinkles, in the form of deposits that fill the sunken tissue or as hyaluronic threads aimed at tensioning and skin lifting.

The treatment lasts from 30 to 90 minutes

The filling procedure, especially when performed with a microcannula, is so safe and minimally invasive that it does not require convalescence. The patient can basically go back to normal activity immediately, and the effects of the treatment are immediately visible. Sometimes a small local swelling may occur, which lasts no longer than 2 days. The final effect of the treatment is visible after 2 weeks when the gel binds water and will settle in the tissues. During this time, the patient should drink more fluids and avoid the sauna and solarium.

The durability of effects depends on several factors. Hyaluronic acid – as a natural substance is spontaneously removed by the body. The results obtained usually last from 6 to 12 months, and in the best cases up to 18 months, and this depends, inter alia, on from genetic conditions, lifestyle, diet or a place where deficiencies have been remedied.

• autoimmune diseases,
• pregnancy,
• breastfeeding,
• hypertrophic scarring,
• inflammation of the skin (herpes, acne),
• hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid.

The presented description of the procedure is of general character and does not constitute medical information. The basis for the operation is always an individual medical consultation.