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Medical cosmetic procedures in Geneva

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Medical cosmetic procedures in Geneva

Hyaluronic acid creams and injections: the differences

Injectable versus topical hyaluronic acid: which to choose?

Hyaluronic acid, renowned for its powerful moisturising and plumping properties, is now a key ingredient in the world of skincare and aesthetic medicine. Whether in the form of serums, creams or injectables, hyaluronic acid is used to hydrate the skin, reduce the signs of ageing and improve the overall appearance of the face. But with so many options available, how do you know which method is best suited to your needs? This article compares the pros and cons 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?

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

Advantages of hyaluronic acid injections

  • Immediate and lasting results: hyaluronic acid injections offer visible results immediately after treatment. They are ideal for filling in wrinkles, restoring lost volume and plumping up areas of the face such as the cheeks, lips and temples. Unlike creams and serums, whose results are visible several weeks after application, the effects of injections are instantaneous and generally last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of product used and the area treated.
  • Targeted, personalised treatment: hyaluronic acid injections provide a highly targeted treatment, tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Medical expertise and technique are essential when it comes to choosing the right product and carrying out highly specialised procedures such as MD Codes™ or the liquid facelift. This personalisation guarantees a natural and harmonious rejuvenation of the face, with no fixed effect.
  • Improved skin texture and quality: as well as filling wrinkles and restoring volume, hyaluronic acid injections can also improve skin texture. Products such as Skinboosters deeply moisturise and stimulate collagen production, increasing the skin's elasticity and firmness. These treatments are ideal for patients looking to improve the radiance and smoothness of their skin without altering facial contours.
  • Flexibility of formulations: hyaluronic acid is available in different formulations, each one designed for a specific application: filling of the pores of the skin, skin resurfacing, etc. wrinklesincrease in lipsrestoring the volume of cheeksdeep hydration, etc.

Disadvantages of hyaluronic acid injections

  • Invasiveness and recovery time: although hyaluronic acid injections are minimally invasive, they still require the use of needles or micro-cannulas, which can cause temporary pain, bruising, swelling or redness. Recovery time is generally short.
  • Higher cost: hyaluronic acid injections are generally more expensive than topical products, although there are creams that are more expensive than injections. The price varies according to the amount of product used, the complexity and type of treatment. Although the results are long-lasting, they are not permanent, requiring maintenance sessions to maintain the results.
  • 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 a qualified and experienced doctor for a risk-free injection.

Benefits of topical applications of hyaluronic acid

  • Ease of use and accessibility : Hyaluronic acid-based serums, creams and lotions are easy to use and available without a prescription, making them accessible to a wide audience. They can be easily integrated into a daily skincare routine and do not require the intervention of a professional.
  • Surface hydration and skin barrier protection: topical hyaluronic acid is highly effective at hydrating the top layer of 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, well-tolerated ingredient, making it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin or skin prone to redness. Topical formulations are often combined with soothing ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal or niacinamide, to minimise irritation and provide optimal hydration without causing reactions.
  • Less invasive and no recovery time: unlike injections, topical application presents no risk of pain, bruising or swelling, and requires no recovery time.

Disadvantages of topical applications of hyaluronic acid

  • Limited results in terms of depth and duration: topical products offer good hydration on the surface, but their ability to penetrate deep into the skin is limited. Results are often temporary and require regular application to maintain. 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 spectacular and immediate than those of injections. They improve skin texture and hydration less than injectable products, and do not significantly modify facial contours or correct loss of volume.
  • Layer upon layer of products: using serums and creams can sometimes cause products to pile up on the skin, creating a saturation effect or a superficial barrier that prevents other products from penetrating. 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 safety, treatment efficacy and patient comfort. New developments include :

  • Advanced pointing techniques, MD Codes™ and 8-point lift Facial rejuvenation: these methods enable precise, personalised facial rejuvenation, targeting specific areas to optimise results and minimise risks.
  • Sustained-release fillers: these products are designed to gradually release hyaluronic acid into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
  • Combined injections: combining hyaluronic acid with other active ingredients increases the effects.

Innovations in topical hyaluronic acid formulations

Topical products based on hyaluronic acid have also evolved.

  • Encapsulation and nano-technologies: encapsulation of hyaluronic acid in liposomes or nanoparticles allows better penetration into the deep layers of the skin and prolonged release.
  • Multi-molecular weight formulations: integrating several sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules to hydrate at different levels offers a more complete approach.
  • Combinations of active ingredients : Formulas that combine hyaluronic acid with antioxidants, vitamins or anti-inflammatory agents are increasingly used to meet specific skin needs.

Injectable or topical hyaluronic acid: what should you choose for your skin care needs?

The choice between injectable and topical hyaluronic acid depends on a number of factors, including budget, tolerance of invasive procedures and the type of result desired.

  • For immediate and long-lasting results: hyaluronic acid injections are ideal for people looking for fast, visible results, such as correcting wrinkles, filling in lost volume, improving overall skin firmness and re-tautening the face.
  • For daily hydration and preventative care: topical products are recommended for people who want to incorporate hyaluronic acid into their daily skincare routine, in particular to maintain hydration, soften skin texture and prevent the first signs of ageing.

It is advisable to combine the two approaches: use hyaluronic acid-based serums and creams to maintain hydration on a daily basis, and resort to injections for longer-lasting, targeted results.

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Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.

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Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland

[email protected]

+41 78 209 02 89

Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm

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