Glossary

Hyaluronic acid

A sugar molecule found naturally in the body that has the ability to hold water. In aesthetics it is used as a filler substance and as the main component of skin booster injections; it is broken down by the body over time.

Articles that mention this term

Treatment GuidesHyaluronic Acid Filler: What It Is, How It Is Done and What the Risks AreWhat hyaluronic acid filler is, who it does not suit and how it is done. Expected side effects, signs of vascular occlusion and realistic expectations.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesBotulinum Toxin (Commonly Called “botox”): What It Is, Who It Suits and What to Watch ForHow botulinum toxin works, who it suits, how the procedure is done, its side effects and when to see a physician. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreA 10-Point Safety Checklist for Choosing a Clinic and Physician for Medical Aesthetics10 safety questions to ask when choosing a clinic and physician before filler, botulinum toxin or another medical aesthetic procedure.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreAfter Fillers: When Is It an Emergency? Vascular Occlusion and Other Warning SignsWhich symptoms after filler are normal and which are urgent? Signs of vascular occlusion, vision problems, infection and allergy; what to do first.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesMesotherapy: What Is It, What Is It Used For, and What Does the Evidence Say?What mesotherapy is and how effective it is for skin and hair: the limits of the evidence, risks of unknown mixtures and possible side effects.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardGuidesA Guide for First-Time Medical Aesthetic PatientsBefore your first medical aesthetic procedure: deciding, realistic expectations, choosing a physician, consent, aftercare and emotional readiness.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesThread Lift (Non-Surgical Facial Lifting Threads): Who Is It For, How Long Does It Last, and What Are the Risks?What a thread lift is, who it suits, how long it lasts: limits of dissolvable threads, possible side effects and a realistic comparison with surgery.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardGuidesMedical Aesthetics for Men: What Is Different, and What Should You Watch Out For?Medical aesthetics for men: anatomical differences, common treatments, planning for a natural result, choosing a physician and safety, in a plain guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

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