There are hundreds of types, but the market is dominated by hyaluronic acid fillers, which have by far the best safety profile. Common brands are Juvederm, Restylane, Boletero. They are also used in other fields of medicine, including orthopaedics to aid arthritic joints and in eye surgery.
HA -Alternating units of 1,4 linked N-acelylglucosamine and glucuronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a ubiquitous carbohydrate (or more accurately a mucopolysaccaride) found in the human body in interstitial fluid, the vitreous humour of the eye, and in synovial fluid to name a few. It consists of a repeating units N-acelylglucosamine and glucuronic acid and can be extremely long.
In the body it is continuously made and broken down, with a half life of just 24 to 36 hours in the skin. As we age production slows, but the half life remains the same, so total quantity is reduced.
This forms part of the reason there is a decrease in skin volume.
The HA molecule has some very unusual properties – a high degree of elasticity and excellent lubricating properties. It easily becomes quickly integrated with native collagen and elastin molecules, but by far its biggest strength is its ability to hold 1000 times its own weight in water.
As an injectable cosmetic filler, the result is a product that feels natural, (because it’s a soft gel), lasts 6 to 12 months (because it’s cross linked), stays where you put it (because it integrates with native tissue) and is reversible if required (using hyaluronidase to break up the long HA chains).
All in all, the HA molecule is very close to the ‘ideal’ filler, and is the 1st choice for both new and experienced injectors for most indications.
Patients looking to have facial filler treatment in the North West will be reassured to know that SkinViva ticks all the boxes. They only use top brand fillers and all their injections are carried out by trained clinicians. The company was established in January 2008 and remains an independent, doctor-led organisation with a firm commitment to patient welfare and safety, as well as great aesthetic results.
Appointments are available at an extensive network of 85+ convenient locations across the North West including Cheshire, Lancashire and Manchester.
SkinViva offer a range of popular cosmetic skin treatments to help customers achieve better skin. Their treatments include botox, dermal fillers, dermaroller micro-needling and top brand skin creams.
For further information or to arrange a FREE confidential consultation, please call 0161 865 1141, email contact@skinviva.com.
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