What is hyaluronic acid? How is it used?

What is hyaluronic acid? How is it used?

Many of our clients ask us this question. It’s important to us that before a client undergoes wrinkle treatment or scar revision , they understand exactly how it works. That’s why we’ve written this article about hyaluronic acid , so you can understand this topic.

Hyaluronic acid is a long chain of sugar molecules (a polysaccharide) found almost everywhere in the human body. In the skin, hyaluronic acid ensures natural elasticity and firmness of the connective tissue. With age, the body’s natural hyaluronic acid levels decrease. This leads to wrinkles, and certain areas may lose volume and definition. This loss can be compensated for with hyaluronic acid products (so-called fillers). These have a gel-like consistency. They can be applied to the skin as skincare products or injected into or under the skin. Hyaluronic acid can bind large amounts of water, thus filling wrinkles or accentuating certain areas. Injections with hyaluronic acid are significantly more effective and last longer than topical application.

There are various types of hyaluronic acid products. These are differentiated by the cross-linking of the hyaluronic acid chains and the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the product. A higher degree of cross-linking results in a longer duration of effect. The concentration of hyaluronic acid (in mg/ml) indicates the amount of hyaluronic acid powder added to the solution. The lower the concentration, the less water the hyaluronic acid gel will be able to bind. A low concentration should be chosen for areas with thin skin, while a high-concentration product is required for desired volume enhancement. It is crucial to select the correct product for the specific body or facial area to achieve optimal results. The correct volume of hyaluronic acid solution must also be used to avoid an unnatural appearance. Therefore, it is essential that hyaluronic acid products are administered only by specially trained medical personnel.

When does the effect occur? How long does the effect of hyaluronic acid injections last?

The effect of hyaluronic acid filler treatment for wrinkle correction is immediate. How long the effect lasts depends on the type of filler used (hyaluronic acid product), the correct application technique, and the volume injected. The effect often lasts between 6 months and 1.5 years, depending on the treatment area and the desired result.

Is an injection with hyaluronic acid painful?

Depending on the type of procedure, filler treatments can vary in pain level. Our expertise lies in making these treatments painless or as painless as possible for you. If necessary, we use a local anesthetic cream. For patients with increased sensitivity, regional anesthesia (local anesthetic) can also be administered.

What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid treatment?

Since hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, adverse reactions are extremely rare.

Since hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin, slight redness, swelling, or minor bruising may occur at the injection site. These side effects usually disappear very quickly. Bruises can be easily concealed with makeup for the time being. In very rare cases, inflammatory processes (granulomas or abscesses) can occur, even after several months, or local tissue death (necrosis) may result. We see such cases when external pretreatments were performed by non-medical personnel without the necessary expertise. These side effects are dangerous. At our clinic, injections are only performed by specially trained medical professionals. In the event of a complication, it is crucial that the treating physician reacts immediately, makes the correct diagnosis, and initiates appropriate treatment.

How much do hyaluronic acid treatments cost?

The cost of treatment with fillers depends on the type of treatment, the required volume of hyaluronic acid gel, the type of hyaluronic acid product, and individual patient characteristics such as wrinkle depth.

Prices for approved products in Switzerland are roughly constant, with variations of +/- 20-30% between doctors. Of course, there might be a special offer or you might receive a gift as a regular customer; then you’re in luck.

We see many customers who have had themselves treated by non-medical staff at very cheap prices with poor-quality hyaluronic acid products and then experience complications or are not satisfied with the result.

It is therefore important that the injections are only performed by specially trained medical personnel and that you feel comfortable and have confidence in the doctor of your choice.

In order to give you an accurate price quote, we will analyze the treatment areas together with you and put together a treatment plan according to your desired result and your budget.

After the first treatment, customers are often so satisfied and surprised that they can hardly believe they have achieved the desired result without surgery (and the associated costs and long recovery time).

When are treatments with hyaluronic acid not permitted?

– In case of active inflammation in the area to be treated

– During pregnancy or breastfeeding

– In case of allergies or intolerances to hyaluronic acid products

– In cases of tumors or general immunodeficiency due to drug or radiation therapies

– If the doctor thinks that the indication (medical reason for the treatment) for wrinkle injection with hyaluronic acid is not given, even if it is the patient’s wish.

– If blood thinning medication is being taken at the same time, the customer must be well informed that there is an increased risk of bruising and possibly inflammation.

Do you have any further questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us ! We’d be happy to advise you.