L'hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the world, used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of the skin. However, as with any medical treatment, there are many myths and misinformation circulating. To help you see things more clearly, we're going to debunk the myths and give you a realistic overview of hyaluronic acid injections.
Reality : Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies. It plays a crucial role in skin hydration, joint lubrication and tissue support. The HA used in aesthetic injections is synthesised in the laboratory to ensure its purity and safety. The hyaluronic acid gels used are approved by the health authorities in Switzerland and Europe, and by the FDA in the United States.
Reality : Unlike some permanent fillers, the results of hyaluronic acid injections are reversible and temporary. Their duration varies according to the product used and the area treated, but in general, results last between 6 and 18 months. This feature allows patients to test the treatment and adjust the results according to their needs.
Reality: the sensation of pain during hyaluronic acid injections can vary from person to person. However, thanks to the anaesthetic present in the product and if the doctor is experienced, most patients feel only a slight discomfort or a fleeting sting.
Fact: hyaluronic acid injections are not just for women. More and more men are opting for this treatment to reduce the signs of ageing, redefine facial contours or improve the appearance of their skin.
Fact: when carried out by a qualified, experienced doctor, hyaluronic acid injections give natural, harmonious results. The aim is not to transform the face but to improve its appearance by reducing wrinkles, restoring volume where it is needed and revitalising the skin. A good practitioner will take into account each patient's specific anatomy and desires to achieve natural, beautiful results.
Reality: although the results are generally visible immediately after the injection, it is common to experience temporary swelling or small bruises which may mask the final result for a few days. The final result is obtained one week after the injection, once the product has integrated well 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 preliminary consultation allows us to discuss your expectations and medical history and to define a personalised treatment plan.
Reality: although hyaluronic acid is effective in treating wrinkles such as nasolabial foldsIt is also used for other applications, such as liftthe creation of volumes (of lips for example), the feminisation and masculinisation of the face, improving the profile (profiloplasty), restoring the volume of cheeks lost with age, the definition of the contours of the chin and noseimproving the texture and overall hydration of the skin (Skinboosters), l'privacy.
Reality : The results of hyaluronic acid injections vary from one person to another depending on a number of factors: skin type, age, anatomy, lifestyle, the product used and, most importantly, the injecting doctor!
The doctor chooses the product and adapts the quantity and injection technique according to the patient's needs for a harmonious, natural result. This is why it is essential to choose an experienced doctor to personalise the treatment.
Reality : The quantity of hyaluronic acid injected does not necessarily determine the quality of the result. Too much product can result in an artificial or disproportionate appearance. The aim is to maintain a balance and improve the natural appearance of the face. A good practitioner will know how to precisely dose the amount of hyaluronic acid needed to achieve a subtle, 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, the anaesthetic added by the laboratory.
At the time of consultation, the doctor will check that there are no contraindications or specific allergy risks.
Fact: when hyaluronic acid resorbs, it does not cause the skin to slacken. On the contrary, it stimulates collagen production, which can improve the skin's elasticity and firmness over the long term. Once the effect of the injections wears off, the skin gradually returns to its original appearance, but with a slight benefit to the overall quality of the skin thanks to the stimulation of collagen. This is true if the injection has been carried out correctly.
Fact: hyaluronic acid is used by a wide range of ages, including young adults looking to prevent the first signs of ageing or improve certain facial features. Injections can help keep the face fresh and hydrated, even in younger people, and are not exclusively intended to correct age-related wrinkles or sagging skin.
Fact: there is a wide variety of hyaluronic acid gels, each specially formulated to meet specific facial and body needs. Some products are designed to add volume to the lips, others to fill in wrinkles or restore facial contours. There are also hyaluronic acid formulations designed 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 assessment carried out by the doctor. That's why it's essential to turn to a qualified professional who will be able to select the product best suited to your specific needs.
Reality: when injected correctly by an experienced doctor, hyaluronic acid stays in place in the treated area. Migration of this product is extremely rare and generally occurs as a result of an incorrect injection technique or an inappropriate product for the area treated. It is essential to choose an experienced doctor who has mastered the technique in order to obtain the desired results without complications.
Fact: although hyaluronic acid injections can improve the appearance of the face and there are hyaluronic acid lift techniques, they cannot replace the effects of a surgical facelift. The surgical facelift is designed to reposition deep tissues and remove excess skin, offering a more significant and lasting result. Hyaluronic acid injections are ideal for patients looking for a non-invasive solution for the first signs of ageing, but for significant skin sagging surgery remains the best option.
Reality: there is no obligation to continue with hyaluronic acid injections once you have started. If you choose not to continue with the treatments, the hyaluronic acid will degrade naturally over time and your skin will gradually return to its original state, without any harmful long-term effects. Some people prefer to continue treatments to maintain results, but this is a personal choice and not a medical necessity.
Fact: as well as 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 improves appearance, but also helps to hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen production, offering long-term benefits for the health and quality of the skin.
Fact: the frequency of hyaluronic acid injections depends on several factors: the area treated, 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 practitioner's recommendations and plan 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 objective of the treatment, the type of product used and the technique used. The aim of superficial injections, for example, is 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.
Fact: hyaluronic acid injections, when carried out correctly, leave no scars. The needles or micro-cannulas used for the injections are very fine, so there is no trauma to the skin. The small marks that may appear after the injections generally disappear within a few hours to a few days. To avoid any complications, therefore, it is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced doctor.
Reality: excessive swelling is often the result of a poor injection technique or the use of too much product. When injections are carried out by an experienced doctor, the result is natural and harmonious. The doctor adjusts the amount of hyaluronic acid to the patient's individual needs to avoid excess and achieve a subtle result that beautifies without exaggerating the facial features.
Reality: hyaluronic acid injections must be carried out by doctors trained in the technique, who therefore have the necessary experience and training to guarantee safe and effective results. Choosing an injector who is not a doctor increases the risk of complications: unsightly results or health problems such as blindness and necrosis.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
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