Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

This chapter outlines the science and use of hyaluronic acid fillers including: the chemical composition and physical properties of hyaluronic acid fillers, indications for the variety of food and drug administration (FDA) approved fillers, injection techniques, both beginner and advanced, and complications of filler injections and their solutions. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide, specifically a glycosaminoglycan that is formed from repeating D-glucuronic acid and D-N-acetyl-glucosamine disaccharide units. Most hyaluronic acid fillers are FDA approved to fill "moderate to severe lines and folds" such as the nasolabial fold. The use of hyaluronic acid fillers has become a mainstay in the treatment of the aging face. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used safely and effectively in treating a variety of aspects of the aging face including folds and wrinkles as well as replacing lost volume. Hyaluronic acid fillers will continue to be the mainstay of treatment for lines, and wrinkles and volume replacement in the near future.