Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: What They Are and What They Are Approved For

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance found naturally in the body that attracts and holds water. HA fillers are gels made from a modified form, injected to add volume or fill lines. This page is part of our guide to breast fillers.

How they work

The gel sits under the skin and adds volume directly, and it binds water. The body gradually breaks it down, so effects are temporary, commonly lasting months to a couple of years depending on the product and area.

Typical approved uses

Approvals vary by product and country, but typically include facial areas such as lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds and under-eye hollows, and in some cases hands. Approval is based on studies in those areas.

Why this does not cover breasts

Breast tissue is much larger, softer, and more complex. Studies supporting facial use do not show safety or effectiveness in breast enlargement. A product may be sold in a country but still not be approved for breast use.

Dissolvable

HA fillers can be broken down by an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which is one of their advantages. This applies only to HA products and does not apply to other filler materials. Even when a product can be dissolved, large-volume injections can leave inflammation, lumps or contour problems that need further treatment.

Other filler types

Other fillers use different materials, such as calcium hydroxylapatite or poly-L-lactic acid, with different behaviours. Some are semi-permanent or permanent.

Questions to ask

• What is the exact product, and is it HA?
• What is it approved for?
• What would happen if I needed it removed?