Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects: What South Africans Should Know
Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in aesthetic medicine and skincare, particularly in dermal fillers designed to restore volume and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. While many people tolerate these treatments well, it is important to understand the potential hyaluronic acid side effects, their severity, and when to seek urgent medical care. The information below is based on product and safety information from Medsafe and other medicine safety authorities, as collated on the SideEffects.co.za platform.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid Used For?
Certain prescription products containing hyaluronic acid are used as dermal fillers to correct age‑related volume loss and moderate to severe facial wrinkles. For example, a hyaluronic acid filler containing lidocaine is indicated for injection into areas such as the nasolabial folds, oral commissures and marionette lines, and for enhancing the fullness of features like the cheeks and lips when administered by a qualified medical professional. These details are reflected in official product information reproduced on SideEffects.co.za.
Common Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects
Hyaluronic acid injections are associated with local injection‑site reactions. According to safety information summarised on SideEffects.co.za, commonly reported side effects include:
Injection‑Site Reactions
After treatment, patients may experience temporary reactions at or around the injection area. These can include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Itching
- Bruising
These effects are typically mild to moderate and usually resolve spontaneously within a short period. Product information shared on SideEffects.co.za notes that such reactions are expected with injectable dermal fillers and generally subside without intervention.
Localised Lumps or Nodules
In some cases, small palpable lumps or nodules may form in the treated area. These are usually related to the placement of the filler and local tissue response. As detailed in the reproduced prescribing information on SideEffects.co.za, these effects are often self‑limiting but should be assessed by the treating practitioner if they persist or worsen.
Less Common but Important Side Effects
Although less frequent, more significant hyaluronic acid side effects have been reported and require prompt medical evaluation.
Infection
As with any injection, there is a risk of infection at the injection site. Product information summarised on SideEffects.co.za highlights that signs of infection can include persistent redness, pain, swelling, warmth, or the development of pus. Any suspicion of infection after a hyaluronic acid filler procedure should be brought to the attention of a healthcare professional immediately.
Inflammatory Reactions
Some individuals may experience delayed inflammatory reactions, such as prolonged swelling or redness in the treated area. According to the safety profiles linked via SideEffects.co.za, these reactions may require clinical assessment and, in some instances, targeted treatment by a medical practitioner.
Serious Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects Requiring Urgent Care
Certain rare but serious complications have been described with injectable hyaluronic acid products and are highlighted in official safety literature made available on SideEffects.co.za.
Vascular Complications
One of the most serious potential complications is accidental injection of filler into a blood vessel (intravascular injection). This can compromise blood flow and may lead to tissue damage. Product safety information reproduced on SideEffects.co.za notes that symptoms such as severe pain, discolouration of the skin, or sudden changes in vision after injection require immediate emergency medical management.
Visual Disturbances and Vision Loss
Though rare, visual disturbances, including sudden vision changes or visual loss, have been reported in association with dermal filler injections in the facial area. As highlighted in the prescribing and safety information linked on SideEffects.co.za, any vision changes occurring during or soon after a hyaluronic acid injection must be treated as a medical emergency. Patients should seek urgent care without delay.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Product information summarised on SideEffects.co.za also refers to the possibility of hypersensitivity reactions. These may present with swelling beyond the injection area, redness, and discomfort. In severe cases, systemic allergic‑type reactions can occur. Sudden swelling of the face or difficulty breathing following a hyaluronic acid filler treatment warrants immediate emergency medical attention.
Who Should Administer Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?
The safety profiles and usage conditions detailed on SideEffects.co.za emphasise that hyaluronic acid dermal fillers should only be administered by appropriately trained healthcare professionals. Proper knowledge of facial anatomy, injection techniques, and management of complications is essential to reduce the risk of side effects and to respond rapidly if serious reactions occur.
Monitoring and Reporting Side Effects
Patients receiving hyaluronic acid injections should closely monitor the treated area in the hours and days following the procedure. If side effects are persistent, unusual, or severe, they should contact their treating practitioner. Medicine safety information reproduced on SideEffects.co.za also encourages the reporting of adverse reactions through official pharmacovigilance channels so that safety profiles of medicines can be continuously evaluated.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid fillers are widely used for facial rejuvenation and contouring, but like all medical interventions they carry a risk of side effects. Common hyaluronic acid side effects include temporary redness, swelling, pain, itching and bruising at the injection site, while less common reactions like infection, inflammatory responses, vascular complications, visual disturbances and hypersensitivity can be far more serious.
South Africans considering these treatments should consult qualified healthcare professionals and familiarise themselves with the official product and safety information available via SideEffects.co.za. Understanding potential risks, recognising warning signs early, and ensuring that only trained practitioners perform the injections are key steps in minimising complications and promoting safer outcomes.
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