Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: What Is It, Cost, Types, & Treatment Areas

Hyaluronic acid fillers have transformed modern aesthetic medicine over the years, offering a minimally invasive solution to restore lost volume and improve skin elasticity. If you’ve heard about it from your friend and you’re interested in learning more about it, then, this article is for you.

This extensive guide explores every aspect of hyaluronic acid filler treatment. We cover what hyaluronic acid is, how the dermal filler procedure works and its cost. We’ll also talk about the science behind injectable hyaluronic acid and the various treatment areas you can inject it into, including the nasolabial folds to tear troughs.

What Are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

Hyaluronic acid fillers (HA) are injectable products that restore volume and rejuvenate the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body, particularly in the skin, connective tissues and joints. This gel-like substance has the ability to bind water, which allows it to boost skin moisture and plumpness.

However, over time, the natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, contributing to volume loss, static lines, vertical lines and a sagging appearance. Dermal fillers help reduce the visibility of these signs of ageing by replenishing hyaluronic acid through strategically positioned injections.

However, the effects of these injectable dermal fillers are temporary. As your body gradually metabolises the filler, you can sign up for touch-up treatments or just let it degrade. 

How Do Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Work?

Are you curious about how hyaluronic acid fillers work? Read on to learn more about this dermal filler.

Water Retention and Hydration

At the heart of the action of injectable hyaluronic acid is its unique capacity for water retention. This naturally occurring substance can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and plump. 

When used as a dermal filler, this compound helps to restore volume and improve skin elasticity. This hydration is key to achieving a more youthful appearance and softening fine lines and wrinkles.

Collagen Stimulation

In addition to providing immediate volumisation, HA fillers have been shown to stimulate collagen production. They act as collagen stimulators, which can lead to improved skin elasticity and a more robust connective tissue framework over time. This secondary benefit of collagen production means that the skin not only appears fuller immediately but also benefits from long-term rejuvenation.

Volume Restoration and Tissue Integration

The process of filler injections involves carefully injecting the gel-like substance into the dermis of the targeted treatment area. This ensures that the filler integrates with your facial anatomy, enhancing your facial contours naturally. Whether used on sagging skin or adding volume to thin lips, HA dermal fillers work by restoring lost volume. The substance blends smoothly with the soft tissue, resulting in a more rejuvenated look.

Biodegradation and Breakdown

Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary dermal fillers because the body naturally metabolises the injected product over time. This biodegradation is a gradual process, meaning that even though the filler provides immediate results, it will slowly break down and be absorbed by the body. This aspect of injectable treatments allows for adjustments and ensures that, if necessary, the filler can be reversed.

Cost of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

The cost of hyaluronic acid fillers can vary depending on several factors. Here are some of the factors you should consider:

Cost Factors

Filler Brand and Type

• Different brands of hyaluronic acid filler may vary in density and viscosity. This affects the filler’s performance, longevity and texture.
• Some products are better suited for delicate areas like tear troughs and thin lips, while others are ideal for structural support in areas of lost volume, such as the cheeks.

Volume Needed per Session

• The volume of filler required depends on the severity of volume loss and the desired degree of correction. Larger treatment areas, such as restoring volume loss in the mid-face or performing a non-surgical nose job, require more product than treatments aimed at softening fine lines and wrinkles.

Practitioner Expertise

• Experienced and popular aesthetic practitioners may charge higher fees than their less-established counterparts.
• The expertise of the practitioner significantly influences the outcome.

It is crucial to approach filler treatments with a focus on safety and quality rather than solely on cost. A thorough consultation with Sozo Clinic’s Dr Justin Boey will help determine exactly what is needed to restore volume, smooth lines and improve skin elasticity while maintaining patient comfort and safety.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Discover the benefits of hyaluronic acid below and see how it can improve your skin health.

• See immediate results. The beauty of hyaluronic acid filler injections is that they provide almost instantaneous results. This quality makes hyaluronic acid an attractive option for those seeking quick rejuvenation for an event.
• Minimally invasive. Not quite keen on going under the knife to regain that youthful look? The good news is with hyaluronic acid, all you need is a few injections in a span of a few minutes, and you’re good to go. 
• Customisable treatment. Whether you are looking for simple lip augmentation or correction of nasolabial folds and marionette lines, these filler treatments can be tailored to your needs.
• Natural-looking enhancements. HA fillers integrate seamlessly with your skin, ensuring a more natural-looking appearance.
• Hydration and volume restoration. As mentioned, hyaluronic acid binds with water. This property helps restore volume and improve skin elasticity.
• Boost collagen production. Beyond immediate volumisation, hyaluronic acid fillers can stimulate collagen production for long-term skin improvement.
• Safe and reversible. Injectable hyaluronic acid has been proven to be safe for use as a dermal filler as long as the product is legitimate and is administered by a licensed and trained aesthetic practitioner. It is also reversible as your body gradually metabolises it.
• Improvement of fine lines and wrinkles. By filling in the skin, HA fillers help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Types of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Not all HA filler products are identical. The differences among these dermal fillers come down to factors such as cross-linking, density and viscosity. Understanding these differences helps practitioners choose the most appropriate product based on the treatment area and desired outcomes.

HA Fillers by Cross-Linking

Cross-linking is a chemical process that stabilises hyaluronic acid molecules, affecting the durability and texture of the filler. The degree of cross-linking influences the performance of the acid filler in terms of how long it lasts and its consistency.

Why Cross-Linking Matters

• Durability. Highly cross-linked HA fillers tend to last longer, making them an attractive option for patients looking to restore lost volume in areas like the nasolabial folds or for performing a non-surgical nose job.
• Texture and consistency. The level of cross-linking determines whether a filler has a softer or firmer consistency. Softer fillers are ideal for lip augmentation or treating tear troughs, whereas denser fillers are preferred for cheek augmentation and addressing deeper facial folds.
• Customisation: This allows for a tailored dermal filler treatment that matches your unique facial features and overall facial anatomy.

Comparison Table: Cross-Linking Levels

HA Fillers by Density & Viscosity

Another critical factor is the density and viscosity of the filler, which affects how it interacts with the skin.

How Density Affects Results

• Softer Fillers: With lower density, these injectable fillers are ideal for areas requiring subtle enhancement, such as lip augmentation and superficial filler treatments that focus on smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
• Denser Fillers: These products are thicker and provide more support, making them well suited for restoring lost volume in areas like the cheeks and jawline, as well as addressing sagging skin.

Soft vs. Firm HA Fillers

Areas That Can Be Treated with HA Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers are exceptionally versatile, offering treatments for both facial and non-facial areas. The following sections describe common treatment areas.

Facial Areas

Lips

• Common concerns: Thin lips, loss of volume and static lines around the lip border.
• How HA fillers can help: HA fillers restore volume and enhance the natural contours of the lips. This soft tissue filler smooths lines and improves symmetry.
• Expected results: Fuller, well-defined lips.

Cheeks

• Common concerns: Volume loss, sagging skin and a flattened mid-face.
• How HA fillers can help: This involves adding volume to restore lost volume and lift the facial contours. This treatment also helps to improve skin elasticity and stimulate collagen production.
• Expected results: Enhanced contours with a noticeable lift and a restored sense of balance in facial anatomy.

Nasolabial Folds

• Common concerns: Deep creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
• How HA fillers help: By injecting fillers into the nasolabial folds, the appearance of these deep facial folds is softened. Injectable dermal fillers can fill in these lines.
• Expected results: Reduced prominence of nasolabial folds and a more refreshed appearance.

Marionette Lines

• Common concerns: Lines running downward from the corners of the mouth, contributing to a tired or aged look.
• How HA fillers help: HA fillers are used to smooth out marionette lines by filling in the static lines and restoring lost volume.
• Expected Results: A balanced and youthful appearance with diminished marionette lines and improved facial expressions.

Tear Troughs and Under-Eye Area

• Common concerns: Hollowing, dark circles and a tired appearance.
• How HA fillers help: Carefully administered filler injections in the tear troughs and under-eye area can restore lost volume, reduce dark circles, and improve skin texture around the eyes.
• Expected Results: A brighter, more refreshed appearance that fills in under-eye hollows while reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Jawline and Chin

• Common concerns: Loss of definition and imbalanced facial contours.
• How HA fillers help: HA dermal fillers can be used to sculpt and define the jawline and chin. This not only restores volume but also enhances the overall facial anatomy.
• Expected results: A well-defined jawline and chin with improved symmetry, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

Non-Facial Areas

While the majority of filler treatments focus on the face, dermal fillers also offer benefits for non-facial areas. Here are some of them:

Hands

• Common concerns: Visible signs of ageing, including volume loss and prominent veins.
• How HA fillers help: Injections into the hands can help restore volume, smooth facial folds on the back of the hands and improve skin elasticity.
• Expected Results: A marked reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and improved skin texture.

Neck

• Common concerns: Sagging skin and the formation of horizontal lines.
• How HA fillers help: Though less common than facial treatments, injectable fillers can be used to subtly lift and hydrate the neck area.
• Expected results: Diminished horizontal lines and more even skin texture.

Scars

• Common concerns: Depressed scars that disrupt the smoothness of the skin.
• How HA fillers help: By carefully injecting the filler into the scar tissue, the volume is restored, and the surface appears more even.
• Expected results: Less noticeable scars with improved skin contour and a more uniform appearance.

Hyaluronic Acid Filler Procedure & Injection Techniques

Understanding the dermal filler procedure – from consultation to aftercare – ensures that you know what to expect from the treatment. Here’s what to expect.

Initial Consultation

The process begins with a comprehensive consultation with a licensed aesthetic practitioner who will assess your facial anatomy, skin elasticity and specific concerns. During this consultation, your practitioner will discuss your goals – whether for lip augmentation, non-surgical nose job or cheek augmentation – and design a customised plan that outlines the amount of injectable hyaluronic acid needed.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Prior to the procedure, patients are advised to prepare for the procedure to reduce the risk of side effects. This may include:

• Avoiding blood thinners or medications that increase bruising.
• Discuss any history of allergic reactions or blood clotting problems.
• Consider a numbing agent to minimise discomfort during fine needle injections.

The Injection Process

• Step 1: Marking the Treatment Area
  The practitioner carefully maps out the treatment area, whether targeting nasolabial folds, tear troughs or restoring lost volume in the cheeks. Precision in marking the facial contours ensures that the filler treatments align with your natural facial features.
• Step 2: Filler Injections
  The hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the desired area using a fine needle. It is adapted to each patient’s unique facial anatomy, whether the focus is on soft tissue filler applications like lip augmentation or deeper injections for a non-surgical nose job.
• Step 3: Moulding and Shaping
  After injection, the filler is gently massaged into place, ensuring even distribution and optimal integration. This step is critical for achieving smooth facial expressions and enhancing the natural contours of the face.

Aftercare Instructions

Proper post-procedure care helps minimise side effects and ensures the best results. Patients are advised to:

• Avoid strenuous activities and excessive heat for at least 24 to 48 hours.
• Refrain from massaging the treated area following the procedure to prevent disturbing the filler placement.
• Follow up with the clinic if any adverse reactions, such as allergic reactions or skin reactions unexpectedly, occur.

How Long Do Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Last?

The longevity of HA fillers depends on multiple factors, including the specific hyaluronic acid product used, the treatment area and individual metabolic rates. Typically, these temporary dermal fillers last anywhere from several months to over a year.

Realistic Longevity Expectations by Treatment Area

• Lips. Results usually last between 6 to 12 months, making them ideal for lip augmentation without committing to a permanent change.
• Cheeks and mid-face. With cheek augmentation, the effects can last for 9 to 12 months as the filler helps restore lost volume.
• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The effects typically persist for around 9 to 12 months, with gradual biodegradation over time.
• Under-eye areas (tear troughs). The effect might be slightly shorter due to the delicate nature of the skin, generally lasting 6 to 8 months.

Factors Affecting Filler Longevity

• Metabolism. Individuals with faster metabolic rates may experience a quicker breakdown of the filler.
• Injection technique. The depth and precision of filler injections can significantly affect how long the results last.
• The amount of movement in the treatment area. Areas with more dynamic facial expressions, such as the forehead and around the mouth, may require more frequent touch-ups.
• Type of filler used. Some HA dermal fillers are formulated to be more robust due to their cross-linking properties, while others offer a softer, more temporary correction.

Risks & Side Effects of HA Fillers

Like any medical procedure, hyaluronic acid filler treatments carry certain risks. However, when administered by a qualified aesthetic practitioner, the risks are minimal and manageable.

Common Side Effects

• Mild bruising. Some patients may experience mild bruising at the injection site.
• Swelling and redness. Temporary swelling and redness can occur, typically resolving within a few days.
• Tenderness. The injection site might be slightly tender.
• Static and vertical Lines. In rare cases, uneven filler distribution can cause visible static lines, which may be corrected with follow-up treatments.

Rare but Potentially Concerning Reactions

• Allergic reactions. Although hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring and biocompatible, some individuals may have allergic reactions.
• Blood clotting problems. Patients taking blood thinners should inform their practitioner beforehand, as this can increase the risk of bruising.
• Facial asymmetry or lumps. Improperly administered filler injections can lead to asymmetry or lumps, though these are usually resolved with minor corrective procedures.

Aesthetic practitioners take great care to ensure patient comfort and safety by using a numbing agent, adhering to strict aseptic techniques and reviewing the patient’s medical history to avoid complications.

Can Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Be Reversed?

One of the key advantages of using hyaluronic acid as an injectable filler is its reversibility. If a patient is unhappy with the results or experiences issues, a reversal process is available.

The Role of Hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that effectively breaks down hyaluronic acid filler, allowing for a quick reversal of the treatment. This option is particularly reassuring for patients seeking a temporary dermal filler treatment and ensures that any undesired outcomes can be safely corrected.

The Reversal Process

• Assessment. The practitioner assesses the injection site and determines the appropriate amount of hyaluronidase required.
• Injection. Hyaluronidase is carefully injected into the area where the HA filler has been applied.
• Dissolution. The enzyme breaks down the filler, reversing the volume restoration and returning the treatment area to its pre-filler state.
• Follow-up. Post-procedure monitoring ensures that the reversal is complete and that the patient experiences no further issues.

This process underscores the benefit of HA fillers as a temporary dermal filler option that can be adjusted according to patient needs.

Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid fillers represent a groundbreaking advance in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. As a naturally occurring substance, hyaluronic acid provides a unique combination of hydration, volume restoration, and collagen stimulation that underpins its popularity as both a soft tissue filler and a temporary dermal filler. Whether you are seeking lip augmentation, cheek augmentation, or treatment for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, or tear troughs, HA fillers offer a safe, effective, and customisable approach to enhancing your facial features.

By understanding the science behind this injectable hyaluronic acid treatment, the intricacies of the dermal filler procedure, and the factors that influence cost and longevity, patients can make informed decisions about their aesthetic journey. With the added assurance of reversibility through hyaluronidase and the flexibility to combine treatments—such as chemical peels, collagen stimulators, or even alternatives to autologous fat grafting—hyaluronic acid filler treatments are at the forefront of clinical and aesthetic dermatology.