WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic biomolecule able to capture and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and is currently used in aesthetic medicine in the form of injections which reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It’s naturally present in the body, mostly in the dermis, and helps to deeply hydrate the skin. In skincare, it’s found in many products thanks to its remarkable anti-wrinkle and plumping properties. But does it have any risks?
- Hyaluronic acid: what is it really?
- Are there dangers of hyaluronic acid in skincare?
- What are the risks of hyaluronic acid injections?
- Sources
Hyaluronic acid: what is it really?
Hyaluronic acid is mostly present in the dermis, but also in the eyes and joints. It contributes to the extracellular matrix and helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity and tone. However, the volume of hyaluronic acid present in the body progressively reduces over time, leading to wrinkles on the surface of the skin.
Are there dangers of hyaluronic acid in skincare?
As a topical application, hyaluronic acid is safe and particularly well-tolerated by all skin types. However, it’s not recommended to use a product containing hyaluronic acid where you have inflammation or infection.
What are the risks of hyaluronic acid injections?
In aesthetic medicine, hyaluronic acid is known for its excellent results when used as an anti-wrinkle injection. Plus, according to the A.N.S.M., undesirable side effects from hyaluronic acid injections only affect 0.1% of people. The most common side effects are swelling, redness, itching, rashes, and slight bruising. No need to worry, though, they’re very common and disappear in a few days.
Post-procedure complications are very rare, but it’s important to explain them to patients before the injection:
Hyaluronic acid allergy, though rare, can cause a localized inflammatory reaction similar to hives ;
Granulomas can appear in treated areas. They’re small nodules that can be unsightly and painful. They generally fade of their own accord in a few weeks. A cortisone or anti-inflammatory treatment can offer relief ;
The injection can trigger cold sores for those who are predisposed to them; they generally disappear in about ten days ;
Abscesses have been reported but are an extremely rare phenomenon.
Contraindications: Surgical injections of hyaluronic acid are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who are allergic to hyaluronic acid.
Sources :
GOLDMAN A & al. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers: safety and efficacy for the treatment of wrinkles, aging skin, body sculpturing and medical conditions. Clinical Medicine Reviews in Therapeutics (2011).
SOMMARIVA R. & al. Vascular complications after facial filler injection: a literature review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2019).
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