What is hyaluronic acid, and how does a serum differ from a filler?
Hyaluronic acid helps retain water and is used in skin moisturisers and some cosmetic fillers. A serum moisturises the skin surface, while an injected filler changes volume or contour temporarily. Sharing an ingredient name does not make their uses or risks equivalent.
Details
Topical product or medical procedure?
Choose a moisturiser suited to your skin and reduce use if irritation develops. A serum generally cannot create injectable-filler volume. Fillers require a qualified medical practitioner to discuss product, site, amount and alternatives.
Discuss injection risks beforehand
Swelling, bruising, infection or delayed nodules can occur. Accidental injection into a blood vessel may damage skin or cause blindness or stroke. Avoid self-injection, products bought for home injection and needle-free filler devices.
Recognise urgent symptoms
Severe or unusual pain, or skin turning pale then mottled or blue, requires urgent contact with the treating clinician. Any visual change or neurological symptoms after injection requires immediate emergency care. The ability to dissolve some fillers does not mean every complication can be reversed.
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