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Aesthetic-oriented medical procedures in Geneva

logo aesthetic medicine procedures in Geneva

Aesthetic-oriented medical procedures in Geneva

logo aesthetic medicine procedures in Geneva

Aesthetic-oriented medical procedures in Geneva

Hyaluronic acid creams vs. injections : what’s the difference ?

Injectable versus topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose ?

Hyaluronic acid, renowned for its powerful hydrating and plumping properties, has become an essential ingredient in the world of skincare and aesthetic-oriented medicine. Whether in the form of serums, creams or injectables, hyaluronic acid is used to hydrate the skin, reduce signs of ageing and improve the overall appearance of the face. But with so many options available, how can one know which method is best suited to their needs ? This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of hyaluronic acid injections versus topical applications, and explores the latest trends and innovations for each method.

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Contents

What is hyaluronic acid and why is it so popular ?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in our body. It plays a key role in maintaining the skin’s hydration, elasticity and firmness. With age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to a loss of volume, the appearance of wrinkles and a duller complexion.
Hyaluronic acid–based products, whether topical or injectable, aim to compensate for this loss and restore the skin’s youthful and radiant appearance. But which method should you choose ?
Let’s examine the differences between topical applications and injections.

Advantages of hyaluronic acid injections

  • Immediate and long-lasting results : hyaluronic acid injections provide visible results immediately after treatment. They are ideal for filling wrinkles, restoring lost volume and plumping facial areas such as the cheeks, lips and temples. Unlike creams and serums, whose results appear several weeks after application, the effects of injections are instant and generally last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of product used and the treated area.
  • Targeted and personalized treatment : hyaluronic acid injections allow for a highly targeted approach, tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Medical expertise and technique are essential for choosing the right product and performing advanced procedures such as MD Codes™ or medical lifting. This personalization ensures a natural and harmonious facial rejuvenation, without a frozen look.
  • Improvement of skin density and quality : in addition to filling wrinkles and restoring volume, hyaluronic acid injections can also improve the skin. Products such as Skinboosters deeply hydrate and stimulate collagen production, thereby increasing the skin’s elasticity and firmness. These treatments are ideal for patients seeking to enhance the radiance and softness of their skin without altering the facial contours.
  • Formulation flexibility : hyaluronic acid exists in different formulations, each designed for a specific application : filling wrinkles, enhancing the lips, restoring cheek volume, deep hydration, etc.

Disadvantages of hyaluronic acid injections

  • Invasiveness and recovery time : even though hyaluronic acid injections are minimally invasive, they still require the use of needles or micro-cannulas, which can cause pain, bruising, swelling or temporary redness. Recovery time is generally short.
  • Higher cost : hyaluronic acid injections are generally more expensive than topical products, although there are some creams that cost more than injections. The price varies depending on the amount of product used, the complexity and the type of treatment. Although the results are long-lasting, they are not permanent, requiring maintenance sessions to preserve the outcome.
  • Risk of complications : although rare, complications can occur, such as vascular occlusions or skin necrosis if the product is accidentally injected into a blood vessel. It is therefore essential to choose an experienced doctor for a risk free injection.

Advantages of topical hyaluronic acid applications

  • Ease of use and accessibility : hyaluronic acid–based serums, creams and lotions are easy to use and available without prescription, making them accessible to a wide audience. They integrate easily into a daily skincare routine and do not require professional intervention.
  • Superficial hydration and protection of the skin barrier : topical hyaluronic acid is very effective in hydrating the upper layer of the skin, making it softer and smoother. These products help maintain hydration by creating a protective barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.
  • Suitable for sensitive and reactive skin : hyaluronic acid is a gentle and well-tolerated ingredient, making it an excellent choice for people with sensitive or redness-prone skin. Topical formulations are often combined with soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal or niacinamide, to minimize irritation and provide optimal hydration without causing reactions.
  • Less invasiveness and no recovery time : unlike injections, topical application carries no risk of pain, bruising or swelling and requires no recovery time.

Disadvantages of topical applications of hyaluronic acid

  • Limited depth and duration of results : topical products provide good surface hydration, but their ability to penetrate deeply into the skin is limited. The results are often temporary and require regular application to be maintained. Hyaluronic acid–based serums and creams cannot restore volume or fill wrinkles.
  • Less spectacular visible effect : the effects of topical hyaluronic acid products are less striking and immediate than those of injections. They improve the skin’s texture and hydration to a lesser extent than injectable products and do not allow for significant modification of facial contours or correction of volume loss.
  • Product layering : the use of serums and creams can sometimes cause a buildup of products on the skin, creating a saturation effect or a superficial barrier that prevents the absorption of other products. This also makes the skincare routine more complex and time-consuming.

Innovations in hyaluronic acid injections

Injection technologies and techniques continue to evolve to improve treatment safety, efficacy and patient comfort. The latest innovations include :

  • Advanced techniques : MD Codes™ and the 8-point lift, facial enhancement and contouring, profiloplasty : these methods allow precise and personalized facial rejuvenation by targeting specific areas to optimize results and minimize risks.
  • Long-release fillers : these products are designed to gradually release hyaluronic acid into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
  • Combined injections : the combination of hyaluronic acid with other active ingredients enhances the effects.

Innovations in topical hyaluronic acid formulations

Topical hyaluronic acid products have also evolved.

  • Encapsulation and nanotechnologies : encapsulating hyaluronic acid in liposomes or nanoparticles allows better penetration into the deeper layers of the skin and prolonged release.
  • Multi-molecular-weight formulations : the integration of several sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules, to hydrate at different levels, provides a more comprehensive approach.
  • Combinations of active ingredients : formulations that combine hyaluronic acid with antioxidants, vitamins or anti-inflammatory agents are increasingly used to address specific skin needs.

Injectable or topical hyaluronic acid : which should you choose ?

Choosing between injectable and topical hyaluronic acid depends on several factors, including budget, comfort with invasive procedures, and the desired results.

  • For immediate and long-lasting results : hyaluronic acid injections are ideal for people seeking rapid and visible effects, such as wrinkle correction, restoration of lost volume, overall improvement of skin firmness and facial tightening.
  • For daily hydration and preventive care : topical products are recommended for people who want to incorporate hyaluronic acid into their daily skincare routine, particularly to maintain hydration, soften skin texture and prevent the first signs of ageing.

It is recommended to combine both approaches : use hyaluronic acid–based serums and creams for daily hydration maintenance, and resort to injections for more lasting and targeted results.

Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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