Hyaluronic acid injections
Fillers such as hyaluronic acid (HA) are primarily used to treat so-called static wrinkles. These wrinkles develop as part of the natural aging process. Around the mid-20s, the body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid and collagen begins to decline. Both are important structural proteins that help keep the skin smooth and supple. As these natural reserves diminish with age, sagging, wrinkles, and loss of volume can occur more easily.
Hyaluronic acid injections plump up static wrinkles from the inside out, thereby smoothing the skin. Additionally, individual areas can be gently lifted and contoured. Filler treatments are also suitable for harmonious volume restoration.
Quick facts
Type of treatment: minimally invasive (no surgery)
Treatment duration: 10–30 minutes
Anesthesia: none, local anesthesia/anesthetic cream if necessary
Downtime: generally none
Results: immediately after treatment
Duration of effect: approx. 4–8 months
Special considerations: no sauna or tanning bed visits for 2–3 days; treatment can be refreshed upon request
Risks: low risk, mild swelling, small bruises, redness, allergic reactions (very rare)
Cost: starting at €119
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (complex sugar) and a natural component of the human body. It plays a role in many important functions. For example, as an essential component of connective tissue, it ensures the skin’s elasticity. Thanks to its ability to bind large amounts of moisture, it keeps the skin firm and minimizes wrinkles. In the eye, hyaluronic acid also binds water, thereby creating the moisture film that protects and cleanses the eye.
Hyaluronic acid is also found in muscles and joints, where it helps prevent friction during joint movement, among other things. Certain cellular processes would not occur without hyaluronic acid. These include, for example, cell division and cell migration.
What types of dermal fillers are available?
In aesthetic medicine and cosmetics, natural, biodegradable fillers are generally used. While permanent fillers (e.g., containing silicone) are theoretically possible, these types of fillers carry certain risks, such as tissue changes, since they remain in the body permanently. The two best-known dermal fillers are collagen and hyaluronic acid. Although they are synthetically produced, they are very similar to natural substances.
With hyaluronic acid fillers, a distinction is made between cross-linked and non-cross-linked formulations. The latter are injected directly under the skin and then distribute evenly throughout the tissue. They thus reduce fine lines and have a positive effect on the skin’s appearance. Additionally, hyaluronic acid improves moisture retention.
Cross-linked hyaluronic acid fillers are very stable and are characterized by long-lasting effectiveness. They are therefore suitable for reducing moderate to deep wrinkles. Furthermore, they can be used for volume restoration and contouring of specific areas.
What are the applications for fillers?
One of the best-known applications for hyaluronic acid is in the field of anti-aging. Here, the active ingredient can be used for the following:
- Small, superficial wrinkles (including lip lines/smoker’s lines, “crow’s feet” around the eyes)
- Moderate to deep wrinkles (including nasolabial folds, forehead wrinkles)
- Booster for increased skin hydration
- General rejuvenation of the skin on the face, décolletage, and hands
- Volume enhancement in the cheek area
- Lip augmentation and lip contouring
- Contouring of the jawline
- Lifting of the eyebrows and corners of the mouth
- Filling of the “tear trough”
- Correction of scars (e.g., acne scars)
Questions and Answers
On the day of treatment, Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz marks the areas to be treated on the skin and disinfects the corresponding area. Anesthesia is generally not necessary, as the products usually already contain a local anesthetic. If desired, an anesthetic ointment can also be applied. Subsequently, several deposits of hyaluronic acid are injected directly under the skin at small intervals using a fine needle. The wrinkle injection with hyaluronic acid plumps up the wrinkle from the inside out and compensates for volume deficits. This allows individual facial features to be harmoniously contoured.
The duration of wrinkle filler treatment in Berlin varies from patient to patient. It depends, among other things, on the patient’s initial condition, the type and extent of the injection, and the desired result. Minor injections take only a few minutes, while other hyaluronic acid treatments may take up to half an hour.
Based on experience, patients do not need to take any special precautions before a wrinkle filler treatment with hyaluronic acid. To minimize the risk of bruising, patients should avoid medications and vitamin supplements that affect blood clotting for about ten days prior to the treatment. This includes, for example, aspirin.
A detailed consultation with Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz takes place beforehand. During this consultation, the experienced specialist provides information about the various hyaluronic acid products and conducts a thorough analysis of the treatment areas.
Based on the findings, it can be determined whether hyaluronic acid injections will achieve the desired result or whether another method of wrinkle treatment (e.g., wrinkle injections, thread lift, vampire lift) is recommended. In addition, patients receive detailed information about the procedure, the possible risks, and the costs.
For legal reasons, a photo comparison of wrinkle filler before and after cannot be published in Germany. Therefore, unfortunately, no image files are provided on this page. However, to get an initial idea of the treatment options, patients can view before-and-after photos of wrinkle injections during their individual consultation at the practice upon request.
The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients can leave the practice shortly after the injection. In rare cases, possible side effects such as mild swelling, bruising, or redness on the skin may occur. Experience shows that any discomfort from the injection therapy typically subsides after about three days. Facial massages and other forms of irritation to the treated areas should be avoided for a few days following the procedure, as this could prevent the hyaluronic acid from distributing properly in the skin and tissue. Saunas and tanning beds should also be avoided during this time.
Yes, patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately afterward. However, physical exertion should be avoided on the day of treatment. Minor symptoms such as redness and discoloration may remain visible for a few days but will then disappear on their own.
Hyaluronic acid wrinkle injections carry virtually no risks or unwanted side effects. They are generally well-tolerated, as the product used is similar to the hyaluronic acid that occurs naturally in the body. If in doubt, allergies and potential intolerances can be tested before the filler treatment by injecting a small sample amount into the skin. Improperly administered products or incorrect dosing can lead to lumps, infections, and hardening. Therefore, the injections should only be performed by a trained and experienced physician.
An initial immediate effect is visible right after the treatment: plump and smooth skin. Over time, the hyaluronic acid unfolds its full effect and has a positive impact on the skin’s overall appearance.
The duration of hyaluronic acid’s effects depends, among other things, on the product used (cross-linked or non-cross-linked filler). On average, the effects of the treatment last four to eight months, though in some cases the results may remain visible for up to a year. The treatment can be repeated for long-lasting results. With regular touch-ups, the duration of the effects may also be extended in some cases.
- In cases of acute inflammation or injury in the treatment area
- In cases of skin conditions in the treatment area (e.g., atopic dermatitis, acne)
- In cases of certain medical conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders)
- In cases of a tendency toward excessive scarring
- During pregnancy or while breastfeeding
- In minors
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Are there alternatives to hyaluronic acid? If so, what are they?
In aesthetic medicine, there are various fillers available in addition to hyaluronic acid. During a personal consultation, our experienced specialist will determine which filler is best suited for the desired results. In addition to “traditional” hyaluronic acid, the following modern fillers are used at the Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz practice:
Radiesse®
Radiesse® is a dermal filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite (composed of calcium and phosphate). The active ingredient is suspended in a water-based gel carrier and is particularly effective for filling deep wrinkles and restoring lost volume. Radiesse® provides significant lifting effects and is biocompatible. This means that it can be completely broken down by the body.
Duration: 12 – 24 months
Sculptra®
Sculptra® is made of polylactic acid. This biodegradable filler smooths out unevenness and stimulates the body’s own collagen production. In the medical field, polylactic acid is used, for example, as suture material in various surgical procedures. The threads used in thread lifts are also often made of this material, which is characterized by excellent tolerability. Sculptra® is particularly suitable for adding volume (e.g., in the cheek area) and for smoothing deep wrinkles (e.g., nasolabial folds) as well as fine lines on the chin. Because it has positive effects on hydration and the body’s own collagen production, it is also referred to as a “liquid lift.” The result is smooth, radiant skin.
Duration: 1.5 – 3 years
Ellansé
Ellansé is a gel-like filler based on polycaprolactone (PCL). PCL is a soft polymer that has become established in medicine and can be completely broken down by the body. Ellansé is also suitable for reducing wrinkles, adding volume, and harmoniously contouring specific areas. The filler is available in various formulations, whose effects and duration can be determined with a high degree of certainty based on the length of the polymer chains. Additionally, Ellansé stimulates the body’s own collagen production and thus counteracts skin aging.
Duration: 1 – 4 years
PROFHILO®
PROFHILO® was developed to improve skin quality and, for example, provide dry skin with a boost of hydration. The formulation consists of a special blend of hyaluronic acid: high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acids combine to form a hybrid molecule. PROFHILO® not only treats specific areas of the face but also has a positive, widespread effect on the skin’s hydration and replenishes hyaluronic acid reserves. Additionally, it stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen. The treatment involves five injection points: the cheekbones, the chin, the jawline, the tragus (area near the ear), and the cheeks at the level of the nostrils. Through these points, the anti-aging treatment harmoniously affects the entire face.
Duration: 4 – 6 months
The benefits of minimally invasive wrinkle treatment with hyaluronic acid and other ingredients
For some time now, a trend toward minimally invasive aesthetic treatments has been emerging in the field of aesthetic medicine. This is because a healthy, younger, and radiant appearance does not always require extensive surgical intervention.
Patients particularly appreciate the following aspects of minimally invasive wrinkle injections:
- No surgery and no associated risks
- Shorter treatment duration
- No anesthesia
- No scars
- Immediately visible results
- No downtime or, at most, very minimal downtime
- Use of natural and safe materials
- Healthy, natural results
- Comparatively low treatment costs
How much does a treatment with fillers like hyaluronic acid cost?
It is not possible to give a general estimate of how much a filler treatment costs. The price range depends on various factors, including the treatment area, the size of the treatment area (and thus the amount of filler material required), and the type of filler. After a thorough analysis, Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz will develop a personalized treatment plan. Based on this plan, the cost of the treatment can then be discussed.