Hyaluronan Gel Dermal Filler

Hyaluronan Gel Dermal Filler

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin and is a powerful moisturizing agent. The amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases with age, as does the quality, allowing the skin to dry out and sag, forming wrinkles or hollow areas.

U Cosmetic uses the newest 100% hyaluronan gel fillers. They are a synthetic, non-animal origin hyaluronan gel fillers used to fill out wrinkles, areas of volume loss or to enhance areas such as lips. These new hyaluronan gels are exceptionally tolerated because of the reduced protein and bacterial endotoxin levels resulting in less hypersensitivity reactions.

The hyaluronan gels come in a range specifically designed for different areas of the face such as lines between the eyes, around the nose and mouth. Cheek and chin volume can be restored. Volume and definition can be given to thin lips. When treating certain areas, local anesthetic or nerve blocks may be used to numb the area prior to treatment. Treatments can last 6 to 12 months.

Other options for treating loss of facial volume or wrinkles include Botox® injections for wrinkle prevention, Accent XL skin tightening and surgery for wrinkles and loss of volume or not doing the procedure at all. There may be other options not listed.

Dermal fillers are not recommended if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, have active infection at the site or an upcoming facial procedure such as Pixel resurfacing or Accent skin tightening.

Smoking/second hand smoke can interfere with tissue healing and increase risk of infection. It also increases the number of free radicals in your skin that destroy hyaluronans and collagen.

Dermal filler treatment is enhanced by a proper skincare regimen, a qood quality SPF product and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. U Cosmetic has chosen a range of specific medical grade skincare products that complement all of our procedures and can prolong results of treatments.

Injection-related side effects can include:

· bleeding and bruising. The face has many blood vessels that can be compromised during injections. Aspirin, anti-inflammatories, anti-platelet medications, anticoagulants, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and other herbs may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.

· swelling which is common after injections and may take a few days to a week to resolve.

· redness at or around the injection site and can last a few days.

· needle marks which may be visible from the injections and can last a few days

· skin rashes or cold sores following injection. This can last for 7 to 10 days. If you get cold sores inform the clinician and some antiviral medication can be prescribed to prevent or limit the cold sore outbreak.

· discomfort associated with the injection that is expected and short-lived. It may feel like a “headache” in your face that day and evening. You may also hear or feel a crunch with deeper injections such as with cheek enhancement.

· skin sensitivity reactions such as rashes or itching. These are less common with the newer fillers because of very low protein content.

· damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue during injection.

· Infection, which is very unusual because of the face’s high blood supply.


Filler-related side effects can include:

· asymmetry. Faces are naturally asymmetrical. It may not be possible or desirable to achieve symmetry. The focus is on improvement rather than perfection.

· visible tissue filler in treated areas with very thin skin.

· skin lumpiness. It is more common with fillers other than those used at U Cosmetic.

· skin necrosis or break down is very rare but if it occurs may produce significant scarring.

· prolonged swelling.

· granuloma (lump) formation over time in response to the presence of the hyaluronan gel in the skin.


Prior to injections:

· avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or herbal medications such as ginkgo biloba, St John’s wort or other medications that may increase your risk of bleeding for 3 days prior to treatment.


After your treatment:

· avoid exercising for the next 4 hours.

· do not lie facedown for 24 hours. Sleep on your back that night.

· avoid rubbing or massaging the area treated for 24hrs. You may gently wash your face at any time.

· use ice on the treated areas to decrease swelling and pain. Take acetaminophen for any discomfort.

· you should wait 2-4 weeks if you are planning other treatments in the area treated today.

· consider an effective medical grade skincare plan such as Revaléskin, Pro-Derm, Déjà Vu or Obagi if you are going to invest in your skin with hyaluronan gel fillers. Medical grade skincare products can help prolong the effects of hyaluronan gels and provide high quality SPF protection.

· call the clinic if you have any questions about your treatment. We are here to help you and want your experience to be a pleasant one.