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Published by Andrea Stearns
Last Updated On: March 29, 2024

What is Sodium Hyaluronate Used For and What are Its Side Effects?

Published on: May 17, 2018

What is Sodium hyaluronate?

Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of an important glycosaminoglycan called hyaluronic acid (HA) or hyaluronan. Glycosaminoglycans are polysaccharides sugars molecules that are linked by proteins. These water-attracting molecules bind to water to create a viscous substance that fills the space between collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis—providing fullness and radiance to the skin. The amount of hyaluronic acid declines with age. Aside from the skin, it is also found in abundance in various tissues of human and animal species, including the joint fluids, vitreous humor of the eyes, and neural tissues.

Cosmetic and Clinical Applications

Sodium hyaluronate acts as a tissue lubricant; its viscoelastic property provides mechanical protection for tissues and cell layers. It facilitates transport of molecules, such as growth factors and structural proteins to a site of action. HA also plays a role in wound healing and tissue repair. Owing to these capabilities, sodium hyaluronate along with Synvisc has a growing list of applications in the cosmetic and medical industry.

• Dermal fillers – Soft tissue fillers use hyaluronic acid to restore volume and reduce moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.
• Intra-articular injections – Sodium hyaluronate is used to treat the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Often given to patients who do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers and other treatment modalities. One of the most popular products at Maylips in this category is to buy Synvisc.
• Intra-ocular injection – Its aid eye surgeries such as corneal transplant and cataract extraction by acting as the vitreous and aqueous humor.
• Topical application. It is often added in topical creams to protect the skin and facilitate wound healing. Sodium hyaluronate also acts as a humectant or moisturiser and helps the absorption of actives in skincare products.

 Sodium hyaluronate side effects:

• Post-injection reactions—swelling, pain, and redness
• Rash and ecchymosis
• Transient inflammation of the injected knee
• Itching of the skin
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

*Disclaimer:  Information on Maylips.com is provided for informational purposes only. Self-medication is strictly prohibited. All aesthetic procedures should be provided by the licensed healthcare specialist after the consultation with the personal therapist. The information in this article should not be used for prescribing any medication for the beauty injections.

All brand and medication descriptions in the article are based on the personal opinion and are not endorsed by Maylips.com. The article content was not reviewed for medical validity. Use this article for information and not for a final decision on the procedure.