Hyaluronic acid injections: face, lips and dark circles
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in our bodies. Synthesized by a pharmaceutical laboratory, it is used in cosmetic medicine as a filler for facial and lip hollows. Injected with a syringe, it fills wrinkles, reshapes your features, and increases the volume of your lips or cheeks to restore the harmony of your face. Hyaluronic acid is naturally metabolized by our bodies. Therefore, treatments must be repeated every 6 to 18 months.
Why get hyaluronic acid injections?
With age, skin thins, tissues lose elasticity, and certain facial muscles become enlarged. These processes lead to changes in your appearance: drawn features, wrinkles, hollows, etc., aging your appearance.
Hyaluronic acid injections can therefore be performed to treat:
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The crow's foot.
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The frown lines (glabella).
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Dark circles and hollow eyes.
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Forehead wrinkles.
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The nasolabial folds.
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The cheekbones.
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Lips that are too thin.
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Chin drooping.
A multi-faceted facial treatment aimed at restoring a certain aesthetic harmony is most often recommended.
How much does it cost?
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The cost of hyaluronic acid injections varies depending on the areas to be treated, the complexity of the procedure, and the amount of product injected. Expect to pay between €200 and €400 on average for a personalized quote.
Choosing your doctor
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Hyaluronic acid injections can only be performed by healthcare professionals, such as doctors or surgeons. It is best to choose doctors whose training relates to cosmetic procedures and the areas to be treated: for example, a cosmetic surgeon, an ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastics, or an ENT specialist for facial treatments.
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Doctors must have received a university-level diploma (DU) and take out supplementary insurance covering cosmetic procedures.
Initial consultation – Aesthetic assessment
The initial consultation allows for an aesthetic assessment of your face. The doctor will listen to your requests and propose an aesthetic reshaping that maintains the harmony of your face. This is a time for listening and discussion. Once this aesthetic assessment is complete, feel free to ask the doctor:
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The names of the products he uses.
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The quantity injected.
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The expected recovery.
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His habits regarding the handling of potential alterations or complications.
Procedure for hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are performed under strict hygiene conditions, in the office.
Before the injections – Prepare
On the day of your hyaluronic acid treatment, follow these recommendations:
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Remove your makeup thoroughly.
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Wash your face with mild soap and clean water.
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Avoid smoking in the hour before treatments.
Procedure for hyaluronic acid injections
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The treatments are carried out under sterile conditions.
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An anesthetic cream can be used to numb your skin and ease the discomfort of the injections. However, it is neither mandatory nor always required. The treatment may be uncomfortable but should not be painful.
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Identification of treatment areas: injection points and areas to be remodeled can be carried out.
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The injections are performed on the areas of the face to be treated using fine needles.
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The face is then massaged and sculpted to ensure the correct distribution of the products.
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The treatment lasts between 20 and 30 minutes on average, depending on the volumes to be injected and the areas to be treated.
Convalescence – After treatment
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After the injections, your face may show red, sensitive, slightly swollen areas and sometimes some bruising. These effects will disappear within a few days.
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To reduce discomfort and swelling, you can apply a cold mask for 5 to 10 minutes 2 to 3 times a day.
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In the days following the injections, avoid makeup, alcohol and the sun.
Risks and complications
The risks associated with hyaluronic acid injections depend on the areas and quantities injected, as well as the quality of the products. Notable complications include:
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Cellulitis – Facial infection at an injection site.
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Subcutaneous beads – A lumpy texture under the skin is felt to the touch due to aggregates of hyaluronic acid. Surgical removal or the injection of an enzyme to facilitate its breakdown may be necessary.
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Product migration – Injected hyaluronic acid migrates and fills other areas of the face that do not require treatment. The result may be unsightly but will fade over time.
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Scarring at injection sites, especially in cases of sun exposure or active smoking.
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CRAO – Central retinal artery occlusion – In exceptional cases, the product can migrate into the central retinal artery and cause sudden and permanent blindness.
Hyaluronidase – Treatment of overdoses and vascular occlusions
In cases of hyaluronic acid aggregates or vascular occlusion, hyaluronidase, an enzyme that "digests" hyaluronic acid, may be injected. This product, naturally secreted by our body, "dissolves" the hyaluronic acid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do after a hyaluronic acid injection?
After a hyaluronic acid injection, plan for a quiet evening. Avoid wearing makeup and don't worry if you experience facial swelling or bruising.
What are some things to avoid after an injection?
After hyaluronic acid treatment, you can resume all your usual activities the same day, except for swimming (wait 24 hours). The face will be slightly irritated after the injections. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid inflammatory factors such as sun exposure and exfoliating facial treatments for 72 hours. It is also recommended to avoid pinching the skin in the injected areas, as this could cause unintentional reshaping.
Who can perform hyaluronic acid injections?
Any adult suffering from an aesthetic concern that can be corrected, filled or reshaped with hyaluronic acid can have injections.
Is it safe to smoke after a hyaluronic acid injection?
Yes… But it's strongly discouraged. Smoking increases inflammation throughout your body and slows down the resolution of post-injection swelling.
How many syringes of hyaluronic acid are needed for dark circles?
One syringe is usually more than enough to reshape dark circles and bags under the eyes.
How many syringes of hyaluronic acid are needed for the wrinkles?
One syringe is usually sufficient for reshaping nasolabial folds.
How many syringes of hyaluronic acid are needed for the cheekbones?
One syringe is also sufficient to achieve more prominent and rounded cheekbones.
How many syringes of hyaluronic acid are needed for the face?
For the face, 2 to 3 syringes of hyaluronic acid may be needed depending on the areas to be treated.
How much does a hyaluronic acid injection cost?
Depending on the areas to be treated and the number of syringes required, a hyaluronic acid treatment costs approximately €200 to €400. These prices may vary depending on the city and the clinic's reputation.
How long does hyaluronic acid last?
Hyaluronic acid is a protein naturally present in our bodies and is therefore naturally metabolized by its enzyme, hyaluronidase. Injections thus gradually lose their effect and must be repeated every 6 to 18 months.