Hyaluronic Acid Injection

What is Hyaluronic Acid Injection?

Hyaluronic acid (Hyaluronic Acid / HA) is a type of glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout the body in skin, joints, and the vitreous humor of the eyes. It has the property of retaining water up to 1,000 times its own weight, and is a key molecule in maintaining skin elasticity, firmness, and volume. As we age, the amount of HA in the skin decreases, leading to progression of dryness, wrinkles, sagging (skin laxity), and volume loss (Papakonstantinou E, et al. Dermato-endocrinology 2012).

Hyaluronic acid preparations used in aesthetic medicine are gel-based formulations in which molecules are cross-linked by cross-linking agents (BDDE). Cross-linking treatment extends the duration of the substance in the body, and it is gradually broken down and absorbed over approximately 6 months to 1.5 years (Stocks D, et al. Dermatologic Surgery 2013). The firmness and duration differ depending on injection volume, depth, and degree of cross-linking, and the optimal preparation is selected for each area.

Concerns we can address and main treatment areas

Hyaluronic acid injection is a highly versatile treatment that can manage volume throughout the entire face. The main areas of application and effects are as follows:

Nasolabial folds and marionette lines: Lifts and plumps the nasolabial fold and the line below the corners of the mouth, brightening and refining the expression

Under-eye dark circles (lower-lid love band and tear trough): Fills in hollows to eliminate shadows and improves the appearance of fatigue

Temples and cheeks: Restores volume lost to aging and creates a rounded, youthful contour

Lips: Improves lip thickness, peak definition, and vertical lines, creating a naturally full appearance

Nose (nasal augmentation and nasal tip projection): Creates a defined bridge and height at the nasal tip without surgery

Chin (E-line formation): Extends the chin forward and downward to balance the side profile

Treatment flow

Consultation and design

Your desired areas, volume, and desired outcome are discussed with your treating physician. Facial balance is confirmed while planning the injection volume and areas. Allergy history, medical history, and prior filler treatment at other clinics (particularly non-biodegradable products) are always confirmed.

Anesthesia and injection

After topical anesthetic cream is applied, the preparation is injected using a fine needle or blunt cannula. Most current hyaluronic acid preparations contain lidocaine (a local anesthetic), which significantly reduces pain during injection. Treatment time varies depending on the area, but is approximately 10–20 minutes per site.

Safety and risk management

Hyaluronic acid fillers have a high safety profile, but complications can occur if injection technique and anatomical knowledge are insufficient. The most serious complications are skin necrosis and vision loss from accidental intravascular injection (Beleznay K, et al. Aesthetic Surgery Journal 2022; Wollina U, et al. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2013). Our clinic ensures that treatment is performed by physicians with thorough anatomical knowledge, and we are equipped to immediately administer hyaluronidase (a dissolving agent) in case of emergency.

Common mild side effects include bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site. These typically resolve within 3–7 days. In rare cases, delayed inflammatory reactions (DIR) may occur, in which case appropriate management is provided upon consultation.

Downtime and duration of results

Results can be felt immediately after treatment. Even if swelling or bruising is present, it will become inconspicuous within approximately one week. Because hyaluronic acid is gradually broken down in the body by the enzyme hyaluronidase, the duration of results varies depending on the preparation's degree of cross-linking, injection site, and metabolic rate. Generally it is expected to last approximately 6 months to 1.5 years, but the lips and perioral area experience greater movement, so metabolism may occur more quickly—within approximately 6 months.