From cosmetics to injections, how efficient are they? | EUROtoday

Cis the star of cosmetics. Hyaluronic acid is featured within the composition of face lotions, serums, some glosses, hair care merchandise, and so on. But how efficient is it? Hyaluronic acid is a pure constituent of the pores and skin that contributes to the elasticity and hydration of the pores and skin. On the cabinets of supermarkets, many merchandise declare that it’s current within the composition of cosmetics.

“Present in creams, hyaluronic acid is above all a sales pitch. This cream can give a small healthy glow effect, but the result is not long-lasting because hyaluronic acid does not cross the skin barrier. Similarly, the hyaluronic acid present in hair care products will have a small immediate effect but nothing definitive,” emphasizes Dr. Éric Plot, plastic surgeon, president of the French Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

In aesthetic medication, it may be used through injections. In this case, hyaluronic acid is produced by bacterial biofermentation. This filler turns into a resorbable artificial product, regularly destroyed by the physique.

Injections assist to cut back the indicators of pores and skin growing old by correcting sure indicators of growing old equivalent to wrinkles and filling in quantity losses, equivalent to hole cheeks. Another profit is that these injections are used to plump up the lips or different areas of the human physique.

Some extra fragile areas

There are two varieties of hyaluronic acid used for injections. It known as cross-linked when it’s obtained by chemically crossing the hyaluronic acid chains, on this case the chains are hooked up to one another. When the hyaluronic acid is just not cross-linked, the chain is free and the molecules are resorbed extra shortly.

“Non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid must be renewed every three to six months, while crosslinked hyaluronic acid can last up to two years. Note that in certain areas, the product is absorbed more quickly, particularly the lips because they are constantly moving,” explains Dr. Plot. Generally, non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is used as a pores and skin booster and acts primarily as a moisturizer. When it’s crosslinked, it’s primarily used to fill deep wrinkles.

“Hyaluronic acid injection is a medical procedure that requires compliance with strict hygiene rules. The skin must necessarily be disinfected and the product used must always have a CE marking. It is up to the healthcare professional to choose a quality product,” recommends Dr. Plot.

The plastic surgeon reminds us that hyaluronic acid injections require good information of anatomy with good localization of the blood vessels of the face. Since May 2024, a decree offers that solely docs can prescribe these units for medical or aesthetic functions. For most of the people, the product is barely issued on prescription from a health care provider or dental surgeon – the latter are approved to prescribe these units for medical functions solely.

“You can’t improvise being an injector!”

In follow, because of this the over-the-counter sale of hyaluronic acid in pharmacies is now prohibited – this was a approach that pretend injectors used to acquire merchandise. “The product must not penetrate the blood vessels. Indeed, in the event of intravascular injection, there are possible risks of serious complications: skin necrosis, blindness due to obliteration of the central retinal artery and even the occurrence of a stroke. Cases of death have even been reported.”

In current years, instances of pretend injectors have multiplied. In the media and in courtroom, these tales of injections given by non-doctors are quite a few. According to figures from the National Council of the Order, experiences of unlawful acts for aesthetic functions elevated from 55 to 104 between 2022 and 2023. In the north of France, two sisters have been convicted for having given unlawful injections to greater than 600 individuals.

“Hyaluronic acid injection is a medical procedure that must be learned and requires regular practice in order to obtain very satisfactory results. Before you start, it is recommended to check that your practitioner is a real doctor (by checking their registration on the Order's website). Finally, a DIU (interuniversity diploma) in aesthetic medicine has just been created, reserved for doctors. The training will last two years, at the end of which, after validation, it will give the right to the title of aesthetic doctor on plates and prescriptions. You can't improvise as an injector!”

Take the time to assume

“Also pay attention to the location of the appointment, the consultation must always take place in a doctor's office and not in a home, in a kitchen or elsewhere. The person who performs the injection must necessarily have experience in aesthetic medicine. Also trust word of mouth to choose your interlocutor,” lists Dr. Plot.

He additionally recommends listening to costs. A worth that’s too low ought to arouse suspicion and lift questions in regards to the origin of the product. It can be obligatory to observe hygiene through the process and test the merchandise used (single needle, sterile packaging, and so on.).

Finally, Dr. Plot reminds us that the primary session ought to permit a remedy plan to be established and that it isn’t advisable to carry out injections with out having revered a mirrored image interval. “Do not rush to perform aesthetic injections, take the time to think. The injection of hyaluronic acid is never a procedure that requires emergency treatment.”