How is hyaluronic acid used in aesthetic medicine?

Hyaluronic acid is a macromolecule naturally secreted by the body. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for skin maintenance. Hyaluronic acid also plays a trophic role. Thanks to its hydrophilic nature, it captures water molecules (up to 1,000 times its own weight), ensuring skin hydration. It is also recognized for its volumizing virtues: it gives the skin its shape and thickness.

With age, however, this component diminishes in the skin. This is when cutaneous aging begins. Fortunately, hyaluronic acid can be injected synthetically into the skin. Perfectly biocompatible and biodegradable, hyaluronic acid is used in a number of ways:

• To restore volume to the face. In this case, it is used as a filler to erase wrinkles. A thick, highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid is used.
• To rehydrate the face. Hyaluronic acid is more weakly cross-linked, i.e. more liquid. It does not affect facial contours, but contributes to fibroblast regeneration. It induces neo-collagenesis (the production of new collagen) and stimulates the skin to regulate and rehydrate itself.

Which areas can be treated with hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate the face?

Many areas of the face can be treated with hyaluronic acid. These include

• Cheekbones are quickly affected by sagging skin.
• The oval of the face, which tends to reverse with age.
• The nose. This is a medical rhinoplasty, which harmonizes the shape and curve of the nose.
• Lips that can be plumped.
• Nasolabial folds, the fold that extends vertically from the roots of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
• The temples when they become hollow.
• Hollow circles. Over time, the skin of the eyelids thins and presses against the orbital bone, giving the eyes a tired look. Hyaluronic acid fills in these dark circles.
• A receding chin (retrogenia). The volumizing properties of hyaluronic acid enable the chin to be brought forward and the profile to be reshaped.

What should I do after hyaluronic acid injections?

Hyaluronic acid injection is a minimally invasive procedure. It leaves few after-effects, but requires a number of precautions to be taken once the procedure has been carried out, in order to guarantee effective, natural results.

Injections are not painful. However, swelling and bruising around the injected area are common. These effects are benign and transitory. They fade within a few days. You can apply cold compresses to speed up the resorption process.

In addition, it is recommended not to massage the injected area for at least 24 hours after the injection. The application of make-up during the hours following the session is also contraindicated, as it may cause irritation. Avoid any congestion of the skin during the first 48 hours. Do not expose yourself to the sun or UV rays. Hot baths, steam baths and saunas are not recommended.

Finally, anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants such as aspirin are contraindicated before and after the procedure, as they increase the risk of bleeding and contribute to the appearance of bruising.