Hyaluronic acid injections: all the answers to all questions

Applied in modern cosmetology, injections of hyaluronic acid, that is, intradermal injections of hyaluronic acid, are considered to be an effective way of partially getting rid of certain appearance defects, for example, from wrinkles on the face.

But before deciding on such a procedure, it will be useful to find out: what is hyaluronic acid, due to what it smoothes the skin, are there contraindications, what will the person be after the procedure? We will try to answer all your questions, including: are hyaluronic acid injections harmful?

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Hyaluronic acid injections - to maintain extracellular matrix

The principle of the impact of the injection of kraosta on the skin is compensatory, that is, an insufficient amount of endogenous hyaluronic acid synthesized by fibroblasts is replenished.

The connective tissue in our body has an interstitial (extracellular) space - the so-called extracellular matrix, which is a set of extracellular molecules that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells. This base consists of complex proteins - glycoproteins (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, etc.), proteoglycans (linear carbohydrate biopolymers), as well as protein glycosaminoglycans associated with the protein part of proteoglycans of linear polysaccharides with a negative charge.

To glycosaminoglycans - along with chondroitin sulfates and keratan sulfates (which are part of the cartilaginous tissue, joint synovial fluid and eye corneal tissue) - also includes hyaluronic acid (or hyaluronan).

Hyaluronic acid is a high molecular weight acid carbohydrate in the form of a specific polysaccharide, which is located on the basal cell membranes and moves in the process of biosynthesis. Unfortunately, this substance is subject to biological decay: for example, in skin tissues, its half-life does not exceed 24 hours.

The hyaluronic acid molecule, which has a very high molecular weight, is one of the most hydrophilic (moisture-loving) molecules in nature and can bind water molecules in a volume that is almost a thousand times greater than its own weight. Being in the extracellular matrix, it gives the tissue the ability to withstand compression: it absorbs a significant amount of water, takes a gel-like shape and provides a counteracting force of swelling. In addition, it provides free passage of nutrients.

Due to its high viscosity, hyaluronic acid, which is part of the cartilage and synovial fluid of the periarticular capsules, protects our joints from excessive wear. Hyaluronica is also present in the tendons and ligaments, is contained in the vitreous body of the eye (and keeps the intraocular pressure in the norm).

In the skin, it is the most in the basal layer of the epidermis, where there are proliferating keratinocytes, as well as between the fibers of elastin and collagen. There is it in the cells of the stratum corneum. Hyaluronic acid retains the optimum moisture level in the skin by binding water, thereby preventing "drying up" of elastin and collagen, which support the skin structure.

With time, that is, with age, the natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid gradually decreases, the skin retains water less and becomes dry. Injections of beauty help the extracellular matrix of the skin to maintain a sufficient level of moisture.

By the way, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid almost completely stops at high doses of ultraviolet, which is why the abuse of tanning dries and the skin ages ...

Hyaluronic acid injections for the face

Nobody makes injections of hyaluronic acid for the face with that substance, which was first obtained from chicken crests and bovine cartilages.

At present, injections of youth are made exclusively by its synthetic analogues, which are produced with the help of modern biotechnologies. This sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. In addition, on the basis of this substance, pharmaceutical companies produce drugs in the form of filler gels. At the same time biochemists have learned by "polymer cross-linking" to reduce the length of the polysaccharide chain and its molecular weight - for better penetration into the structure of the skin and slowing down its biological decay, that is, prolonged positive action. Such hyaluronic acid is called structurally modified or stabilized.

The most famous hyaluronic acid preparations for cosmetology: Juvederm (USA), Restylane and Restylane-L (USA), Esthelis (Switzerland), Elevess (USA), Princess (Austria), Hylaform (USA), Surgiderm (France), Yvoire France), Teosyal (Switzerland), Belotero (Switzerland), Perlane (USA), Puragen (United Kingdom). Some of these drugs contain anesthetics.

Injections of hyaluronic acid for the face can increase the elasticity and elasticity of the skin, smooth out facial wrinkles and, naturally, improve the appearance. This method was called "biorevitalization."

Beauty injections in cosmetology are also called "hyaluronic mesotherapy", taking the main principle of this technique: intradermal administration of medicines in small doses. Although in this case it is not a treatment, but an injective method of adjusting the face and its contours: wrinkles in the area of nasolabial folds, on the forehead, the chin, near the eyes. Gel-like preparations with sodium hyaluronate (so-called fillers, i.e. Aggregates) are introduced shallowly into the skin in the right places.

The face after injections of hyaluronic acid in a week or two will look younger, and the skin - more elastic. But it should be borne in mind that correction with the use of hyaluronka gives a temporary effect, since all drugs with this substance dissolve over time. So, the rejuvenating effect of biorevitalization lasts no more than six months (and even less), and the maximum period of validity is 9-12 months. Therefore, the desire to look more young and attractive will have to be supported by a periodic repetition of this procedure.

The injections in the lips with hyaluronic acid are made by most women to make them more plump. The skin on the lips consists mainly of connective tissue and its components - hyaluronic acid and collagen, which give the lips a shape and a roundness. Hyaluronica, by binding water, creates a gel-like fluid that moistens surrounding tissues and preserves collagen. And this is the main secret of chubby lips after this procedure. In this case, it is very important to strictly observe the dosage of the drugs administered - a maximum of 1.5 ml per lip. Exceeding this dose is fraught with local reactions in the form of hyperemia and itching of the skin in the mouth, as well as a violation of the natural shape of the lips due to uneven distribution of the drug. But the most frequent reaction is swelling after injections of hyaluronic acid on the lips. In the absence of aggravating circumstances, redness, swelling and traces of injections of youth disappear after a few days.

And injections of hyaluronic acid under the eyes are considered to be an effective (albeit temporary) remedy to remove chronic "bruises" in the region of the eye cavities. However, after such a procedure, unwanted side effects often appear on such a delicate area of the face skin (more about this later on).

Injections of hyaluronic acid in the joints

They are used in orthopedics and rheumatology to compensate for the lack of synovial fluid in the joint capsule and to increase its viscosity in order to improve the state of synovial cartilage in arthritis and osteoarthrosis of the knee and hip joints, as well as in other degenerative-dystrophic joints.

Injections of hyaluronic acid in the joints - 1% solution of sodium hyaluronate - are usually done once a week, the procedure is repeated three times. In clinical practice, such drugs as Synvisc (USA), Sinocrom (Austria), Hay-Flex (Korea), Gialgan (Hyalgan Fidia Farmaceutici, Italy) and others are used for the treatment of joints.

As doctors-orthopedists note, injections make intraarticular lubrication in the synovial cavity of the joints more viscous. This restores its cushioning properties, significantly improves the sliding of the articular cartilage, protects them from damage, and also helps to relieve inflammation and pain syndrome.

Harm

The harm from the injection of hyaluronic acid is denied by some, and completely in vain.

First, if a person has an innate tendency to autoimmune skin reactions (which he may not even suspect), as a result of injections, beauty can be a trigger for the development of red flat lichen, systemic lupus erythematosus or psoriasis.

Secondly, being an important component of the extracellular matrix, hyaluronica takes an active part in the division (proliferation) of cells, including cells of neoplasms. Studies have shown that the level of hyaluronic acid in tumor tissues is much higher than in normal. So the injection of youth can cause the appearance of benign neoplasias in the form of fibrous nodes or thickening of fatty subcutaneous tissue.

Finally, the injection of beauty, temporarily increasing its content in the extracellular matrix, may lead to an increase in the synthesis of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that accelerates the decomposition of hyaluronica by hydrolysis. This enzyme decomposes all glycosaminoglycans and thereby purifies the extracellular matrix, including those that are located around the malignant tumor. Than it is dangerous? The fact that hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid on the basal membranes of the cells of the vascular tissues (under the action of hyaluronidase) promotes intravasation - the penetration of cancer cells into the blood and lymphatic vessels.

Contraindications

Despite the specific application of these drugs, there are serious contraindications to injections of hyaluronic acid. These include:

• hypersensitivity to the components of drugs with sodium hyaluronate;
• abrasions, cuts, bruises and any other injuries, as well as foci of inflammation on the skin or in the subcutaneous tissue of the zone of the proposed injection;
• fungal diseases of the skin of the face;
• previous surgery on the skin or cosmetic procedures for exfoliation of the cornified layer (peeling);
• increased body temperature;
• any infectious diseases, including SARS and influenza;
• autoimmune dermatological diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc.); psoriasis);
• keloid disease (genetically determined tendency to form keloid scars on the skin);
• low blood coagulability (including after the use of thrombolytics, anticoagulants or platelet inhibitors during the previous three weeks);
• pregnancy and lactation;
• age to 18 years;
• deep wrinkles in old age.

They have a number of contraindications and injections of hyaluronic acid into the joints:

• inflammatory joint diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis, idiopathic spondylitis, etc.);
• skin infection, injury or inflammation of the skin in the area of injection;
• liver failure (severe);
• exacerbation of any chronic diseases;
• venous or lymphatic stasis on the side of the affected joint;
• the use of immunosuppressive drugs (to suppress unwanted immune reactions of the body);
• poor blood clotting;
• pregnancy and lactation.

[2], [3], [4]

Effects

Without the strictest observance of the rules of aseptic and antiseptic injections of youth, like any other procedure with the violation of the skin, may be accompanied by the introduction of tissue pathogens of infection. This is fraught with abscesses of the skin and its necrosis. Also, at the injection site, painful sensations almost always occur.

The consequences of injections of hyaluronic acid can have the form of side effects, namely:

• an allergic reaction;
• edema of soft tissues of different intensity in the zone of the performed procedure;
• redness of the skin (hyperemia), often with the itching of the skin;
• the appearance of papules (nodular rash);
• bleeding at the injection site and disruption of the local circulation (in case of a needle entering the blood vessel);
• the appearance of a bruise (bruise);
• occurrence of a keloid scar at the injection site;
• wrinkling of the skin;
• hyperpigmentation of the skin in the area of injection;
• the activation of herpes in patients with a history of herpetic eruptions.

The consequences associated with an excessive amount of the drug administered are expressed in that it is displaced from the place of administration.

Clinical observations indicate that injections of youth can significantly damage health.

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

What can not be done after the injections?

During the first day after injections of hyaluronic acid, you should not touch the injection site, sleep face down and physically overextend.

In addition, some time (two weeks or slightly longer) is absolutely forbidden to sunbathe or go to the solarium, swim (in the pool, river or sea), bathe in the bath, drink alcohol.

You can not do after the injection of youth makeup with a foundation, powder, etc. Without consulting a doctor, do not use any cosmetics for facial.

In the case of edema, cold compresses and ice are helpful. In case of inflammation, the doctor should prescribe the appropriate medications (most often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Where can I make it and how much does it cost?

In cosmetology clinics, in clinics of plastic surgery, in the centers of aesthetic cosmetology. Finally, in the beauty salons. However, this procedure should be performed only by a certified doctor or a cosmetologist who has a medical education and a corresponding certificate.

The price of injections of hyaluronic acid is directly dependent on the cost of the drugs used, which are produced abroad. An important role in pricing is played by the level of the institution that provides this type of cosmetic services, and the qualifications of specialists. In addition, the number of injections in one procedure may be different, which also affects its cost (upwards).

The average price for injecting youth in Kiev: lips, nasolabial folds - $ 200-600, the forehead and the area between the eyebrows - $ 100-250, the area around the eyes - $ 200-300.

The average cost of hyaluronic mesotherapy in Kharkov ranges from 2 thousand to 3.5 thousand UAH. But in each specific case, the patient should receive full information about the preparation that will be used for the injection of hyaluronica.

Reviews

It is not difficult to guess that the reviews on hyaluronic acid injections, placed on the Internet pages of cosmetology clinics and centers, are only positive. But on other web resources you can find unflattering reviews about this procedure.

Especially often female users refer to the experience of their friends, relatives or girlfriends. Often this experience, quoting the classics, "the son of mistakes difficult" ... We particularly liked one of the reviews on this procedure, the author advises women not to focus on someone else's experience in terms of cosmetology, because the decisive role here is played by individual characteristics of the organism and its reaction to that or another procedure for the sake of beauty and eternal youth ...

Specialists of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) compare injections of hyaluronic acid for the face with the action of an inflatable pillow to support facial structures and tissues. If you decide not to repeat the injections of the face hyaluronic, the "pillow will be blown away," and your appearance will return to its original state: wrinkles will reappear and puffy lips will lose volume.