Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the world, used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance the overall appearance of the skin. However, as with any medical treatment, many myths and misconceptions circulate. To help you see things more clearly, we will debunk common beliefs and provide you with a realistic overview of hyaluronic acid injections.
Reality : Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our body. It plays a crucial role in skin hydration, joint lubrication, and tissue support. The HA used in aesthetic injections is synthesized in the laboratory to ensure its purity and safety. The hyaluronic acid gels used are approved by health authorities in Switzerland, in Europe, and by the FDA in the United States.
Reality : Unlike certain permanent fillers, the results of hyaluronic acid injections are reversible and temporary. Their duration varies depending on the product used and the treated area, but generally, the results last between 6 and 18 months. This feature allows patients to try the treatment and adjust the results according to their needs.
Reality : The sensation of pain during hyaluronic acid injections may vary from person to person. However, thanks to the anesthetic contained in the product and if the doctor is experienced, most patients feel only slight discomfort or a brief prick.
Reality : Hyaluronic acid injections are not exclusively reserved for women. More and more men are choosing this treatment to reduce the signs of aging, redefine facial contours, or improve the appearance of their skin.
Reality : When injections are performed by a qualified and experienced doctor, they provide natural and harmonious results. The goal is not to transform the face but to enhance its appearance by softening wrinkles, restoring volume where needed, and revitalizing the skin. A good doctor will take into account each patient’s specific anatomy and desires to achieve natural and pleasing results.
Reality : Although results are generally visible immediately after the injection, it is common to experience temporary swelling or small bruises that may hide the final result for a few days. The definitive result is achieved about one week after the injection, once the product has properly integrated into the skin and any swelling has subsided.
Reality : Hyaluronic acid injections are not suitable for everyone. It is important to consult an experienced doctor to assess your eligibility. In fact, there are contraindications, unrealistic expectations and surgical indications. A prior consultation allows for a discussion of your goals, medical history, and the development of a personalized treatment plan.
Reality : Although hyaluronic acid is effective for treating deep wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds, it is also used for many other applications : lifting, creating volume (for example, in the lips), feminization and masculinization of the face, improving the profile (profiloplasty), restoring lost cheek volume due to aging, defining the contours of the chin and nose, improving the overall hydration and quality of the skin (Skinboosters), and even for intimate rejuvenation.
Reality : the results of hyaluronic acid injections vary from one person to another depending on many factors : skin type, age, anatomy, lifestyle, the product used, and most importantly, the injecting physician. The physician chooses the product and adjusts the quantity and injection technique according to the patient’s needs, to achieve a natural and harmonious result. This is why it is essential to choose an experienced doctor to personalize the treatment.
Reality : The amount of hyaluronic acid injected does not necessarily determine the quality of the result. An excess of product can lead to an artificial or disproportionate appearance. The goal is to maintain balance and enhance the natural look of the face. A good doctor will know how to precisely adjust the amount of hyaluronic acid needed to achieve a subtle and aesthetic result.
Reality : allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid are extremely rare, as it is a biocompatible substance naturally present in the human body.
The only possible allergy is to lidocaine, an anesthetic added by the manufacturer.
During the consultation, the doctor ensures there are no contraindications or specific allergy risks.
Reality : When hyaluronic acid is resorbed, it does not cause skin sagging. On the contrary, it stimulates collagen production, which can improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness in the long term. Once the effect of the injections fades, the skin gradually returns to its initial appearance, but there will be a slight improvement in overall skin quality thanks to the stimulation of collagen synthesis if the injection has been properly performed.
Reality : Hyaluronic acid is now used by a very diverse audience, including young adults who wish to prevent the first signs of aging or enhance certain facial features. Far from being limited to treating wrinkles or age-related skin laxity, these injections also help maintain a fresh and hydrated appearance, even in younger individuals.
Hyaluronic acid injections are part of the Skin Prevent and Skin Restore protocols.
Reality : There is a wide variety of hyaluronic acid gels, each specifically formulated to address the particular needs of the face and body. The hyaluronic acid used for the body is Hyacorp. Some products are designed to add volume to the lips, others to fill wrinkles or restore the facial contours. There are also hyaluronic acid formulations intended to deeply hydrate the skin without adding volume, such as Skinboosters. The choice of product type depends on the area to be treated, the desired result, and the clinical evaluation performed by the doctor. This is why it is essential to consult an experienced physician who will be able to select the most suitable product for your specific needs.
Reality : When injected correctly by an experienced doctor, hyaluronic acid remains in place in the treated area. Migration of the product is extremely rare and usually occurs due to an incorrect injection technique or an inappropriate product for the treated zone. It is essential to choose an experienced physician who masters the technique in order to achieve the desired results without complications.
Reality : Although hyaluronic acid injections can enhance the appearance of the face and there are lifting techniques using hyaluronic acid injections, they cannot replace the effects of a surgical facelift. A surgical facelift is designed to reposition the deeper tissues and remove excess skin, offering a more significant and longer-lasting result. Hyaluronic acid injections are ideal for patients seeking a non-invasive solution for the early signs of aging, but for significant skin laxity, surgery remains the best option.
Reality : There is no obligation to continue hyaluronic acid injections once you have started. If you decide not to continue the treatments, the hyaluronic acid will naturally break down over time and your skin will gradually return to its initial state, without any long-term negative effects. Some people choose to maintain the treatments to preserve the results, but this remains a personal choice, not a medical necessity.
Reality : In addition to their cosmetic applications, hyaluronic acid injections also have medical benefits. They are used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, where the product is injected into the joints to lubricate them and relieve pain. In the aesthetic field, hyaluronic acid not only enhances the face but also contributes to skin hydration and stimulates collagen production, offering long-term benefits for skin health and quality.
Reality : The frequency of hyaluronic acid injections depends on several factors : the treated area, the type of product used, and the patient’s aesthetic goals. For some patients, a single annual session may be enough to maintain the desired results, while others may need more frequent treatments, every six to nine months. The key is to follow your doctor’s recommendations and schedule maintenance sessions tailored to your needs.
Reality : The effectiveness of hyaluronic acid does not depend solely on the depth of the injection, but rather on the treatment goal, the type of product used, and the technique performed. Superficial injections, for example, aim to improve the quality and hydration of the skin without adding volume. The choice of injection depth is based on the specific needs of the skin and the areas to be treated.
Reality : When performed correctly, hyaluronic acid injections do not leave scars. The needles or micro-cannulas used for the injections are very fine, causing no skin trauma. The small marks that may appear after the procedure usually disappear within a few hours to a few days. To avoid any complications, it is therefore crucial to choose a qualified and experienced doctor.
Reality : Excessive swelling is often the result of poor injection technique or the use of too much product. When injections are performed by an experienced doctor, the result is natural and harmonious. The doctor adjusts the amount of hyaluronic acid according to the patient’s individual needs to avoid any excess and achieve a subtle result that enhances the face without exaggerating its features.
Reality : Hyaluronic acid injections must be performed by doctors trained in the technique and with sufficient experience to ensure safe and aesthetic results. Choosing a non-medical injector increases the risk of complications : unaesthetic results or even serious health issues such as blindness and necrosis.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
