Hello! I am Airi Yokoyama, a cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist.
At Bianca, the “HArmonyCa,” which has been introduced in Japan ahead of others, may be unfamiliar to some people.
【HArmonyCa】
It is a hybrid injection agent that combines the immediate volumizing effect of traditional hyaluronic acid with the medium to long-term collagen production effect of Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA).
However, since it is a relatively new product, there is not yet sufficient long-term data accumulated, and there are many points that should be approached with caution before declaring it as “universal.”
So! This time, I would like to summarize its structure, mechanism of action, indications, advantages, risks, and points to note.
1. What is Harmonica?
About Composition and Mechanism of Action Composition
- Hyaluronic Acid: Immediate volume boost and moisture retention effect
- CaHA microspheres: Stimulate fibroblasts to promote collagen production
- There are reports mentioning formulations that contain anesthetic components
Mechanism of Action (Dual Effect)
- Immediately after injection, the HA component swells the tissue providing a ‘lift’ effect and volume supplementation
- The CaHA portion stimulates the surrounding tissue over time, inducing collagen and elastin production
→ As a result, it may improve skin density and firmness!
For example, in the clinical trial by Urdiales-Gálvez et al., An increase in volume and improvement in tension vector at the injection site were observed 180 days later, and an increase in collagen fibers was noted through elastography and ultrasound images between 60 to 90 days.
2. Indicated Areas and Suitable Cases
- The areas and uses where Harmonica is often indicated include the following:
- Cheeks, mid-face (improvement of cheek hollows and sagging)
- Jaw, jawline (contouring tightening)
- Forehead, temples (volume supplementation)
- Correction of hollows and uneven areas
It is expected to be particularly useful as an anti-aging treatment for the entire face where ‘volume loss + mild to moderate sagging’ overlaps.
3. Advantages and Attractive Points
- Immediate + Sustained Effects: Immediate volume from HA and long-term effects from CaHA
- Collagen Stimulation Action: Increase in collagen fibers due to CaHA
- Natural Finish: A natural and beautiful look without excessive lifting
- Good Longevity: Expected to last about 6 to 12 months (with potential for even longer duration)
However, the results can vary significantly due to the skill of the practitioner, injection technique, and the patient’s metabolism, so there is currently no guarantee that “it will definitely last within this range” based on available public data.
4. Risks, Precautions, and Limitations
- Side effects such as swelling, redness, edema, and bruising after injection occur with a certain probability. They usually improve within a few days to a week.
- Due to its hybrid nature, the texture and suitability can easily be affected by the ratio of lidocaine mix, particle composition, and mixing uniformity.
- Unlike dissolvability (hyaluronic acid can be broken down by hyaluronidase), it cannot be said that the CaHA component completely disappears reversibly (it is not possible to completely dissolve it post-operatively).
- Of course, the common risks associated with all fillers, such as vascular occlusion, also apply.
5. Clinical Data and Points to Note
The study by Urdiales-Gálvez et al. involved 15 subjects followed for 180 days, reporting changes in volume (an average of about +2.1 cc), changes in tension vectors, and an increase in collagen on ultrasound elastography.
Most side effects were mild. However, this study has the following limitations:
- It is not a randomized comparative study.
- The number of subjects is limited.
- There is still little data on long-term (over 1 year) outcomes or direct comparisons with other fillers.
6. Summary
- A hybrid material that provides volume immediately while gradually increasing collagen over time.
- Sustained results are reported for about 6 to 12 months, but there are individual differences.
- It also has ‘structural improvement’ effects that cannot be obtained with hyaluronic acid alone.
- Effective in preventing sagging.
It is indeed a groundbreaking material! I plan to continue tracking long-term outcomes in the future. If you are interested, please do come for a consultation. We are also continuously recruiting models!
Case
Treatment: HarmonyCa injection
Before / After
Session: 1 session, 2cc
Price: injection ¥110,000, needle ¥2,420, injection fee ¥24,200
Risks: Redness, Swelling, Internal blooding…
【Profile】
Cosmetic Surgeon/ Dermatologist
Dr. Airi Yokoyama
https://biancaclinic.jp/doctor/yokoyama/
She aspired to become a doctor since her early years and she studied at Hiroshima University, Faculty of Medicine.
She began her career in general medical care and eventually chose to pursue aesthetic medicine, aiming to enrich patients life through beauty.
She has always focused on natural beauty through cosmetic dermatology, but in order to address specific concerns around the eye area she began to perform surgical procedures as well.
Previously, she was involved in establishing a clinic and worked as a director for three years as a cosmetic dermatologist, examining the skin and faces of approximately 20,000 patients and contributing to the clinic’s growth.
Having experience as a clinic director and three overseas study programs, her goal is to provide beauty care to international patients with safe and high quality treatments.
Dr. Airi is fluent in Japanese and English language.
Her speciality in aesthetic medicine includes: Anti-aging care, Injection, Sagging face treatments, Skin rejuvenating boosters, Skin treatments.
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Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/dr.airi
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At BIANCA, we redefine beauty care by offering a holistic approach that transcends traditional cosmetic surgery and dermatology. 20 specialized doctors in different fields including plastic surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, regenerative medicine, gynecology will carefully listen to your needs and help you to enhance your beauty and wellness from the inside out. We are committed to creating personalized treatment plans with precision and care, and ensuring you experience the true spirit of Japanese omotenashi and hospitality.