H.A. FILLER BEFORE & AFTER

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Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Filler

Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Filler

HELPS ADDRESS: ¹
● Volume loss on face (cheekbones, cheek)
● Fine lines and wrinkles (nasolabial folds, etc)
● Improved appearance of under eyes
● Facial contours of the lips, chin, jawline and nose
● Lost volume for back of hand rejuvenation ²
● Scarring from acne and other conditions

PRICE RANGE: Cost will differ depending upon the brand of hyaluronic acid filler and the number of syringes needed to achieve the desired results. The location of the administrating clinic and experience of the practitioner will also affect the final cost of the procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has determined an average cost of $684 per syringe of hyaluronic acid filler.³
AVERAGE DOWNTIME: No downtime but patient may have redness, swelling or bruising at the site of injection.

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HYALURONIC ACID FILLER AT A GLANCE

WHAT IT DOES: Hyaluronic acid filler mimics the role of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the skin, playing a major role in maintaining skin hydration and volume. HA fillers are injected into the skin with a needle to immediately treat fine lines and wrinkles, restore lost volume, contour facial features and/or add volume. Effects of injectable hyaluronic acid are visible immediately, and depending on the formulation, can last from six months to two years as the body metabolizes the HA filler.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Pre and post-procedure instruction may differ based on the location, state of the skin, and the amount of filler required to achieve the desired results. Therefore, always consult with and follow the instructions of the professional performing the procedure.

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THE H.A. FILLER EXPERIENCE

Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

A multi-function treatment serum delivering superb surface hydration while simultaneously supporting natural hydration factors in the skin. Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier maximizes the look of results with increased skin plumpness and improved appearance.

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CHEMICAL PEELS

HELSPS ADDRESS: Acne, Acne Scars, Age Spots, Rough Texture, Discoloration, Fine Lines, Wrinkles
PRICE RANGE: $250
AVEREGE DOWNTIME: 0-2 Weeks

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TREATMENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT IT DOES: Administered by a skincare professional, chemical peel’s work by exfoliating the skin’s surface to reduce the appearance of blemishes, texture, or wrinkles.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Chemical peels come in many different strengths and acidic formulations. Some common acids in chemical peels are alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

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GLYCOLIC 10 RENEW OVERNIGHT

Clinically proven to be well-tolerated between chemical peels to optimize and maintain results

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THE CHEMICAL PEEL EXPERIENCE

The Chemical Peel Experience

INJECTABLE HYALURONIC ACID FILLERS FAQS

How long do hyaluronic acid fillers last?

Hyaluronic acid is a preferred ingredient for dermal fillers because it is naturally occurring in the body and therefore poses fewer risks of negative reactions. However, the half-life of hyaluronic acid is notoriously short and a normal hyaluronic acid filler degrades quickly.⁴ To create longer-lasting HA fillers, pharmaceutical companies created more durable formulations by chemically cross-linking the HA filler strands. These new formulations of hyaluronic acid filler can last from six months to two years based on the formula, the amount injected, and location. ⁵

There are two kinds of possible breakdown of HA filler that affect its durability; metabolic and mechanical. Metabolic breakdown refers to how quickly a patient’s body metabolizes or “breaks down” the hyaluronic acid filler. Mechanical breakdown of HA fillers is related to movement of the area and will differ depending on the individual’s unique movements (such as facial expressions) and habits (for example, massaging the skin too vigorously will break down injectable hyaluronic acid more quickly). Some areas of the face such as the smile lines and around the mouth, break down hyaluronic acid filler faster due to repetitive movement, which is why hyaluronic acid lip filler may need to be touched up after 6 months.⁶ Other areas, such as the under eye where there is little mechanical pressure due to the soft and thin nature of the skin, injectable hyaluronic acid may last up to several years. As with any cosmetic procedure, the results and longevity will vary from patient to patient.

Are hyaluronic acid fillers safe?

Injectable hyaluronic acid has been in use in Europe since 1996, and hyaluronic acid filler procedures have grown rapidly in popularity since the first FDA-approved HA filler, Restylane®, came on the US market in 2003.⁷ Improvements in hyaluronic acid filler formulations have steadily decreased the occurrence of negative reactions and increased the possible applications for injectable hyaluronic acid.

Lowered taboos around procedures such as hyaluronic acid filler and increased exposure on social media of hyaluronic acid lip injections and other HA fillers contributes partly to a more casual approach to injectable hyaluronic acid. Unfortunately, a black market of bootlegged hyaluronic acid filler on the internet and non-credentialed injectors are ready to take advantage of these consumers and the results have not been positive and often dangerous. Any substance injected into the body represents a medical procedure and should be treated with that level of caution and due diligence. When considering an injectable hyaluronic acid procedure consult only with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon using reputable and tested hyaluronic acid filler.

At what age should you get fillers?

The correct age to start hyaluronic acid filler, if at all, is a personal choice after discussion with a trusted professional. While all skin will begin to lose bone mass and collagen around the mid-twenties⁸ , the speed and expression of visible aging of the skin is determined by personal genetics and lifestyle and will be different for everyone. In general, most patients interested in HA fillers begin hyaluronic acid filler injections between the ages of 40 and 54. However, HA fillers used in procedures such as lip augmentation are becoming increasingly popular with younger patients. Some medical professionals even recommend the use of hyaluronic acid fillers as a preventative, anti-aging procedure, while others prefer to begin after the first signs of aging. It’s important to note, however, that while hyaluronic acid fillers may improve the appearance of the skin, they do not halt the aging process.⁹ Consulting with an experienced clinician with thorough knowledge of facial anatomy will help determine if hyaluronic acid filler is the appropriate choice.

Do fillers make skin sag?

One of the great advantages of hyaluronic acid filler over other dermal fillers is the non-permanent nature of HA fillers. Permanent and semi-permanent fillers have more possible long-term side effects such as stretching out the skin causing pockets of sagging skin. But, a judicious amount of hyaluronic acid filler that is properly placed does not pose a risk of creating areas of sagging or stretched skin. A more common outcome is for injectable hyaluronic acid to correct sagging skin due to aging by replacing lost volume. As the body metabolizes the hyaluronic acid filler, the skin will simply return to its previous state, which may appear more loose to the patient that has become accustomed to fuller, plumper skin from the HA fillers.

Will massaging filler break it down?

Although rare, it is possible for hyaluronic acid filler to migrate or move. This generally happens within the first few days after receiving the injectable hyaluronic acid when, for whatever reason, the HA filler moves before it has bonded with the tissue at the site of injection. To prevent HA filler migration, the general recommendation is to avoid any firm manipulation of an area treated with hyaluronic acid filler for three days after placement of the HA filler.¹⁰ Many practitioners offering services such as microcurrent or massage-based facial treatments will recommend waiting two weeks after a hyaluronic acid filler to avoid any possible negative effects on injectable hyaluronic acid.
In other cases, a provider may massage the HA filler or instruct the patient to do so for distribution of the material, a common occurrence with hyaluronic acid lip injections.¹¹ It’s important to follow the advice of the injector thoroughly as each case is unique. Lumps that appear after receiving injectable hyaluronic acid may be due to swelling or possibly a small hematoma at the site of injection which will resolve within a few weeks. It’s best to alert your provider to any changes or uneven textures in the treated area. Should an issue arise with the hyaluronic acid filler it can usually be corrected easily with the use of an enzyme, hyaluronidase, which can dissolve the hyaluronic acid filler completely in 48 hours.

Do I have to sleep on my back after fillers?

Depending upon the circumstances, an administering practitioner may recommend back-sleeping with the head slightly elevated for a period after receiving hyaluronic acid filler. Post-procedure instruction may differ depending upon the location, the amount of HA filler used, and the health of the skin.¹² As always, it’s important to follow the recommendations of the professional administering the treatment.

What are the side effects of injectable hyaluronic acid?

Properly placed hyaluronic acid filler poses small risk for negative side effects. But even in the best conditions, some patients may have an allergic response to injectable hyaluronic acid. In these cases, there are various treatment options depending upon the reaction. These interventions may include the use of steroids or an enzyme that dissolves the HA filler.^13,14

Although rare, possible side effects include:
● red, swollen, bruised skin
● itchy skin
● lumpy skin
● infection at the site of injection
● pain
● bleeding
● prolonged firmness
● an abscess or nodule
● localized tissue death (necrosis)
● haemorrhage of the eyes
● double vision or loss of vision
Any of these symptoms should be reported to the provider immediately. Mild side effects are most common after hyaluronic acid lip filler, but are generally not serious.¹⁵¹⁶

What is injectable hyaluronic acid?

Injectable hyaluronic acid is one type of temporary dermal filler used to correct imperfections and restore fullness. Other types of dermal filler that are also absorbed by the body over time, include the mineral calcium hydroxylapatite and the biodegradable, synthetic material poly-L-lactic.¹⁷ Hyaluronic acid filler consists of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar molecule produced naturally in the body that attracts water and expands. This is the mechanism by which the injectable hyaluronic acid fills a deep space or line in the skin. It is a clear, gel-like substance and, depending on how the hyaluronic acid filler is engineered, it can be firm or elastic, depending on the desired application. The first HA product FDA approved for use in the face was Restalyne™ in 2003. ¹⁸

Animal-derived hyaluronic acid filler was the standard for some time, but it is expensive to process and presents risks of an immune response to accessory proteins bound to the HA filler. Innovations in production led to the manufacture of hyaluronic acid filler via large-scale bacterial fermentation with genetically modified strains. Most injectable hyaluronic acid in use today are from similar non-animal sources. The costs associated with producing bacteria-derived hyaluronic acid filler are lower and the process presents greater flexibility for creating products with higher molecular weight and complex cross-linking. These properties allow for hyaluronic acid fillers that are capable of providing more structural support and are slower to degrade. This variance is responsible for the diverse hyaluronic acid fillers on the market today, expanding the possibilities of injectable hyaluronic filler for cosmetic purposes.¹⁹

Who is not a candidate for hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid filler procedures are not available for a patient with active acne lesions or any infection (including herpes) in the treatment area. Patients with autoimmune disorders (or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy), blood-clotting problems, uncontrolled/untreated diabetes, or an allergy to any components of injectable hyaluronic acid are not candidates for HA fillers.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding patients should consult with their clinician when deciding whether or not to proceed with hyaluronic acid filler. Although there are no studies on the effects of injectable hyaluronic acid whilst pregnant or breast-feeding, many professionals advise against it out of an abundance of caution. However, some patients may choose to pursue treatment with injectable hyaluronic acid while pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

An emerging precaution highlights the connection between dental work and the risk of infection in an area treated with dermal fillers. Although more studies are needed, it is generally recommended to have any dental work completed before undergoing a dermal filler procedure.²⁰

Is injectable hyaluronic acid painful?

Hyaluronic acid filler is administered by injection with a needle, so isn’t a completely pain-free procedure. However, most HA fillers are formulated with lidocaine, a numbing agent, that is activated immediately to reduce any patient discomfort. Some practitioners also administer an anesthetic gel before administering the injectable hyaluronic acid to maximize patient comfort.

What can I expect after having had injectable hyaluronic acid?

One of the benefits of injectable hyaluronic acid is an immediate result, with improvements seen over the next few days as the hyaluronic acid filler settles in the tissues and begins being absorbed by the body. The final results of HA fillers is achieved after about one week and should last from 6 months to a year or more, depending on the formulation and placement of the hyaluronic acid filler. In general, a hyaluronic acid filler that has been engineered to be firmer will last longer than hyaluronic fillers designed for flexibility.

Most patients won’t experience any pain after having dermal fillers. But some people may find they have a little bit of soreness and/or mild bruising at the site of injection. If pain, bruising or swelling does occur, it may be alleviated with the use of an ice pack. As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to consult with the practitioner and report any uncomfortable or unusual side effects after treatment.

*Always consult your physician before undergoing this procedure.

POST-TREATMENT SKINCARE ROUTINE

**It is recommended to incorporate an at-home skincare at-home skincare regimen after this procedure; always consult with your physician before using a regimen for individual at-home advice.
***Follow all product use instructions and warnings.
****If irritation occurs, discontinue use; if irritation persists, consult your physician.

DISCOVER PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS

ArticleAccent Prime™ Body Contouring & Skin Tightening

Accent Prime™ is a unique body contouring device combining radio frequency and ultrasound technologies for skin tightening and body sculpting with fat reduction. The unique combination of two technologies may reduce treatment time and number of sessions without compromising results.

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Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting®)

Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical treatment to reduce pockets of stubborn fat stores on the chin and body. Otherwise known as CoolSculpting®, cryolipolysis delivers extreme cold causing fat cells to crystallize, disintegrate and finally be flushed out of the body by the lymphatic system. CoolSculpting® results in the permanent removal of the treated fat cells.

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EmSculpt Body Contouring

Emsculpt® uses a high intensity electromagnetic field (HIFEM) to stimulate supramaximal contractions in muscle tissue.These contractions represent the highest amount of tension that a muscle is able to exert and hold and is not achievable voluntarily. During a normal 30 minute emsculpting® session, the targeted muscles will complete on average 20,000 of these high tension contractions causing a chain reaction in the body to achieve the Emsculpt® results of greater muscle mass and reduced fat stores.

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Neurotoxin Injectables

Every movement a body makes is triggered by a nerve cell that signals a muscle to contact. Neurotoxin treatments such as Botox®, Jeuveau®, Dysport® and XEOMIN® injections temporarily inhibit these nerve cells. The resulting diminished movement allows wrinkles and lines in the skin to soften and often disappear.

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Thermage Skin Tightening

Thermage® delivers radiofrequency (RF) waves into the collagen stores found in the visible outer layer of skin (the epidermis), the deeper layer (the dermis) as well as a layer of fat below the dermis that also contains a web of collagen fibers. The RF heat separates the water molecules from the collagen causing them to contract and thicken for an immediate skin tightening effect. These remodeled strands of collagen are now stronger and able to provide greater “lift” to the skin for an improved appearance.

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VelaShape

VelaShape® is a non-invasive body contouring and cellulite treatment combining radiofrequency, infrared light and vacuum suction to achieve non-surgical body sculpting. Used primarily on the thighs and abdomen, a deep heat shrinks and disrupts fat cells without damaging the skin, while the vacuum and kneading action improves circulation and lymphatic drainage achieving the body contouring effect. Results are seen immediately and up to six months post treatment.

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Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum-Aaes

When used as a collagenase injection for cellulite dimples on the buttocks, collagenase clostridium histolyticum damages the peptide bonds in collagen, breaking it down while helping to make new collagen. The fibrous bands thought to create the dimpling effect of cellulite are rich in collagen type I and III and are particularly susceptible to degradation by collagenase clostridium histolyticum.

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Radio Frequency

Radio frequency is a form of energy transmitted via electromagnetic waves creating friction that becomes heat. The temperature can be directed at adipose tissue (fat), raising the temperature to destroy fat cells. Radiofrequency may also be delivered in short, intense pulses that oscillate through the skin resulting in a deep thermal heat to trigger collagen re-formatting (skin tightening) and production of new collagen and elastin.

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Ultherapy

Ultherapy® is a non-invasive procedure which uses micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) with ultrasound visualization for the precise delivery of energy to specific depths in the skin. The ultrasound skin tightening delivers temperatures of 65℃ (149℉) to remodel existing collagen and stimulate new collagen production. The ultrasound visualization of an Ultherapy® non-surgical facelift allows for customization, meeting the unique characteristics of each patient by simply adjusting the energy and depth of the ultrasound.

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Pelleve®

Pelleve® creates non invasive skin tightening by delivering radio frequency heat into deeper layers of the skin to stimulate new collagen and tighten existing collagen.A Pelleve® radio frequency treatment may take up to 90 minutes depending upon the surface areas being treated. There is no anesthesia required and the practitioner will rely on the client to report the depth sensation of the treatment as it is being performed.

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Ultrasonic Spatula

An ultrasonic skin scrubber is a water-based exfoliation method. It works by delivering ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency generally between 28,000 and 30,000 vibrations per second to loosen and draw out excess dead skin cells and debris, collecting the material on the metal head of the face spatula as it glides over the skin. When the surface of the skin is wet during a treatment with an ultrasonic skin scrubber the water molecules become pulverized, creating a soft peeling effect on the skin.

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¹ List of all FDA-approved HA-based facial fillers with indications of use https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPMA/pma.cfm?start_search=11&applicant=&tradename=&productcode=LMH&pmanumber=&supplementnumber=&advisorycommittee=&docketnumber=&supplementtype=&expeditedreview=¢er=&ivdproducts=off&combinationproducts=off&decisiondatefrom=&decisiondateto=03%2F04%2F2023¬icedatefrom=¬icedateto=&znumber=&pagenum=10&sortcolumn=do_desc
² https://skincenternj.com/fda-approves-first-hyaluronic-acid-filler-for-hands/
³ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/cost
⁴ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224715000854#:~:text=Average%20degradation%20rate%20with%2095,12.3%20(w%2Fw).
⁵ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224715000854#:~:text=Average%20degradation%20rate%20with%2095,12.3%20(w%2Fw).
⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8377277/
⁷ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6635180/
⁸ https://www.uclahealth.org/news/collagen-peptides-may-be-beneficial-menopausal-bone-loss
⁹ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/if-you-start-injectables-young-can-you-prevent-aging
¹⁰ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172480/
¹¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172480/
¹² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172480/
¹³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6635180/
¹⁴ https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/26/3/356/205526
¹⁵ https://americanmedspa.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-hyaluronic-acid-ha-dermal-filler-injections
¹⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6635180/
¹⁷ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/dermal-filler-dos-and-donts-wrinkles-lips-and-more#:~:text=FDA%2Dapproved%20uses%20of%20dermal,and%20back%20of%20the%20hand
¹⁸ https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/76149
¹⁹ https://americanmedspa.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-hyaluronic-acid-ha-dermal-filler-injections
²⁰ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4379228/#:~:text=Dental%20procedures%20done%20in%20the,may%20mimic%20a%20dental%20infection.

H.A. FILLER BEFORE & AFTER

Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Filler

HYALURONIC ACID FILLER AT A GLANCE

THE H.A. FILLER EXPERIENCE

FEATURED PRODUCT

Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

CHEMICAL PEELS

FEATURED PRODUCT

GLYCOLIC 10 RENEW OVERNIGHT

THE CHEMICAL PEEL EXPERIENCE

INJECTABLE HYALURONIC ACID FILLERS FAQS

DISCOVER PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS

ArticleAccent Prime™ Body Contouring & Skin Tightening

Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting®)

EmSculpt Body Contouring

Neurotoxin Injectables

Thermage Skin Tightening

VelaShape

Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum-Aaes

Radio Frequency

Ultherapy

Pelleve®

Ultrasonic Spatula

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