Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections are aesthetic medicine treatments designed to correct volumes, attenuate wrinkles, and improve skin hydration and quality. The hyaluronic acid used in practice is a resorbable gel, close to the substance naturally present in the skin. These injections are adapted to a variety of needs: filling wrinkles (e.g. forehead lines, nasolabial folds), restoring or harmonising volumes (cheeks, lips), improving the eye area (hollow dark circles, cheekbones), and improving skin quality (skin boosters).

This treatment prioritises a natural, progressive, and harmonious result, always personalised according to the patient's morphology. The following text is intended for general guidance.

Principles of Treatment

• General principle: injectable hyaluronic acid fills volume losses and attracts water, contributing to hydration and improvement of skin elasticity. Products are generally cross-linked (stabilised) to last longer than free hyaluronic acid.
• Types of products: different densities and cohesivities exist depending on the indication (fine and fluid for the skin or lip border, denser for cheekbone or chin volumisation).
• Areas concerned: forehead wrinkles, temples, dark circles, nasolabial folds, lips, cheekbones, chin, hands, and deep injections for volume restoration.
• Personalisation: the choice of product, technique (fine needle or cannula), and volumes is defined on a case-by-case basis at the consultation, based on morphology, expectations, and the patient's history.

Session Process

• Prior consultation: a medical interview establishes an assessment (history, current medications, expectations), explains the options, and defines a personalised treatment plan. Photographs may be taken for follow-up.
• Session: duration generally varies from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the areas treated. The skin is cleaned and prepared in adherence with aseptic rules. Some products contain lidocaine to reduce discomfort; a topical anaesthetic cream may be offered depending on sensitivity and the area.
• Technique: injection may be performed using a needle or cannula depending on the area and goal. The physician deposits the product at precise anatomical planes to optimise efficacy and limit risks.
• Comfort and sensations: a pinch, pressure, or slight local discomfort may be felt. Cold application and compresses can be used at the end of the session.
• Standard precautions: avoid NSAIDs or aspirin in the days before the procedure if possible (to reduce bleeding risk); inform the physician of any recent infection, anticoagulant treatment, or allergy.

Post-treatment Course and Results

• Immediate post-treatment effects: redness, swelling, bruising, sensitivity, or small local irregularities are common and transient. These signs decrease within a few days to two weeks depending on the case.
• Onset and stability of results: a visible effect is often immediate, but the final appearance generally stabilises between 1 and 2 weeks, as swelling resolves and the product settles.
• Average duration: variable depending on the area, the product, and individual metabolism. As a guide, duration may range from 6 to 12 months for the lips, and 9 to 18 months for deep volumisation injections (cheekbones, folds). These are estimates that vary from person to person.
• Variability: the result depends on age, skin quality, lifestyle, and the product used. The need for a touch-up or complement is assessed during medical follow-up.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Main contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, active skin infection in the area to be treated (active labial herpes, furuncles), known allergy to the product used or to any of its components.
• Precautions: inform the physician of anticoagulant treatment, autoimmune disease, history of recurrent infections, or certain medications. Some histories may require protocol adaptation or specific monitoring.
• Activities to avoid after injection: prolonged heat exposure (sauna, steam room), intense physical effort, and vigorous massage of the area for 24–48 hours as per the physician's recommendations. Avoid excessive sun exposure and immediate dental procedures in some cases if indicated.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

• Common and transient adverse effects: redness, swelling, bruising, local pain, tension sensation, temporary nodules or irregularities.
• Rarer complications: infection, granuloma (localised inflammatory reaction), allergic reaction (rare), product migration, asymmetry, skin necrosis related to vascular obstruction, embolism (serious but rare situation).
• Management: these risks must be explained during the consultation. Some complications may require specific treatment (e.g. hyaluronidase to dissolve hyaluronic acid in cases of vascular obstruction or major dissatisfaction). Prompt reporting and management of adverse effects is important.
• Complete information: all possible effects are specified and discussed during the prior consultation.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are injections painful? Pain is generally mild to moderate. Products containing lidocaine and/or the application of a topical anaesthetic cream reduce discomfort. Pain perception varies by area and individual sensitivity.

When can I return to work? Return to work is often possible immediately or the following day. Visible redness or bruising may persist for a few days; allow for some margin depending on your activity and desired appearance.

Can hyaluronic acid injections be combined with other aesthetic treatments? Yes, they can be combined with other procedures (botulinum toxin, peels, skin boosters, etc.) according to a plan established at the consultation. The order and interval between procedures are defined by the physician to optimise safety and efficacy.

What should I do if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Hyaluronic acid injections are generally contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always disclose an ongoing or planned pregnancy during the consultation.