Hyaluronic acid injections are popular among many women because they can easily and beautifully enhance facial parts such as lips, tear troughs, and noses. However, there have been many cases of unnatural results due to overdoing it, and many people have expressed regret. Sometimes the results are not what is desired, such as lips that are too thick or tear troughs that are too swollen.
Here, we will explain in detail the risks of overdoing hyaluronic acid, points to avoid failure, and correction methods. We will provide you with information to help you choose the appropriate treatment and maintain your beauty.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
What is hyaluronic acid overkill? Beauty and the Risks of Overdoing It
Hyaluronic acid injections are widely known as an easy cosmetic procedure for lips, tear troughs, and noses. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient found in the body that moisturizes the skin and keeps it elastic, thus plumping up wrinkles and indentations. However, there are many problems caused by overdoing it.
For example, if a large amount of hyaluronic acid is injected into the lips, the desired fullness is actually replaced by an unnatural thickness that is too much. The same is true for tear troughs and noses, which can be swollen and misshapen, and the skill and sensitivity of the practitioner can have a great impact on the results.
What is the proper amount to inject for natural results?
| part | Appropriate injection volume | point |
|---|---|---|
| lips | 0.5 to 1.0 cc | It is important to communicate the desired result and make small adjustments |
| periorbital puffiness | 0.1～0.3cc | Inject a small amount at a time and adjust accordingly. |
| nose | 0.2 to 1cc | Gradually adjust the balance so that it does not become unnatural. |
How can one avoid overdoing hyaluronic acid and achieve a natural-looking result? The key here is to know the appropriate injection amount. For example, for hyaluronic acid injections in the lips, an average of 0.5 to 1.0 cc is considered the appropriate amount per treatment, but the quantities vary from clinic to clinic. If more than these amounts are injected at once, the lips can easily change shape and look unnatural.
Similarly, for tear troughs, 0.1 to 0.3 cc is usually said to be appropriate, but this also varies slightly from clinic to clinic. However, if injecting more than necessary, there is a risk that the area under the eyes will swell and dark circles will become more noticeable. In addition, for hyaluronic acid injections for the nose, an average of 0.2 to 1 cc is used, but it is necessary to carefully adjust the injection while considering the balance of the nasal bridge.
Thus, the first step to avoid overdoing it is to be aware of the appropriate amount for each area and to communicate the desired result in the consultation with the doctor. Injecting too little will make it difficult to feel the effect, and too much will make it look unnatural. The key to achieving a beautiful result is to repeatedly make detailed adjustments with a trusted doctor.
Try to avoid overdoing it.
To avoid overdoing hyaluronic acid injections, it is important to first have a clear standard for your own beauty; if you look at examples of popular procedures on social networking sites or in the media and think, "more volume," you may end up seeking procedures that do not match your facial balance. In addition, you will be able to achieve natural beauty if you share your ideal image of your face before and after the procedure with the doctor and make sure that your wishes are realistic.
If it is overdone, it may be possible to correct it with hyaluronic acid degrading injections (hyaluronidase), but it is best to try to avoid "overdoing" the procedure from the beginning, as further damage and risk may be involved when correcting it.
Risk of Overdoing Hyaluronic Acid by Site
Hyaluronic acid injections carry different risks for different parts of the body. Since the points to be careful about vary depending on the area, such as lips, tear troughs, nose, etc., it is important to understand the characteristics of each part while performing the procedure. Here, we will explain in detail the "problems of overdoing it" for each part of the body.
What is the Problem of Overdoing in the Lip? Unnatural thickness and restricted movement
The lips are a part that greatly affects the overall impression of the face, and hyaluronic acid injections are often used to create a fuller, fuller shape. However, if overdone, the lips can become excessively thick and unnatural-looking. In particular, if the mouth becomes puffy like a codfish, the appearance is obviously strange and daily life may become difficult.
Furthermore, since the lips are a part that moves around a lot, excessive hyaluronic acid injections can cause an unnatural protruding sensation when speaking or smiling, which can greatly interfere with daily life. This can cause the mouth to appear distorted or stiff after the procedure, so the practitioner must have a high level of skill and aesthetics.
Ideally, hyaluronic acid injections into the lips should be performed in small amounts in stages to achieve the desired shape. It is also important to keep in mind the natural shape of the lips, such as adding volume to the center of the lips rather than making the entire lips uniformly full. Be sure to share your image of the finished product and leave the procedure to an experienced doctor.
What is the problem of overdoing it in tear troughs? Exacerbation of swelling and dark circles
Tear troughs are a popular treatment area for softening the eyes and creating a youthful look. However, excessive injection of hyaluronic acid into the tear troughs can make the area under the eyes look swollen and "tired". In addition, if a person has dark circles, the injection of hyaluronic acid may create shadows that further accentuate the dark circles.
Furthermore, because the tear troughs are located in a sensitive area around the eyes, the amount of hyaluronic acid and the depth of injection during the procedure are very important. If overdone, it can easily cause lumps to form under the eyes or sagging of the eye area, so extreme care must be taken during the procedure.
When injecting hyaluronic acid into tear troughs, it is important to make sure to carefully adjust the amount in small portions and to check the effect with the surgeon during the procedure. Even if you want to make the tear troughs appear larger, you can add natural volume by combining hyaluronic acid with fat grafting or other procedures, rather than relying on hyaluronic acid alone. Procedures around the eyes are particularly risky, so leave them to an experienced doctor.
What is the Problem of Overdoing in the Nose? Unnatural shape and risk of infection
The nose is located in the center of the face and is an important part that greatly affects the overall balance of the face. Many people choose hyaluronic acid injections for nasal augmentation, but because the nose has less bone and skin thickness than other parts of the face, too much hyaluronic acid can easily result in an unnatural shape.
Specifically, the nasal line may become bumpy and the tip of the nose unnaturally pointed. In addition, special care should be taken during the procedure, as injecting large amounts of hyaluronic acid can compress blood vessels in the nose, increasing the risk of necrosis and infection.
Hyaluronic acid injections into the nose should be performed with particular care. First of all, it is important to choose a procedure that suits the shape of your nose and not to aim for an unreasonably high nasal bridge. Make sure to confirm "where and how much to inject" in advance during the consultation, and be sure to regularly check the changes in shape by yourself after the procedure. If you want to make your nose look higher, we recommend that you consider other options besides hyaluronic acid.
Points to avoid overdoing it with hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are a very effective procedure for facial contouring, but as mentioned above, they can be counterproductive if the proper dosage is not followed. Here, we will explain three points to avoid "overdoing it" with hyaluronic acid injections and to obtain a natural-looking result.
By keeping these points in mind, it is possible to achieve the ideal beauty but without unnaturalness.
Importance of choosing a doctor who cares about natural results.
The results of hyaluronic acid injections are highly dependent on the skill and aesthetic sense of the doctor performing the procedure. If you want natural-looking results, the most important step is to choose the right doctor. Particular attention should be paid to the difference between a practitioner who is "trend-conscious" and one who pursues "natural beauty. If the practitioner is too concerned only with trends, there is a greater chance that he or she will perform the procedure without considering the overall balance of the face in an attempt to create a style that is currently in vogue.
- Check the results: Always check the doctor's case photos before the procedure to see if the style of treatment suits your preferences.
- Counseling: Make sure that they listen carefully to your wishes, rather than proceeding with the procedure unilaterally.
On the other hand, a doctor who insists on natural-looking results will respect the balance and individuality of each patient's face and tailor the procedure to that person. For example, even if a patient requests "more volume," the doctor may recommend injecting a small amount of the product while considering the overall balance of the patient's face, or may give advice on how to harmonize the product with other parts of the face. A reliable doctor not only has extensive experience in performing the procedure, but also values communication with the patient and strives for a balance between hope and reality.
What to look for in a counseling session
Counseling before the procedure is extremely important for a successful hyaluronic acid injection procedure. By communicating your wishes clearly during the counseling, while receiving realistic advice from the doctor, you will be able to find the right balance between the ideal and the reality.
- Share the image of the finished product: Tell the doctor exactly what you want, and discuss the image with him or her.
- Ask about the risks for each treatment area: Since the risks vary by area, check the details about the amount of injection and the condition of the area after the result is achieved.
- Confirmation of possible modifications: Confirm in advance whether modifications are possible.
For example, if you express a desire to make your lips a little fuller, and there is a possibility of unnatural results if you do exactly what you want, ideally the doctor will explain the risks and suggest an appropriate amount. In addition, since the result of hyaluronic acid depends on the facial expression muscles and the thickness of the skin, it is important to give advice based on the characteristics of the area to be treated.
Advantages of injecting and adjusting in small quantities
In hyaluronic acid injections, injecting a large amount at once can cause unnatural results and problems. Therefore, it is important to inject a small amount at a time and adjust it after the procedure while observing the results. Especially for those who are undergoing the procedure for the first time or those who want to check the results while observing the effects, the method of injecting a small amount at a time is less risky and safer.
- Reduced risk of failure: Smaller amounts of the procedure can be performed in smaller quantities, allowing for fine-tuning while reducing the risk of failure.
- Natural finish: To achieve the desired result, adjustments can be made while checking the effect with the practitioner during the procedure.
- Easy to revise after the procedure: Because additional treatments are performed in small increments, adjustments are easy to make when revisions are necessary.
For example, in tear trough and nose treatments, the final result can be fine-tuned by injecting a little at a time over several sessions and checking the balance each time. This makes it possible to perform additional injections without difficulty when you feel that you would like to add a little more, thus bringing you closer to your desired results while minimizing risk.
In addition, by keeping in mind to inject small amounts, damage can be minimized in the unlikely event of swelling or problems after the procedure. This allows you to achieve the ideal result without feeling that you have "overdone it" after the procedure.
How do I correct an overdose of hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid injections are a popular procedure that can be easily applied to facial parts, but if the amount is too large or unbalanced, the result may be far from what is desired. In such cases, it is possible to correct the problem by using hyaluronic acid degrading injections (hyaluronidase). However, there are risks and precautions associated with revision, so it is important to choose the right clinic and follow up with proper aftercare. Here, we will explain in detail how to correct overdone hyaluronic acid and what to look for when correcting it.
What is hyaluronan degradation injection (hyaluronidase)?
Hyaluronanolytic injections, also known as "hyaluronidase," are agents used to break down hyaluronic acid and restore it to its original state. It is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid and dissolves hyaluronic acid injected into the body in a short period of time to remove excess hyaluronic acid. It is used when hyaluronic acid has been overdone in the lips, tear troughs, or nose, and can be corrected a few days after a normal procedure.
- Advantages
Can rapidly break down overdone hyaluronic acid
Can improve dissatisfaction with the finished product and unnatural shapes.
Easy to modify to your desired design - demerit
Over-decomposition can make you look skinnier than you originally were.
Once disassembled, it cannot be put back together, so the quantity must be carefully adjusted.
Temporary swelling and pain may occur during decomposition
When hyaluronidase is used, the doctor's skill greatly affects the finished product, so careful treatment is required. In addition, the area injected with degradation injections may temporarily shrivel or cause discomfort, so post-procedure care and risk management are important.
Post-modification care and risk management
After hyaluronic acid decomposition injections, it usually takes several days to a week for the hyaluronic acid injected into the body to decompose and be eliminated from the body. During this period, swelling and redness may occur in the treated area, so it is important to take good care of the area and monitor its condition. In particular, if too much degradation occurs, "volume loss" is likely to occur, and the result after revision may be uncomfortable. Here, we will explain in detail how to take care of the patient after hyaluronic acid degradation and the key points of risk management.
First, if swelling or redness is observed after the correction, cooling the affected area to reduce inflammation is effective. However, be careful about the time and temperature of cooling, as too much cooling may adversely affect blood circulation and delay healing. In particular, it is important to keep in mind that ice or cooling packs should not be applied directly to the skin, but rather wrapped in a cloth to ensure moderate cooling. In addition, cooling the affected area for a few minutes and every few hours can help relieve inflammation.
In addition, be careful not to rub or press down hard on the treated area for about a week after the procedure. While hyaluronic acid is being broken down, the tissue is in a delicate state, and excessive stimulation may cause it to lose its shape or leave lumps. Particular care should be taken not to touch it during facial expressions or unintentionally.
The most important thing to remember after a revision is to keep a close eye on your condition. If swelling or pain persists for an extended period of time after the procedure, or if you feel any discomfort with the shape of the skin, promptly consult the clinic where the procedure was performed. Because hyaluronidase is a powerful enzyme, too much degradation can cause the skin to appear atrophied or undergo unexpected changes. To avoid these risks, the first step toward a safe revision is to always seek the advice of a specialist, rather than take action on your own.
Failure to take care of the patient after the revision will not only ruin the revision procedure, but may also result in the need for additional revisions. Therefore, post revision care is as important a process as the procedure itself. Carefully take care of yourself to achieve the ideal result by checking your progress regularly and consulting with your doctor as needed.
summary
Hyaluronic acid injections are an easy and beautiful procedure, but overdoing it can have the opposite effect. There have been reported cases of failure, such as unnatural thickening of the lips, swelling of the tear troughs, and a nose that looks snubby. To avoid these risks, it is important to choose an experienced doctor and inject small amounts carefully. Also, even if you overdo it, it is possible to correct the problem, so do not give up and take appropriate measures even if you make a mistake. Please refer to the information here to achieve your ideal beauty.
At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.
Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.
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