Hylaform® Hyaluronic Acid Gel

Hylaform® is a clear, colorless gel synthesized from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the human body and integral to keeping tissue lubricated. Deficiencies in hyaluronic acid have been linked to osteoarthritis, TMJ, and other degenerative diseases. Hylaform® and Hylaform® Plus injections replace collagen and hyaluronic acid that have deteriorated over time to remove wrinkles, filling in the empty space while moisturizing and lubricating the surrounding tissue.

About Hyaluronic Acid

As people grow older, the skin gradually loses some of the components that keep it pliant and youthful-looking. These critical skin components are collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Skin care treatments using collagen have existed for many years, and the products offered are continually improving. Some doctors project that ways to replenish elastin may be developed at some point in the future. However, the latest injectable dermal fillers, such as Hylaform® and Restylane® use hyaluronic acid gel. Found naturally in the human body, hyaluronic acid is a substance that helps to retain moisture in the skin. Hyaluronic acid gel can be injected into the skin to fill out facial lines and remove wrinkles, or it can be used for lip enhancement. The two main FDA-approved hyaluronic acid products on the market today are Restylane® and Hylaform®.

Both Restylane® and Hylaform® should be administered by trained cosmetic surgery professionals, so as maximize the benefits of hyaluronic acid gel injections.

Benefits and Possible Dangers of Hyaluronic Acid

As hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical already present in skin, there is little chance of an allergic reaction or the body rejecting the injection. As a result, one of the benefits of hyaluronic acid treatments is that no skin test is required to determine the patient's reaction, as with collagen; the treatment can simply be administered when the patient desires. Hylaform® injections immediately remove wrinkles, and the results last for many months. Unlike artificial substances, hyaluronic acid is not only natural but known for its health-promoting qualities; ABC News documented a village in Japan whose residents lived particularly long lives, which was at least in part attributed to diets rich in hyaluronic acid.

There are potential dangers of certain hyaluronic acid treatments, however. Patients with avian allergies may not be eligible for Hylaform® or Hylaform® Plus, as the hyaluronic acid is harvested from rooster combs. There are potential reactions to the injection as well, including temporary discomfort, discoloration, and swelling. However, in general these reactions are less severe and pass more quickly than those from other injectable treatments.

What is Hylaform®?

Hylaform® is an FDA-approved injectable hyaluronic acid gel produced by Inamed, a leading manufacturer of medical products. Hylaform® gel is a highly purified form of hyaluronic acid, very similar to that found naturally in the body, so no allergy tests are needed before receiving Hylaform® injections (though as mentioned previously, those with bird allergies should talk to their doctor before treatment). Similar to Restylane®, Hylaform® is injected just below the surface of the skin, where it draws in moisture and volume to reduce or remove the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. The effects of Hylaform® injections last for about six months to nine months, at which point further treatment will be needed or the effects will diminish.

Hylaform® and Hylaform® Plus

Hylaform® and Hylaform® Plus are both derived from the same material and designed for the same purpose, though for different applications. Hylaform® is injected into finer lines and wrinkles to smooth out the skin and hydrate and lubricate the tissue beneath the surface. Hylaform® Plus is more concentrated and while it achieves the same lubrication and hydration, it is intended for deeper lines and creases in the face. Your doctor will determine which treatment is best for your individual situation and desired results.

Locate a Physician in Your Area

As with all cosmetic procedures, even very minor ones, finding a capable surgeon is the most important decisions you will make. Let DocShop help you find a qualified surgeon in your area, and help answer any questions or concerns you may have about Hylaform® or Hylaform® Plus, the benefits and dangers of hyaluronic acid, or any other concerns you may have.