Is hyaluronic acid really dangerous as the TikTok video says?

A video of a feminist activist on TikTok has been widely shared in recent hours. Julia Salanderwhich shows magnetic resonance women, accumulated over many years under the skin encapsulated hyaluronic acid. He explains that, contrary to what we are usually told, hyaluronic acid injections They are not reabsorbed, so they end up causing inflammation and deforming the face. She also criticizes how the age at which women consider this type of treatment has dropped in recent years, perhaps due to the imposition of social norms and filters on social networks. When it comes to social issues, Salander is absolutely right. Is it right to ensure that hyaluronic acid is never reabsorbed?

Well, that’s a tough question. Hyaluronic acid injections are safe for almost everyone. They are very rare side effects. Even if they do occur, they usually soft and temporary. However, in some cases they can become more complicated. This depends on many factors, from the state of the immune system of the person undergoing treatment to the brand of hyaluronic acid used. And not all of them have undergone the same modifications.

We must not forget that hyaluronic acid is produced in our cells. In principle, he should not be recognized as a foreign agent. the immune system. But if that person’s immune system is not functioning properly, or if the molecules in question have been highly modified from what is natural, a reaction can occur where it becomes encapsulated and an inflammatory response occurs, which over time, over the years, this can cause problems.

Side effects of hyaluronic acid injections

Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar found in the epidermis, among other tissues, and its main job is to retain water. In fact, it is like a sponge, capable of holding 1000 times its weight in water. The larger the molecule, the more water it holds.

This, of course, helps a lot hydration for the skin, which is why it is found in many cosmetics for dry skin. Typically these products include two types of hyaluronic acid: high molecular weight and low molecular weight. This is because high molecular weight is able to hold more water, but it only hydrates the outermost layers of the skin. On the other hand, low molecular weight substances cannot retain as much water, but can penetrate into deeper layers. However, if we really want it to go deep, hyaluronic acid injections are ideal. Hydrated skin wrinkles less. In addition, hyaluronic acid promotes the synthesis of collagen, ideal for skin elasticity. It is for this reason that filler injections are one of the least invasive treatments used by some people to prevent wrinkles after a certain age.

There are few side effects from hyaluronic acid injections. Usually it’s only swelling, redness, or bruising, which subside in a short time. However, in some cases there may be asymmetrydue to uneven distribution of sugars, overflow or granulomas. The latter are masses of immune system cells that surround a possible foreign agent to prevent it from being damaged. The encapsulation that Salander is talking about.

In the worst case scenario, hyaluronic acid injections can cause vascular occlusion, if they accidentally end up in a blood vessel. This can lead to necrosis or even blindness in very severe cases.

Long-term problems

Most studies show that hyaluronic acid reabsorbed within a year approximately, although this also largely depends on the area of ​​the face. For example, in a study conducted in 2022, it was observed that the chin disappeared before the sides of the face. However, after 27 month follow-up eventually disappeared completely. However, in other cases it does not go away and can cause problems.

This usually happens because the immune system attacks hyaluronic acid and causes granulomas to form, which keep the hyaluronic acid under the skin for much longer. In addition, nodules may form in which It’s easier for bacteria to reproducewhich further worsens the inflammatory response.

In the past, hyaluronic acid injections were very common. more immunogenic. Nowadays, cleaner molecules are used, which in principle should not cause such problems. However, not everything depends on the type of hyaluronic acid. He level of needle asepsis And skill of the person giving the injection are necessary to avoid these problems in the long term.

What will happen if in a year we notice a chubby face?

We may not feel any pain, asymmetry or signs that something is wrong more than a year after hyaluronic acid injections. However, if this filling effect continues, we may worry that they are not being reabsorbed.

Typically in these cases, new tissue is formed and collagen proliferates at the injection site. In fact, this is also the function of this type of treatment. The results do not always disappear completely in such a short time, but this is not a problem at all.

What to do if hyaluronic acid injections cause problems?

In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging has been widely used to test possible long term side effects injections of hyaluronic acid. If it is found that it has accumulated under the skin, you will have to resort to hyaluronidase. This is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. Thus, when injected into the injection site or around affected blood vessels, the hyaluronic acid disappears and hopefully eliminates nodules and other side effects.

In any case, it is true that we should not inject ourselves. beyond our capabilities. The more injections, the easier the problems arise. Let’s think seriously about whether we need them and, above all, how much it would be logical for us to wear. Based on this, let’s not forget that this is almost always a safe procedure.