Hyaluronic acid is probably the most famous ingredient in modern aesthetic medicine. But beyond its popularity, what exactly is it, how does it work and why is it so in-demand at Almaluna?
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule that already exists in your body: in skin, joints and eyes. Its superpower is retaining water — up to 1000 times its weight in H₂O molecules. That's what keeps skin hydrated, firm and elastic when we're young.
From age 25 onwards, our natural production starts to decline. By 50 we've lost about 50% of the skin's hyaluronic acid. That's why lines, sagging and volume loss appear.
How does the treatment work?
In aesthetic medicine we use biotechnological hyaluronic acid (synthetic, not animal-derived) in gel form. We apply it with micro-cannulas or fine needles in specific areas to:
- Fill wrinkles and grooves
- Restore lost volume in cheeks or temples
- Define facial contours (jawline, chin, lips)
- Deeply hydrate the skin (skinbooster)
- Lift sagging areas (lifting effect without surgery)
Where can it be applied?
- Lips: hydration, definition and subtle volume
- Nasolabial folds: the lines from nose to corner of lips
- Cheekbones: to restore facial "highs"
- Under-eyes: to reduce tired appearance
- Chin and jawline: to contour the face
- Temples: which hollow with age
- Marionette lines: around the mouth
Is it painful?
No. We apply numbing cream 30 minutes before and all our products are mixed with lidocaine. The sensation is like a brief pinch. Most patients describe it as "much less uncomfortable than expected".
Results: immediate or progressive?
Results are immediate. You leave the office with the visible change. However, during the first 7 days there may be slight inflammation or irregularity — the final result is seen from week 2.
How long do results last?
Depends on the area and product used:
- Lips: 6-9 months
- Cheeks and chin: 12-18 months
- Nasolabial folds: 9-12 months
- Skinbooster (hydration): 4-6 months with maintenance sessions
Is it reversible?
Yes! One of the great advantages of hyaluronic acid is that it can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. If you're not satisfied with the result, we can reverse it in minutes. This gives huge peace of mind to those trying it for the first time.
Who cannot have hyaluronic acid?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with active infections in the area
- Patients with active autoimmune diseases
- People with a history of keloids in the area
Common myths (debunked)
"Once applied, it stays forever." ❌ False. Hyaluronic acid naturally reabsorbs over time.
"It will deform your face." ❌ False if applied by a qualified doctor at the correct dose. Deformation comes from patients who undergo multiple excessive applications with untrained professionals.
"It's only for older women." ❌ More and more young patients (25-35) get hyaluronic acid to prevent wrinkles and harmonize features.
"It makes you addicted." ❌ The skin doesn't "atrophy" or "need more" afterward. It returns to its natural state when the product is reabsorbed.
How to choose a good professional?
- Certified aesthetic doctor (not esthetician, not nurse)
- Office with biosafety protocol
- INVIMA and FDA approved brand products
- Explains the risks before applying
- Does NOT pressure you to apply more than you ask
At Almaluna all our injectable treatments are applied by specialized doctors with international training, in certified medical offices.