1. Who Benefits from Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid injections are recommended for individuals seeking aesthetic treatments such as:
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Those noticing wrinkles or sagging
Individuals wishing to naturally improve age-related changes like nasolabial folds, marionette lines, or forehead/glabellar wrinkles.
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Those hesitant about surgical procedures
Individuals seeking rejuvenation without incisions and minimal downtime.
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Those wanting to enhance facial contours and structure
Those seeking to naturally refine the nose bridge, jawline, and improve overall facial balance.
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Those wanting a more youthful appearance around the eyes and mouth
Those concerned about under-eye hollows, tear troughs, or lack of lip volume.
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Those prioritizing a natural finish
Those desiring an elegant change that doesn’t look like hyaluronic acid was used.
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Those who want to minimize downtime as much as possible
Those who want to minimize impact on work and daily life.
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Those who prioritize safety and the doctor’s skill
Those who want treatment using the minimum necessary amount, considering the overall balance of the face.
Hyaluronic acid injections are a treatment that can be flexibly adjusted according to age and concerns.
2. What is Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
1)What is Hyaluronic Acid?
A naturally occurring moisturizing and elasticity component
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the human body, found abundantly in skin, joints, and eyes. In the skin, it plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture, firmness, and elasticity by retaining water. However, the body’s hyaluronic acid levels gradually decrease with age, making changes like wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin volume more likely to appear.
Medical-grade hyaluronic acid is an “injectable filler”
The hyaluronic acid used in aesthetic medicine is a medical-grade, purified, and processed injectable filler. By injecting it directly into the skin, it can restore lost volume, lift depressions, and refine contours. A key feature is that results are noticeable relatively quickly after injection, and adjustments are easy to make.
Difference from cosmetics
Hyaluronic acid in cosmetics is primarily used to moisturize the skin’s surface. Medical-grade hyaluronic acid, however, is injected directly into the skin’s deeper layers, allowing it to directly address wrinkles, depressions, and the facial contour itself—a significant difference.
Therefore, hyaluronic acid injections can deliver noticeable changes even for concerns that were difficult to improve with cosmetics.
2)Effects You Can Expect from Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Wrinkle Improvement
Injecting hyaluronic acid into nasolabial folds, marionette lines, forehead wrinkles, and glabellar lines (between the eyebrows) supports the skin from within, making wrinkles less noticeable. A key feature is achieving natural rejuvenation without drastically altering facial expressions.
Correcting Sagging and Hollows
Hollows in the cheeks and under the eyes caused by aging often give the entire face a tired appearance. Hyaluronic acid injections restore lost volume, bringing back firmness and brightness to the face.
Contouring (Enhancing Three-Dimensionality)
Injecting hyaluronic acid into areas like the bridge of the nose or the jawline allows for contouring without surgery. Adjustments made while considering the overall facial balance create a natural, three-dimensional effect.
Achieving a Youthful Impression
Hyaluronic acid injections are not just a treatment to improve one specific area; they aim to harmonize the overall facial impression. By injecting the appropriate amount into the right areas, they guide you towards a natural, youthful, and refined look.
3. Areas treatable with hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are a highly flexible treatment suitable for various facial areas. Below are the main injection sites we offer at our clinic.
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Forehead
- Between the eyebrows
- Under the eyes (hollows/tear troughs)
- Cheeks
- Nose (bridge/root)
- Chin
- Lips
For each area, we inject only the necessary amount where needed, while considering the overall facial balance. Treatments combining multiple areas are also possible.
4. Hyaluronic Acid Injection Cases
1)Lip Augmentation Cases
What is Lip Augmentation?
Adding volume to the lips can create a more feminine facial impression, refine lip shape, and eliminate fine vertical lines.
It creates a three-dimensional, feminine, and attractive mouth area.
This procedure enhances thin lips with volume to create a feminine, attractive mouth or reshape lips to an ideal form.
By injecting hyaluronic acid, it instantly creates plump lips. Beyond volume enhancement, it can also achieve a design where the corners of the mouth appear lifted, creating a so-called duck-like pout.
It is recommended for those who desire not only changes in lip volume but also a specific lip design.
Lip Shaping Case Examples
2)Jaw Contouring Case Studies
What is Jaw Contouring?
The shape of the jaw is actually a very important feature in aesthetics. The curve from the jawline to the face line, which is difficult to notice on your own profile, greatly influences beauty.
Our jaw contouring procedure involves thorough pre-operative simulation to create beautiful lines from both the front and profile views. We can sharpen the facial contour or refine the E-line (aesthetic line) for a profile often described as beautiful.
The firmness of the hyaluronic acid used is a key factor determining the final result.
We achieve a natural finish and semi-permanent jaw contouring.
Jaw Contouring Case Studies
5. Why Flora Clinic Ikebukuro is Chosen for Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
1)Procedures Performed by Specialists in Anti-Aging and Cosmetic Surgery
At Flora Clinic Ikebukuro, Dr. Saku, a physician with specialized knowledge in anti-aging and cosmetic surgery, performs hyaluronic acid injections.
- Injections based on understanding facial anatomy, including bone structure, muscles, and skin composition
- Procedure design prioritizing safety by considering blood vessel pathways to minimize risk
- We prioritize natural-looking results, valuing “not overdoing it” and “not overfilling.”
We focus not only on visible changes but also on safety and long-term balance.
2)Customized Design Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections can vary greatly in outcome depending on the amount and placement. We offer customized design injections tailored to each individual, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Adjusting only necessary areas while considering overall facial balance
- Injection planning that accounts for age, bone structure, and habitual facial expressions
- We can offer proposals tailored not only to Japanese but also to Chinese bone structures and aesthetic sensibilities.
This treatment approach is ideal for those prioritizing a natural look.
Therefore, we stock a wide variety of products, starting with hyaluronic acid formulations from Allergan, a company globally renowned for its proven track record.
We select the formulation to inject based on the treatment area, skin layer, and objective, ensuring the optimal approach.
- Voluma XC ―Juvederm VYCROSS―
- Volift XC ―Juvederm VYCROSS―
- Volvera XC ―Juvederm VYCROSS―
- Volux XC Juvederm VYCROSS―
- Chaum Style Premium 1
- Chaum Style Premium 2
- Chaum Style Premium 3
- Chaum Style Premium 4
3)Safety Management Based on Japanese Standards
Our clinic strictly adheres to safety management based on Japanese medical standards.
- Use of Only Strictly Selected, Genuine Medical-Grade Hyaluronic Acid Products
- Treatment Environment with Emphasis on Hygiene Management
- Thorough Pre- and Post-Treatment Counseling and Aftercare System
We have established a system where even first-time hyaluronic acid injection patients can consult and receive treatment with peace of mind.
6. Treatment Process
Hyaluronic acid injections are a relatively quick procedure with minimal impact on daily life. Here, we explain the general treatment process.
1)Consultation & Examination
We listen to your concerns and desires, confirming the injection sites, dosage, and desired outcome with the physician.
2)Treatment Preparation
Anesthesia is administered as needed, and the injection sites are confirmed.
3)Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Injections are carefully administered to appropriate areas while considering the overall facial balance.
4)Outcome Confirmation
The results are checked immediately after the procedure, with minor adjustments made as necessary.
7. Precautions and Individuals Unsuitable for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
While hyaluronic acid injections are a relatively safe procedure, there are important precautions to understand beforehand. Here, we explain downtime, post-procedure care, and cases where the procedure is not suitable.
1)Regarding Downtime
- After the procedure, mild swelling or bruising may occur.
- In most cases, this subsides naturally within a few days to about a week.
- Impact on daily life is minimal, and you can continue working or going out.
Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on post-procedure care and precautions during your consultation.
2)Other Precautions
- On the day of treatment, avoid rubbing or massaging the injection sites vigorously.
- Intense exercise, prolonged bathing, saunas, and excessive alcohol consumption are recommended to be avoided on the day of treatment.
- If you experience severe pain, discomfort, or any unusual sensations after the procedure, consult your doctor promptly.
Following your doctor’s instructions helps minimize the risk of complications.
3)Individuals Unsuitable for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
The following individuals may be unsuitable for hyaluronic acid injections or require careful consideration:
- Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Individuals with severe allergies
- Individuals with inflammation or infection at the injection site
- Cases where the doctor determines the procedure cannot be performed safely
If any of these apply to you, please be sure to discuss this with the doctor during your preliminary consultation.
8.Hyaluronic Acid Injection Pricing
The cost of hyaluronic acid injections varies significantly based on the type of product used (quality, duration), the amount injected, and the treatment area.
We will provide an estimate after your consultation.
9. Frequently Asked Questions for Patients Visiting from China
Q1.Can I receive a consultation even if I don’t speak Japanese? Also, is it possible to have a preliminary consultation while still in China?
Yes, it is possible.
Even if you don’t speak Japanese, we will clearly explain the treatment details and risks using translation tools and materials.
Furthermore, while you are still in China, we can conduct an online consultation utilizing the metaverse. This allows you to discuss the treatment details and injection site direction with the doctor before coming to Japan, ensuring a smooth procedure upon arrival.
Even if you are on a short stay or receiving aesthetic medical treatment in Japan for the first time, you can consult with us with peace of mind.
Q2.Can I receive hyaluronic acid injections in a single visit?
Yes, in most cases, the entire process from consultation to treatment can be completed in one day.
This makes it a convenient treatment even for those on short stays or traveling.
Q3.Can I go sightseeing or go out immediately after the treatment?
Yes, you can.
Some mild swelling or bruising may occur after the treatment, but most patients go about their normal activities the same day.
If you have important plans, please consult us in advance.
Q4.Will hyaluronic acid injections look unnatural?
If the appropriate amount is injected into the appropriate areas, it will not look unnatural.
Our clinic follows a policy of “not overfilling” and “prioritizing natural results” during treatment.
Q5.What is the difference between receiving hyaluronic acid injections in China and in Japan?
In Japan, strict standards are enforced for physician-administered procedures, product management, and hygiene control.
Our clinic uses only officially approved medical-grade products and prioritizes safety in all treatments.
Q6.Are the injection sites and amounts decided on the day of treatment?
Yes.
After assessing your overall facial balance during the consultation, the doctor will propose the appropriate injection sites and amounts.
We do not forcibly inject excessive amounts.
Q7.How long do the effects of hyaluronic acid last?
This varies by area and the formulation used, but effects typically last from several months to over a year.
Details will be explained during your consultation.
Q8.Are there any precautions after the procedure?
On the day of treatment, please avoid strong massage, strenuous exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Guidance on washing your face and applying makeup will be provided by the doctor based on the specific treatment performed.
Q9.Can adjustments or dissolution be done?
If adjustments to the final result are needed, we can discuss additional injections or hyaluronic acid dissolution.
The doctor will determine the appropriate course of action based on the situation.
Q10.How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are required in advance.
For international patients, consulting with us before your trip to Japan ensures a smoother process.
<Hyaluronic Acid Injection Overview>
| Procedure Time | Varies depending on the treatment area, but approximately 5–10 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Nitrous oxide sedation / topical anesthesia |
| Scarring | As this is an injection, scarring is not noticeable. Bruising may occur depending on individual constitution. |
| Swelling | No noticeable swelling |
| Follow-up Visits | Not required |
| Medication | None |
| Shower | Allowed from the same day |
| Bath | Allowed from the same day |
| Makeup | Allowed from the same day. Do not massage the injection site. |
Finally|For Those Seeking Safe Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Japan
The outcome of hyaluronic acid injections varies significantly based on the doctor’s skill and judgment. That’s precisely why prioritizing both safety and natural beauty is crucial.
At Flora Clinic Ikebukuro, a cosmetic surgery and dermatology clinic, Dr. Yusaku Akima (Dr. Saku-chan), with expertise in plastic and cosmetic surgery, performs meticulous procedures considering the overall facial balance.
Online consultations via the metaverse are also available for those in China. This allows you to resolve any concerns or questions before traveling to Japan, ensuring you can approach your treatment with confidence.
If you desire natural and elegant hyaluronic acid injections in Japan, please feel free to consult with us.
