Myths and facts about hyaluronic acid injections: separating truth from fiction
Myth 1: hyaluronic acid is a dangerous chemical
Reality : Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies, playing a crucial role in skin hydration, joint lubrication and tissue support. HA for aesthetic injections is laboratory-synthesised to ensure purity and safety. The gels used are approved by Swiss and European health authorities and the US FDA.
Myth 2: hyaluronic acid injections are permanent
Reality : Unlike permanent fillers, hyaluronic acid results are reversible and temporary. Duration varies by product and area, generally 6 to 18 months. This allows patients to try treatment and adjust results to their needs.
Myth 3: hyaluronic acid injections are painful
Reality: pain varies individually. However, with anaesthetic in the product and an experienced doctor, most patients feel only slight discomfort or a brief prick.
Myth 4: hyaluronic acid injections are only for women
Reality: injections are not exclusively for women. Increasing numbers of men choose them to reduce ageing signs, redefine contours or improve skin appearance.
Myth 5: hyaluronic acid injections make the face artificial and frozen
Reality: a qualified, experienced doctor produces natural, harmonious results. The goal is not transformation but better appearance through softer wrinkles, volume where needed and revitalised skin. A good doctor considers individual anatomy and wishes for natural, attractive results.
Myth 6: hyaluronic acid injections give immediate results
Reality: although results are usually immediately visible, temporary swelling or small bruises may obscure them for days. Final results appear one week after injection, once product integrates and swelling subsides.
Myth 7: everyone can have hyaluronic acid injections
Reality: injections do not suit everyone. Consult an experienced doctor to assess suitability.
There are contraindications, unrealistic expectations and surgical indications.
A preliminary consultation discusses expectations, medical history and a personalised treatment plan.
Myth 8: hyaluronic acid injections are only for deep wrinkles
Reality: although effective for deep wrinkles such as nasolabial folds, hyaluronic acid also enables lifting, volume creation (lips, for example), facial feminisation and masculinisation, profile improvement, restoring age-related cheek volume loss, defining chin and nose contours, improving overall skin quality and hydration (Skinboosters), and intimate treatment.
Myth 9: hyaluronic acid injection results are identical for everyone
Reality : results vary individually according to skin type, age, anatomy, lifestyle, product and, most importantly, the injecting doctor!
The doctor selects product, quantity and technique according to patient needs for natural harmony. An experienced doctor is therefore essential for personalisation.
Myth 10: more hyaluronic acid means better results
Reality: quantity does not necessarily determine result quality. Excess product can look artificial or disproportionate. The goal is balance and natural enhancement. A good doctor precisely doses the amount for subtle aesthetic results.
Myth 11: hyaluronic acid injections frequently cause allergic reactions
Reality: allergic reactions are extremely rare because hyaluronic acid is biocompatible and naturally present. The only possible allergy is to lidocaine, the manufacturer's added anaesthetic.
At consultation, the doctor checks for contraindications and specific allergy risks.
Myth 12: hyaluronic acid injections cause sagging when absorbed
Reality: absorption does not cause skin laxity. Instead, collagen stimulation can improve long-term elasticity and firmness. As effects fade, skin gradually returns to its original appearance, with a slight overall quality benefit from collagen synthesis if injections were correctly performed.
Myth 13: hyaluronic acid injections are only for older people
Reality: hyaluronic acid is used by diverse people, including young adults preventing early ageing signs or enhancing features. Beyond treating age-related wrinkles or laxity, injections maintain a fresh, hydrated appearance even in younger people.
Hyaluronic acid injections form part of Skin Prevent and Skin Restore protocols.
Myth 14: all hyaluronic acid injections are identical
Reality: many gels are specifically formulated for facial and body needs. Hyacorp is used for the body. Some add lip volume, others fill wrinkles or restore contours. Skinboosters deeply hydrate without volume. Product choice depends on area, desired result and medical assessment. An experienced doctor is essential for selecting the most suitable product.
Myth 15: hyaluronic acid can migrate beneath the skin after injection
Reality: correctly injected by an experienced doctor, hyaluronic acid stays in the treated area. Migration is extremely rare, generally caused by incorrect technique or an unsuitable product. Choose an experienced doctor skilled in technique for desired results without complications.
Myth 16: hyaluronic acid injections can replace a surgical facelift
Reality: although injections improve facial appearance and enable lifting techniques, they cannot replace surgical facelift effects. Surgery repositions deep tissues and removes excess skin for greater, longer-lasting results. Injections are ideal for non-invasive treatment of early ageing signs, but significant laxity is best addressed surgically.
Myth 17: once you start hyaluronic acid injections, you cannot stop
Reality: there is no obligation to continue once started. If treatment stops, hyaluronic acid naturally breaks down and skin gradually returns to its original state without long-term harm. Continuing to maintain results is a personal choice, not a medical necessity.
Myth 18: hyaluronic acid injections are purely cosmetic with no other benefits
Reality: besides cosmetic uses, hyaluronic acid has medical benefits. It treats conditions such as osteoarthritis through joint injections for lubrication and pain relief. Aesthetically, it improves facial appearance, hydrates skin and stimulates collagen for long-term skin health and quality.
Myth 19: hyaluronic acid injections must be frequent to work
Reality: frequency depends on area, product and patient goals. An annual session suffices for some, while others need treatment every six to nine months. Follow medical recommendations and plan maintenance adapted to your needs.
Myth 20: only deeply injected hyaluronic acid is effective
Reality: effectiveness depends not solely on depth but on goals, product and technique. Superficial injections, for example, improve skin quality and hydration without volume. Depth is chosen according to skin needs and treatment areas.
Myth no.21: hyaluronic acid injections cause scars
Reality: correctly performed injections do not scar. Very fine needles or microcannulas cause no skin trauma. Small marks generally disappear within hours or days. Choosing a qualified, experienced doctor is crucial to avoiding complications.
Myth no.22: hyaluronic acid injections cause excessive facial swelling
Reality: excessive swelling often reflects poor technique or too much product. An experienced doctor achieves natural harmony, adjusting quantity to individual needs to avoid excess and subtly enhance features without exaggeration.
Myth no.23: anyone can perform hyaluronic acid injections
Reality: injections must be performed by experienced doctors trained in the technique, with the knowledge needed for safe, attractive results. Choosing a non-doctor increases complication risks, including unattractive results or health problems such as blindness and necrosis.
