In the simplest of terms a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is a long chain of sugar molecules; a carbohydrate – specifically, a polysaccharide. 

It occurs naturally in the human body (most abundantly in the skin, joints, and connective tissue) and works to keep our tissues cushioned and hydrated.  The gel form of HA that is injected is made in a lab and is cross-linked many more times than our natural HA in order to give it a longer duration before being metabolized.

It is important to understand saying “dermal filler” is like saying “shoe”.  There are many different types: sneakers, wedges, sandals, etc.  One type of derma filler is a HA (think sneaker).  The two largest brands in the US with FDA approved HAs are Galderma and Allergan (now think Nike and Adidas).  There are lots of styles of Nike’s, right?  It’s the same with HAs.  Galderma makes the Restylane family and there are 6 “styles” in that family: Restylane, Lyft, Defyne, Refyne, Silk, and Kysse.  Allergan makes Juvederm and there are 4 “styles” of Juvederm: Voluma, Vobella, Vollure, and Juvederm Ultra Plus.

Each brand/style of these HA fillers has unique characteristics that influence their longevity and at what location and depth I inject them. Of note, an HA is the only type of dermal filler that has an antidote, hyaluronidase, which dissolves the HA almost immediately.

I hope that gives you better understanding of the landscape of one type of derma filler, an HA.  Please reach out with any questions through contact me or join the discussion on IG @ tracyholzmannp.