Hyaluronic acid and wrinkle filler treatment in Munich

Hyaluronic acid is a substance produced by the body, found in skin, connective tissue and joints. It can bind many times its own weight in water and so contributes to the moisture, firmness and cushioning of the skin. Over the years the body produces less of it, while collagen and elastic fibres decline at the same time. The skin becomes thinner, drier and loses volume – wrinkles become more visible. For aesthetic treatments, hyaluronic acid is produced as a gel that is very similar to the body's own substance. Because it occurs naturally in the body, allergic reactions are uncommon but possible. That is why we ask about allergies and previous reactions before every treatment.

In wrinkle filler treatment, the hyaluronic acid gel is introduced with a fine needle or a blunt cannula beneath the wrinkle or into areas of volume loss. There it plumps the tissue and binds water. Depending on the concern, there are gels of different firmness: firmer ones for restoring volume, softer ones for fine lines or for more moisture. Hyaluronic acid is mainly suited to wrinkles that are visible even when the face is relaxed. Expression lines caused by muscle movement can only be influenced to a limited extent. A change is usually visible straight away; the actual result shows once any swelling has subsided after a few days.

The body gradually breaks down hyaluronic acid. How quickly depends on the type of gel, the treated area, your metabolism, your facial expression and your lifestyle. The effect is therefore temporary, and women experience it for different lengths of time. If you wish to maintain the result, you can repeat the treatment after some time – you decide in your own time; there is no obligation. The fact that hyaluronic acid breaks down also has an advantage: changes are not permanent. If necessary, a gel can also be dissolved in a targeted way with an enzyme.

After a hyaluronic acid treatment, redness, swelling, tenderness and small bruises at the injection sites are possible; they usually subside within a few days. Small lumps can sometimes be felt. In isolated cases there are inflammations, allergic reactions or a flare-up of cold sores. A serious but uncommon complication is blockage of a blood vessel by the gel. Warning signs are severe pain, pale or bluish discolouration of the skin or visual disturbances; in that case medical help is needed immediately. Because such risks exist, the treatment belongs in medical hands, with thorough information at the outset.

Oestrogens promote the formation of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. When their levels fall in the menopause, the skin often loses noticeable moisture and elasticity. A hyaluronic acid treatment works on the skin, not on this cause. As a gynaecology practice, we therefore also look at your hormonal situation: if you suffer from menopausal symptoms, we discuss the options available – from lifestyle and diet to natural hormone therapy. Alongside hyaluronic acid, methods such as a fruit acid peel, mesotherapy or PRP for the skin may be options. How they fit together, you can read on our page on skin rejuvenation.