Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by our body. It is a sugar whose synthesis inexplicably lowers over time.
This polysaccharide is a major agent for skin hydration thanks to its hydrophilia (ability to attract water). It is broken down by the intracellular enzymatic system (hyaluronidase) and free radicals (stress, lack of sleep, smoking, sun exposure).
The skin’s hydration therefore depends on the balance between the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (which attracts water) and the action of the endogenous hyaluronidases (which break down the hyaluronic acid).
As we age, this balance changes and the hyaluronidases start to win the battle, and what is more, the quality of the hyaluronic acid produced goes down.
The result, to varying degrees, is:
In women, after the menopause, the drop in hormones (primarily progesterone and oestrogen) leads to a more significant drop in hyaluronic acid synthesis in the dermis than in men.
Hyaluronic acid boasts a number of properties, among which are:
Today, aesthetic medicine in France must, above all, be safe.
Hyaluronic acid injections are the ultimate medical tool because they are completely resorbable and biodegradable over time.
These “fillers” are designed to last longer than endogenous hyaluronic acid (made by the body), namely thanks to the process that cross-links the molecules during manufacture.
The amount of time these injectables last depends on the product used, the areas injected and the indications:
Skinboosters, mesolift: the hyaluronic acid used is weakly cross-linked, the molecules are small and are very hydrophilic.
On average, the effects last 3 to 6 months.
The main indications are creased cheeks, peri-buccal wrinkles (“barcode” lines) and a loss of firmness in the face.
The injections are pain-free and are performed into the superficial layers, yet the product is not visible to the naked eye. The “fresh-faced” appearance is almost instantaneous.
The hyaluronic acid used is specially made and designed to fill fine lines, deep wrinkles and hollows. These fillers tend to last longer, generally around 9 months to 1 year.
The main indications are injections into the nasolabial folds, expression lines, lips, tear trough and under-eye circles.
Note that the under-eye area is slightly different because the product used is still hyaluronic acid but this time it is synthesised and shaped so as to reduce its hydrophilia as much as possible to avoid causing bags to appear around the eyes.
Furthermore, since this area of the face has very low levels of endogenous hyaluronidase, this means that the product lasts longer: one or sometimes two years.
“Volumising” hyaluronic acid is essentially made up of large molecules so it allows us to create better and more natural projection in the deep structures that have started to sag over time.
The main indications are the cheekbones, the tear trough, the chin, the cheeks and the temples.
The effects last 12 months on average, sometimes more if the patient has a healthy lifestyle (no smoking, no sun or UV exposure, proper hydration, etc.).
Whatever the indication, the results are visible immediately after the hyaluronic acid injections and improve by around 30% in the month that follows (since they draw water to and therefore hydrate the areas treated).
Before any hyaluronic acid injections, your doctor must rule out any possible counterindications for this type of treatment, which are:
These temporary or permanent counterindications are evaluated case by case in your first appointment with your aesthetics doctor, who will examine your skin after asking you about your medical and surgical history.
or call the front desk: +33 1 56 62 10 77
FAQ — Your questions about hyaluronic acid
What is hyaluronic acid and why do we lose it with age?
It is a sugar naturally present in the skin, whose production decreases over time. One hyaluronic acid molecule can attract up to 1,000 water molecules: it is the skin’s main moisturising agent.
How do hyaluronic acid injections work?
The injected products are cross-linked to last longer than natural hyaluronic acid. Hydrating products use small, lightly cross-linked molecules; volumising products use large molecules to support deep structures.
Which areas of the face can be treated?
Hydration (Skinbooster, Mesolift) targets sagging or creased cheeks and perioral wrinkles; filling targets the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lips and hollow under-eyes; volume restoration targets the cheekbones, chin, cheeks and temples.
Are the injections painful?
Hydrating injections are superficial and painless, and the product is not visible to the naked eye.
How soon is the result visible, and how long does it last?
The result is visible immediately after the injection, then improves by about 30% over the following month. Average duration: 3 to 6 months for hydration, 9 months to 1 year for wrinkle filling, 1 to 2 years for under-eye hollows, about 12 months for volume restoration.
Are there any contraindications?
Yes, notably a wound or active herpes in the area, a previous injection of a non-absorbable filler in the same area, or certain autoimmune diseases (Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s, lupus, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis), assessed case by case.
151, avenue de Wagram
75017 Paris
The practice is on the ground floor, on the left
Tél : 01 56 62 10 77
contact@docteur-schinazi.com
Parking nearby
Metro line 3 Wagram or Pereire
RER C Pereire
