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[Hyaluronic Acid Face] What happens if you inject too much hyaluronic acid? A doctor explains the dangerous areas and how to avoid it.

[Hyaluronic Acid Face] What happens if you inject too much hyaluronic acid? A doctor explains the dangerous areas and how to avoid it.

Introduction | Hyaluronic acid fillers are "the least noticeable to the person themselves."

Public Relations Staff Tokutoku
You sometimes see people in the city who you can tell have had hyaluronic acid injections, right?
Director Shiramizu
It's what's known as a "hyaluronic acid face." The truth is, many people are so used to seeing themselves in the mirror every day that they don't realize it looks unnatural.

Hyaluronic acid injections are a quick-acting cosmetic procedure that gives the skin firmness and brightens the complexion. However, if too much is injected, it can result in an unnatural, puffy appearance known as a "hyaluronic acid face."

In this article, Dr. Tsubasa Shiramizu, Chief Director of Elm Clinic, explains the mechanism behind hyaluronic acid fillers and provides tips on choosing the right areas, doctors, and long-term planning to maintain a natural-looking result.

*This article is a revised and expanded version of the content from the YouTube video.

What is a hyaluronic acid face? — The true nature of an unnaturally swollen face

"Hyaluronic acid face" is a common term for a condition where the face becomes unnaturally swollen due to excessive hyaluronic acid injections. The most common cause is:From below the eyes to the cheeks and around the nasolabial folds.This is a case where the volume is excessive.

Hyaluronic acid facial treatments
  • The upper part of my cheeks always looks puffy.
  • My cheeks bulge out abnormally when I laugh.
  • The area under the eyes is puffy, and the natural contours have disappeared.
  • The entire face has a heavy, taut appearance.
Director Shiramizu
I don't think many people would consider this condition "beautiful." The person in question probably wouldn't have gotten the first injection if they had known this is what they would end up with.

The problem is that hyaluronic acid fillers areThe person themselves is the least likely to notice.This is the situation. Because you look at your face in the mirror every day, you get used to the gradual changes as it gets bigger. In many cases, you only notice the change when a friend or family member you haven't seen in a while points it out.

Why do some people end up with a hyaluronic acid-filled face?

The background behind the emergence of hyaluronic acid-enhanced faces is,Volume loss associated with aging and the immediate effects of hyaluronic acid.in XNUMX minutes by bus from Yonago Station.

As we age, the collagen in our skin decreases, and subcutaneous fat also gradually diminishes. When the overall volume of the face decreases, fine lines become more noticeable, and the skin loses its firmness. When hyaluronic acid is injected, the skin becomes firm and taut, just like inflating a balloon.

Special Offer
There are some celebrities who look really chubby, right? Is that also part of this trend?
Director Shiramizu
It's a bit addictive. When you first get it done and see the results—"My skin looks brighter, firmer, and more beautiful"—you get greedy and want "more, more." That's why there's always a point when the doctor performing the procedure has to stop you.

In other words, a hyaluronic acid-filled face is gradually created through the combination of the patient's positive desire to "become even more beautiful" and the practitioner's decision to continue responding to that desire without hesitation.

The duration of hyaluronic acid effects and "differences depending on the area of ​​application"

Hyaluronic acidIt will never completely disappear.The duration of the effect varies greatly depending on the formulation and injection site. As a general guideline, it is said that it will decrease to less than half in about a year, but this also varies depending on the conditions.

What's particularly important is the "difference depending on the body part." Areas that move less tend to retain more fat, while areas that move a lot due to facial expressions tend to be metabolized more easily.

Part Longevity Supplemental
Tear bag Long-lasting Since it's a part of the body that doesn't move, it can sometimes remain for 4 to 5 years.
amount Long-lasting Often, the effects are still present even after two years. Combining it with Botox can make them last even longer.
Nose Long-lasting Because the tissue is rigid and less mobile, it is easier to maintain its shape.
Golgo Line It decreases easily Because it's a part of the body that moves a lot with facial expressions, it's easily metabolized.

*The duration of effect varies greatly depending on the formulation used, the amount injected, and individual differences.

Special Offer
If it's a part that tends to run out quickly, you'll want to add more once it's gone, right?
Director Shiramizu
That's where the trap lies. The more easily the hyaluronic acid is lost, the more tempted you are to get additional injections, resulting in an overall accumulation of injected amounts. This is one of the gateways to a hyaluronic acid-filled face.

Combination therapies that work well with hyaluronic acid

In some cases, combining hyaluronic acid with other treatments, rather than using it alone, can lead to a more natural-looking result while reducing the amount injected.

Combined use with Botox

Botox is a drug that weakens muscle movement. When Botox is used in combination with hyaluronic acid injections in the surrounding muscles, the mechanical breakdown of the hyaluronic acid is slowed down.The duration of hyaluronic acid effects is extended.There is a trend.

Another common combination is "lip hyaluronic acid + philtrum shortening Botox." For those whose philtrum (the area under the nose) appears longer with age, one of the reasons is that the lips are drooping forward. By using hyaluronic acid on the lips to lift the edges and puckering the lips...Injecting Botox into the orbicularis oris muscle weakens its ability to pucker, causing the upper lip to curl outwards and making the philtrum appear shorter.--That's the design.

Combined with thread lift

Thread lifting is for the faceLift the outer jawlineWhile it excels in general, it is weak in addressing the center lines such as around the eyes, the base of nasolabial folds, and the chin. By using hyaluronic acid to smooth these areas, you can compensate for the lack of natural-looking unevenness that thread lifts cannot achieve.

The division of roles between thread lifts and hyaluronic acid.
  • thread lift: The outer jawline (tension = lifting)
  • hyaluronic acid: Adjustment of unevenness in the center line (around the eyes, base of nasolabial folds, and chin)

By designing by separating the surface (lifting the outer edges) and the point (fine-tuning the center), you can create a three-dimensional effect without relying on excessive volume enhancement.

Two key points to prevent hyaluronic acid-induced facial fillers

Ultimately, the key to preventing a hyaluronic acid-induced facial appearance boils down to just two things.

① Continue seeing the same doctor.

If you keep going from one clinic to another,Who / in which layer / which formulation / in what quantity?The treatment history is reset each time. Only the patient knows what other doctors have done previously. As a result, the risk of injections being added to layers that already have fillers increases.

If you continue to see the same doctor, they can determine "what is appropriate next and how much treatment" based on your treatment history. This is in the field of cosmetic medicine.The concept of a "family doctor"It's close to.

② Decide on a long-term plan first.

If the policy is "Come whenever you feel like it," those who are easily bothered may end up coming in almost every month and getting too much treatment.

Director Shiramizu
In my case, after performing a procedure, I tell the patient the next appointment time, such as "See you in six months" or "Let's meet again in a year." Since the doctor is the one who knows the formulation, injection layer, and amount, it's better not to leave it up to the patient.
Special Offer
Conversely, even if a patient wants more injections, are there times when the doctor will stop them?
Director Shiramizu
Yes, it happens. We don't get into fights, but we might argue back and forth for about 30 minutes. I generally don't put fillers in areas where I know it would definitely look strange. Instead, I suggest other areas or introduce approaches to improve firmness other than volume, such as skin conditioning.

What patients truly want is not to inflate a specific area,"Firmness of the skin" and "youthful appearance"This is often the case. If volume alone is insufficient, switching to a different approach becomes an option.

If you're concerned about hyaluronic acid fillers on your face

If you've already had hyaluronic acid injections several times and have recently noticed a loss of firmness in your face or have been told by friends, then consider getting a consultation.Reset stateYou might want to consider that as an option.

At our hospital, depending on the situationFirst, dissolve it with hyaluronidase (hyaluronic acid-degrading enzyme), then redesign it from scratch.I sometimes make suggestions. This is because rebuilding from a state where "you don't even know what's inside anymore" can sometimes lead to a more natural-looking result.

Special Offer
Since the person themselves may not notice, if you know someone who is worried that they might have had a little too much, it might be a good idea to bring them along for a consultation.
Director Shiramizu
I'll tell you exactly what I think and feel. Let's think about it together.

Summary

Key points of this article
  • The face of a hyaluronic acidIt's difficult for the person themselves to notice.Because you look in the mirror every day, you get used to the changes.
  • Doctors need to put the brakes on the psychological tendency to constantly ask for "more, more."
  • DurationThere are differences depending on the body part.Under-eye bags and forehead lines tend to remain, while nasolabial folds (Golgo lines) tend to fade.
  • By using it in combination with Botox or thread lifts, it's possible to design a natural-looking result while minimizing the amount of injection.
  • The key to preventing hyaluronic acid-induced facial fat is"Continue seeing the same doctor," "Decide on a long-term plan from the start."の2つ
  • If you're concerned, you can also choose to reset it with hyaluronidase and then redesign it.

At Elm Clinic, we offer not only hyaluronic acid injections, but also a combination of Botox, thread lifts, and skin rejuvenation treatments tailored to the patient's desired results.Long-term planningWe offer this service. If you're thinking, "I might be overdoing it," or "I don't know what to do next," please start with a free consultation.

*The effects of the treatment may vary from person to person.

*The information presented is based on the doctor's opinion at the time the video was recorded and does not guarantee the same results for everyone. Please be sure to consult with a doctor regarding the suitability, risks, and side effects of the procedure.

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