HYALURONIC ACID : MYTHS AND REALITY

Myths and reality about hyaluronic acid injections : separating fact from fiction

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the world, used to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and improve the overall appearance of the skinHowever, as with any medical procedure, many myths and misconceptions circulate. To help you see more clearly, we’re going to debunk common beliefs and give you a realistic overview of hyaluronic acid injections .

Contents

Myth No. 1 : hyaluronic acid is a dangerous chemical

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 laboratories to ensure its purity and safety. Hyaluronic acid gels are approved by health authorities in Switzerland, in Europe, and by the FDA in the United States.

Myth No. 2 : hyaluronic acid injections are permanent

Reality : unlike some 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 in general, results last between 6 to 18 months. This characteristic allows patients to test the treatment and adjust the results according to their needs.

Myth No. 3 : hyaluronic acid injections are painful

Reality : the sensation of pain during hyaluronic acid injections can vary from person to person. However, thanks to the anesthetic included in the product and if the physician is experienced, most patients feel only slight discomfort or a fleeting sting.

Myth No. 4 : hyaluronic acid injections are only for women

Reality : hyaluronic acid injections are not exclusively for women. More and more men are choosing this treatment to reduce signs of aging, redefine facial contours or improve the appearance of their skin.

Myth No. 5 : after hyaluronic acid injections, the face looks artificial and frozen

Reality : when injections are performed by a qualified and experienced doctor, hyaluronic acid injections yield 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 skilled practitioner will take into account each patient’s specific anatomy and aesthetic goals to achieve natural and pleasing results.

Myth No. 6 : hyaluronic acid injections produce immediate results

Reality : although results are generally visible right after the injection, it is common to experience temporary swelling or minor bruising that can obscure the final outcome for a few days. The definitive result appears one week after the injection, once the product has properly integrated into the skin and any swelling has subsided.

Myth No. 7 : anyone can get hyaluronic acid injections

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.

Myth No. 8 : hyaluronic acid injections are only for deep wrinkles

Reality : although hyaluronic acid is effective in treating deep wrinkles, such as wrinkles such as nasolabial folds, it is also used for many other purposes : lift, volume creation (such as lips , facial feminization and masculinization , profile enhancement (profiloplasty), restoring lost cheek volume with age, defining the contours of the chin and nose, improving overall skin texture and hydration (Skinboosters) and intimate treatments..

Myth No. 9 : hyaluronic acid injection results are the same for everyone

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.

Myth No. 10 : more hyaluronic acid means better results

Reality : the amount of hyaluronic acid injected does not necessarily determine the quality of the result. Excess product can lead to an artificial or disproportionate appearance. The goal is to maintain balance and enhance the face’s natural look. A skilled practitioner will know how to precisely dose the right amount of hyaluronic acid to achieve a subtle and aesthetic result.

Myth No. 11 : hyaluronic acid injections frequently cause allergic reactions

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.

Myth No. 12 : hyaluronic acid injections cause skin sagging once absorbed

Reality : when hyaluronic acid is absorbed, it does not cause skin sagging. On the contrary, it stimulates collagen production, which can improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness over time. Once the effects of the injections wear off, the skin gradually returns to its initial appearance, with a slight improvement in overall skin quality thanks to collagen stimulation. This is true only if the injection has been performed correctly.

Myth No. 13 : hyaluronic acid injections are only for older people

Reality : hyaluronic acid is used by a wide range of ages, including young adults who want to prevent early signs of aging or enhance certain facial features. Injections can help maintain a fresh and hydrated face, even in younger individuals, and are not exclusively intended to correct age-related wrinkles or sagging skin.

Hyaluronic acid injections are part of the protocols Skin Prevent and Skin Restore.

Myth No. 14 : all hyaluronic acid injections are the same

Reality : there is a wide variety of hyaluronic acid gels, each specifically formulated to address different needs for 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 facial contours. There are also formulations of hyaluronic acid intended to deeply hydrate the skin without adding volume, such as Skinboosters. The choice of product depends on the area to be treated, the desired result, and the clinical evaluation made by the physician. That’s why it’s essential to consult a qualified professional who can select the product best suited to your specific needs.

Myth No. 15 : hyaluronic acid can migrate under the skin after injection

Reality : when injected correctly by an experienced doctor, hyaluronic acid stays in place in the treated area. Product migration is extremely rare and usually occurs due to incorrect injection technique or an inappropriate product for the treated zone. It is essential to choose a skilled doctor who masters the technique in order to obtain the desired results without complications.

Myth No. 16 : hyaluronic acid injections can replace a surgical facelift

Myth No. 16 : hyaluronic acid injections can replace a surgical facelift facelift techniques using hyaluronic acid, they cannot replace the results of a surgical facelift. A surgical facelift is designed to reposition deep 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 to early signs of aging, but for significant skin laxity, surgery remains the best option.

Myth No. 17 : once you start hyaluronic acid injections, you can’t stop

Reality : there is no obligation to continue hyaluronic acid injections once you start. If you choose not to continue treatment, the hyaluronic acid will naturally degrade over time and your skin will gradually return to its original state, with no long-term negative effects. Some people prefer to maintain results through ongoing treatment, but it remains a personal choice, not a medical necessity.

Myth No. 18 : hyaluronic acid injections are purely cosmetic and offer no other benefits

Reality : in addition to their cosmetic uses, hyaluronic acid injections also provide medical benefits. They are used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, where the product is injected into joints to lubricate them and relieve pain. In aesthetics, hyaluronic acid not only enhances appearance, but also improves skin hydration and stimulates collagen production, offering long-term benefits for skin health and quality.

Myth No. 19 : hyaluronic acid injections must be done frequently to be effective

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 session per year may be enough to maintain desired results, while others may need more frequent treatments, every six to nine months. The key is to follow your practitioner’s recommendations and schedule maintenance sessions suited to your needs.

Myth No. 20 : only deeply injected hyaluronic acid is effective

Reality : the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid does not depend solely on the depth of injection, but rather on the treatment objective, the type of product used, and the technique employed. Superficial injections aim, for example, to improve skin texture and hydration without adding volume. The choice of injection depth is based on the specific needs of the skin and the areas to be treated

Myth No. 21 : hyaluronic acid injections cause scarring

Reality : when performed correctly, hyaluronic acid injections do not leave scars. The needles or micro-cannulas used are very fine and cause no skin trauma. Any minor marks that may appear after injection usually disappear within a few hours to a few days. To avoid complications, it is therefore essential to choose a qualified and experienced physician.

Myth No. 22 : hyaluronic acid injections cause the face to swell excessively

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 physician, the result is natural and harmonious. The physician adjusts the amount of hyaluronic acid based on the patient’s individual needs to avoid any excess and achieve a subtle result that enhances the facial features without overdoing them.

Myth No. 23 : hyaluronic acid injections can be performed by anyone

Reality : hyaluronic acid injections must be performed by trained and experienced medical professionals, who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure safe and effective results. Choosing a non-medical injector increases the risk of complications : unaesthetic results or serious health problems such as blindness and tissue necrosis.

Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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