What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar compound and a natural component of the skin, which is responsible for its moisture retention and elasticity. With increasing age, the body's own production of hyaluronic acid decreases. As a result, the water-binding capacity decreases, the skin loses elasticity and wrinkles increasingly form. Hyaluronic acid is available as a soft, smooth gel and in various strengths for different treatment needs. It is suitable for filling in everything from fine skin lines to larger volume defects. By injecting it into the wrinkles, hyaluronic acid raises the skin level and aligns it with the surrounding tissue.

Which hyaluronic acid fillers are available?

There are cross-linked and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid fillers: The cross-linked fillers consist of cross-linked hyaluronic acid, which is particularly stable and has a long-lasting effect. It is well suited for the treatment of medium to deep wrinkles and for volume augmentation. Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid is used for skin rejuvenation - i.e. for treating areas such as the cheeks, décolleté, eye area and back of the hand - as well as wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid is injected superficially into the skin and is distributed evenly in the tissue thanks to its non-cross-linked molecular structure. Some hyaluronic acid fillers contain a local anaesthetic, which significantly reduces pain during and after the injection when injecting wrinkles with hyaluronic acid.

What is treated?

Hyaluronic acid is mainly used to treat so-called static wrinkles that are not caused by facial muscle activity. In addition to pure wrinkle treatment, so-called volume treatment (e.g. cheeks, lips) can also be carried out.

How does treatment proceed?

After cleaning and disinfecting the area to be treated, an anaesthetic cream is applied if desired. After a short application time, fine wrinkles are injected superficially, while deeper wrinkles are treated by injecting the hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin. The treatment area is then cooled if necessary.

Is it possible to socialize again immediately after the treatment?

The only things you may see after a hyaluronic acid injection are the small injection sites and, rarely, small bruises. These are temporary and can be covered with make-up if desired. After the treatment, cooling can quickly reduce the swelling and redness, which is usually minimal.
You can go about your usual daily activities or work immediately after the treatment.

What are the possible risks and side effects of treatment with hyaluronic acid?

After the treatment, slight redness, burning or swelling may be temporarily visible, and sometimes a small bruise may also form. These side effects are usually only temporary and can be covered with normal make-up. Rare to very rare side effects include pigmentation disorders, inflammatory reactions, allergic reactions, abscesses, blister and nodule formation, infections, hardening, migration and dislocation of the filling material and mild flu-like symptoms.

What needs to be considered before and after treatment?

If possible, blood-thinning medication should be discontinued a few days before treatment in order to minimize the risk of bruising. When treating the mouth region, there must be no acute herpes infection. After treatment, you should avoid saunas, steam baths, icy temperatures or UV radiation from the sun or solarium for 2 weeks. Heavy physical work, upside-down movements and sport on the first day after treatment as well as cosmetic treatments on the first two days after treatment should also be avoided.

When should treatment with hyaluronic acid not be carried out?

As a matter of principle treatment in the case of:

• Allergy to ingredients
• Acute or chronic skin diseases in the area to be treated (e.g. herpes, acne)
• Immunosuppression
• Keloid tendency (excessive scarring)
• Taking blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Coagulation disorders
• Dermabrasion, laser treatment or chemical peelings
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Children and young people under the age of 18.

When and for how long does hyaluronic acid work?

The treatment effect of hyaluronic acid is immediate and usually lasts 6 - 18 months, depending on the hyaluronic acid used (cross-linked or non-cross-linked), after which the substance is completely broken down by the body.

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