What Is Hyaluronic Acid Treatment?

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

The fountain of youth might not exist, but there are certainly safe and effective cosmetic treatments that help us look and feel younger.

One of the most popular is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the joints and eyes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several different hyaluronic acid formulations to treat a variety of medical and cosmetic complaints, including osteoarthritis, cataracts, and loss of skin volume.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid Treatment?

Hyaluronic acid treatment is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical intervention — eye surgery, orthopedic surgery, or cosmetic surgery, depending on the condition being treated.

Hyaluronic Acid Delivery Methods

The most common hyaluronic acid delivery method is injection. Depending on the formulation, hyaluronic acid is suspended in a gel, serum, or filler and injected into the skin or joints.

Hyaluronic acid can also be taken topically. The most effective topical formulation treats mouth sores and inflammation — it’s applied to the gums and soft tissue inside the mouth. Some high-end cosmetic products contain hyaluronic acid as well, but evidence for their efficacy is limited.

Hyaluronic Acid Contraindications and Side Effects

Hyaluronic acid has a relatively low risk of complications. Side effects tend to be mild and temporary. Allergic reaction is the biggest risk for topical delivery, but it’s rare.

Still, some patients should avoid hyaluronic acid treatment during:

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Outbreaks of scleroderma and certain other conditions that cause skin ulcers or irritation

Injected hyaluronic acid can cause more serious problems due to injection error. For example, hyaluronic acid filler material can cause blood clots if injected into a blood vessel. Fortunately, such complications are rare for patients working with providers who’ve completed accredited dermal filler training coursework.

Types of Hyaluronic Acid Treatment

Let’s take a closer look at the most common use cases for hyaluronic acid treatment. Unless otherwise noted, these treatments must occur under the supervision of a licensed medical provider.

Cosmetic Dermatology (Hyaluronic Acid Fillers)

The most common use of hyaluronic acid occurs in cosmetic dermatology. It’s the most popular type of dermal filler for injections in the face and lips.

Patients like hyaluronic acid fillers because they’re temporary, reversible (using an antiserum known as hyaluronidase), and low-risk.

The principal downside compared with other types of fillers is duration of effect. For instance, Juvederm® typically lasts 6 to 24 months, depending on the formulation, dosing, treatment area, and other factors. Other types of fillers, such as PMMA, maintain their effects for much longer.

Osteoarthritis (Joint Injections)

Hyaluronic acid is used as a low-intervention for osteoarthritis, particularly the knees. It works as a lubricant, helping joints regain some of their shock-absorbing capacity and reducing pain associated with joint inflammation — though it’s not a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Cataract Surgery and Dry Eye Management

Hyaluronic acid is often used as a lubricant and volumizer during cataract surgery. It’s not useful for topical cataract treatment; cataracts generally require surgical intervention to correct.

Hyaluronic acid is useful as a topical eye treatment for dry eyes. Eye drops containing hyaluronic acid may be more effective than standard saline drops.

Oral Inflammation and Sores Treatment

Finally, oral gel containing hyaluronic acid may be effective for lessening pain, irritation, and inflammation associated with mouth sores and lesions. However, there’s little evidence that oral hyaluronic acid formulations are effective for treating issues elsewhere in the body.