How do you choose the right hyaluronic acid ?
The choice of hyaluronic acid depends on the area to be treated, tissue thickness and mobility, and the desired result. Dr Romano chooses the gel’s properties, the quantity and the injection depth according to these factors. A product suited to one area is therefore not necessarily suitable for another.
- The desired change. Explain what bothers you and the result you are seeking. A subtle correction and a more noticeable change in volume are not the same treatment plan.
- Tissue characteristics. Skin thickness, the area’s mobility, existing volumes and previous treatments influence the choice.
- The gel’s properties. The product must suit the injection depth and the demands of the area. Its suppleness or firmness depends on its use.
- Volume and technique. Choosing the gel is not enough. The quantity injected and its placement contribute to the result and must be adapted to your anatomy.
How can a natural result be achieved with hyaluronic acid ?
How natural the result looks also depends on the quantity injected and its placement, not just the product chosen.
Which types of hyaluronic acid suit which needs ?
Hyaluronic acid-based injectables have different properties. Some are designed to provide support or projection ; others address more superficial correction, hydration or skin quality. Simply contrasting a « fluid » gel with a « dense » gel does not allow a product to be chosen precisely.
A study of the properties of 41 fillers highlights differences between hyaluronic acid gels. These measurements help guide the doctor’s choice, but do not constitute a universal ranking of their quality. A firmer product is not automatically better than a more supple one.
Which hyaluronic acid should be chosen for each area treated ?
The type of hyaluronic acid must be chosen according to the area to be treated ; the same formulation is not necessarily suitable for every area. The following examples explain the objectives to discuss ; they do not replace a medical examination or each product’s specific indications.
- Lips. Treatment may aim to define the contour, increase volume, improve hydration or address asymmetry. Mouth mobility and facial proportions must be considered to avoid a volume unsuited to the request.
- Hollow dark circles. The doctor must distinguish hollowness from pigmentation or bags. An injection is not suitable for every situation ; thin skin and a tendency to swell require particular assessment.
- Cheekbones and chin. The plan may address a lack of volume or projection. The choice should take facial balance into account rather than seeking maximum volume.
- Furrows and folds. Dr Romano investigates the origin of the fold before deciding where to intervene. Injecting directly into the furrow is not necessarily the approach chosen.
- Skin quality. When the objective is to improve skin hydration, Dr Romano may consider a product intended for this indication, such as Skinboosters. The choice depends in particular on skin thickness and the area treated. A hyaluronic acid used for skin hydration cannot be used to reshape the cheekbones or chin.
Is one brand more reliable than the others ?
The manufacturer’s name is not enough to compare two proposals. The same brand may market several formulations with different properties and indications. The comparison must therefore focus on the precise product proposed, the data available for its use and the patient’s situation.
In Switzerland, product compliance and the professional’s qualifications are essential criteria highlighted by Swissmedic in its information on fillers. Ask for the exact product name, its origin and the information needed to ensure its traceability. Popularity on social media or a high price does not demonstrate that it is better suited to your case.
Is the duration of the result enough to choose an injection ?
No. Duration is a criterion to discuss, but should not take priority over the product’s suitability for the treatment. The desired appearance, the area’s mobility, the limits of the correction and the risks must also be considered. A duration stated for another patient or another area does not allow your own result to be predicted.
The FDA factsheet on fillers notes that duration depends in particular on the type of gel and the injected area. How long the result persists is detailed on our page about the duration of the effects of hyaluronic acid injections.
