What is HA (hyaluronic acid)?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the human body and is found in connective tissues, skin, eyes, and joints. In the skin, HA is crucial because it binds to water, helping to maintain skin hydration and contributing to skin's smooth and plump appearance.
How does HA improve the aging process?
Since the skin contains about 56% of the body’s total hyaluronic acid, it plays a significant role in maintaining the skin's texture and overall health. As we age, our body’s ability to produce HA decreases and the skins loses elasticity and begins to wrinkle. This makes it incredibly effective at boosting hydration, especially for dry or dehydrated skin. It helps to draw moisture into the skin, keeping it plump, smooth, and moisturized.
What are the cosmetic benefits of HA?
1. Boosts Hydration
HA has an incredible ability to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep skin hydrated and plump. This hydration helps improve skin texture, making it appear more youthful and fresh.
2. Plumps and Smooths the Skin
By drawing moisture into the skin, HA helps to plump up areas that may have lost volume due to aging, smoothing out fine lines and creating a more youthful, glowing appearance.
3. Fills in Wrinkles
HA fillers are commonly used to fill in wrinkles and lines, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines) or marionette lines. This can result in a smoother, more refreshed appearance with a natural-looking result.
4. Restores Volume and Creates Symmetry
As we age, we naturally lose volume in certain areas of the face, especially in the cheeks, temples, and around the jawline. HA fillers can restore volume and help to balance and enhance facial symmetry.
5. Natural-Looking Results
Since HA is naturally occurring in the body, the results of HA treatments tend to look more natural compared to other cosmetic procedures. The skin feels softer and the changes are subtle but effective, enhancing your features without overdoing it.
6. Non-Surgical, Immediate Results
One of the major advantages of HA is that it's a non-invasive treatment with immediate results. There’s no need for incisions or long recovery times, making it a popular option for those looking for a quick, effective solution to facial aging.
7. Minimal Risk of Allergic Reactions
Since HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body, the risk of allergic reactions is very low. This makes it a safe option for most people, even those with sensitive skin.
These benefits make HA an incredibly versatile and safe option for a variety of aesthetic concerns, whether you’re looking to hydrate your skin or enhance your facial features with a more youthful appearance.
Which areas does G2 Aesthetics treat?
At this time, G2 Aesthetics offers lip enhancement treatments, but there will be additional treatment areas available in the coming months.
Common uses of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers include:
- Smile Lines (Nasolabial Folds): The lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth, often deepening with age.
- Downturned Oral Commissures (Corners of the Mouth): To lift and restore volume to the corners of the mouth, which can sag over time.
- Marionette Lines: The lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin, giving a "puppet-like" appearance when pronounced.
- Cheeks: To restore volume and lift, giving the face a more youthful, contoured look.
- Pre-Jowl Sulcus: The area along the jawline that can sag or lose volume, contributing to the appearance of jowls.
- Temples: To restore volume and fullness to the temples, which can hollow out with age.
What should I expect at my lip enhancement consultation?
To ensure you’re a good candidate for treatment, I’ll review your medical history, any allergies, and whether you’re currently taking any medications. Whether it's adding volume, defining the shape, enhancing the natural curve, or balancing asymmetry, I’ll want to understand the goals you’re looking to achieve. I’ll assess your natural lip shape, volume, and symmetry. I’ll evaluate your facial structure to recommend the best approach for enhancing your lips. There are different types of HA fillers, each with its own properties (e.g., softer for fine lines, thicker for volume). I’ll choose the best one based on your desired outcome. Should you proceed with treatment, a numbing agent will be applied for 20-30 minutes to minimize discomfort.
How much does lip filler cost?
1 syringe of Juvederm Ultra XC costs $650 and $550 for an additional syringe. 1 syringe of Volbella costs $675 and $575 for an additional syringe. Ultra XC plumps the lips and Volbella enhances lips and softens lip lines.
How long will the results last?
Results for both types of filler lasts up to 1 year
What are some common side effects?
One important thing to keep in mind is that all potential side effects can last up to 30 days
Tenderness
Lumps/bumps
Swelling
Firmness
Bruising, redness
Discoloration
Itching
What are some common myths of HA?
“HA fillers are permanent.” HA is rapidly reversible, degradable, and dissipates over time
“It will correct sagging skin.” Unfortunately, filler does not correct sagging skin but it will fill the folds
“I will look fake, unnatural, over-filled.” When done correctly, HA fillers provide natural-looking results. The goal is usually to enhance your features subtly, not drastically alter them.
“HA filler injections are painful.” While any injection involves a small amount of discomfort, HA fillers are generally not considered very painful. Many fillers already contain a local anesthetic (lidocaine) to minimize pain, and the procedure is quick. Most people report feeling only mild discomfort, if any at all, during the process.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Any colds sores or rash in the treatment area needs to be resolved prior to treatment
If you have a special event or vacation coming up, schedule treatment at least two weeks in advance
It’s preferable to discontinue aspirin, ibuprofen, gingko biloba, vitamin E, garlic, and alcohol 48 hours prior to treatment to minimize bruising and swelling
Post-Treatment Instructions
If you easily develop cold sores, please let me know so I can send a prescription for anti-viral medication
Avoid touch or massaging the treated area(s)
Ice packs may be applied
For 24 hours, avoid sun or heat exposure, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and strenuous exercise
Avoid sleeping on your face
Avoid facials, peels, microneedling for 3-5 days