Hyaluronic Acid - Anti-wrinkle treatment
WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of our connective tissue; its purpose is to keep the cells united and to give the skin a compact, youthful and well-hydrated appearance.
As the years pass, the amount of hyaluronic acid between the cells decreases, tissues lose tone and begin to sag and wrinkles begin to form.
There are two types of wrinkles: static and dynamic.
Static wrinkles are caused by ageing and deterioration of hyaluronic acid in the subcutaneous layer. They are called static because they are present even when facial expressions are neutral. These wrinkles can be improved by injecting hyaluronic acid-based fillers. Static wrinkles are most often found in the cheekbone and cheek areas, around the eyes, the naso-labial fold and around the lips.
Dynamic wrinkles are caused to facial expressions and are preferably treated with botulinum toxin.
The hyaluronic acid used in aesthetic medical treatments is synthesised in the laboratory with very complex, avant-garde techniques.
There are two families of hyaluronic acid-based fillers on the market:
• Avian-derived hyaluronic acid
• Streptococcus equi bacteria-derived hyaluronic acid, also known as NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid).
Many companies manufacture hyaluronic acid-based fillers. This material is temporary (that is, it only lasts a few months), therefore it reabsorbs completely, though many scientific studies have shown that patients who use these fillers continuously have a permanent benefit in the connective tissue due to rejuvenated elastic fibres and collagen.
Product quality and duration also varies based on the amount of hyaluronate (aggregate) and the overall number of hyaluronic acid molecules in 1 ml. The more hyaluronic acid molecules there are and the lower the percentage of hyaluronate, the better the filler performance and duration will be. A vial of hyaluronic acid can have a duration of 1-2 months, 5-6 months or 1-2 years.
The leading companies in the sector are:
• Allergan with Juvederm®1, Juvederm®2, Juvederm®3, Juvederm®4, Juvederm®
Ultra, Volbella, Volift and Voluma;
• Qmed: Restylane® line, Restylane PerlaneTM, Restylane TouchTM, a product specifically for the lips, Restylane LippTM, a hyaluronic acid created especially for the chin and cheekbones (Restylane SubQTM);
• the Swedish company Theosyal®: various lines of hyaluronic acid, including First lines, Touch up, Global action, Deep lines, Ultra deep, Ultimate, Redensity, Kiss.
There are many other companies on the market but Prof. Dini only uses the best products to ensure his patients the utmost safety and the best results.
Aesthetic medicine has become a great ally of hyaluronic acid: as it is a natural molecule, hyaluronic acid has proven to be bio-compatible and highly effective in treating wrinkles.
This natural product is able to perfectly integrate into the derma and give the face and lips back that fresh, youthful look that had been lost.
WHAT TREATMENTS CAN BE DONE USING HYALURONIC ACID?
Professor Dini recommends treatments with hyaluronic acid-based fillers when the patient wishes to fill static facial wrinkles, increase lip volume, reshape cheekbones, cheeks and chin, generally tighten up the face or correct scars left by acne.
Hyaluronic acid is injected near the areas to be treated using a small syringe with an extremely thin needle that causes a tiny, nearly imperceptible prick, also due to the fact that the vial contains local anaesthetic.
WHAT RESULTS ARE ACHIEVED?
Hyaluronic acid gives nearly immediate, highly satisfying results.
The effects of this type of treatment are not permanent and can last from 2 months to 1 or 2 years.
In rare cases, small ecchymosis and bruises can appear in the treated area that remain for 2-3 days.
Once the reabsorption period has elapsed, the treatment can be periodically repeated, thereby maintaining the results over time.
