The different types of injections in aesthetic medicine

Dr Arie Azuelos' blog in Paris

Aesthetic medicine has evolved considerably in recent years, offering a variety of treatments to improve appearance without the need for surgery. Among these treatments, injections such as botox and hyaluronic acid, performed by Dr Arié Azuelos, stand out for their effectiveness and growing popularity.

Injections: botox and hyaluronic acid

Botox or botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid are two of the most common injectable treatments used in aesthetic medicine.

Le botox

Botox, a purified form of botulinum toxin, is mainly used to relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines, particularly around the eyes, on the forehead and on the neck. It is also used to relax jaw muscles in cases of bruxism.

What happens during a botox injection session?

The botox injection session begins with an in-depth consultation during which Dr Arié Azuelos assesses the patient’s specific needs and discusses the expected results. The injection process itself is relatively quick and requires little preparation. The botox is injected using fine needles into the targeted areas, usually around the eyes, forehead and between the eyebrows. The treatment is not very painful and does not require a local anaesthetic, although some patients may opt for an anaesthetic cream for greater comfort. After the injection, patients can immediately resume their daily activities. Results begin to appear after a few days and generally stabilise within two weeks of treatment. Post-injection monitoring allows results to be assessed and any necessary adjustments to be made.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the skin that is injected to restore volume, hydrate the skin and smooth wrinkles. This treatment is often used to fill in nasolabial folds, augment lips and reshape facial contours.

What happens during a hyaluronic acid injection session?

The hyaluronic acid injection session is preceded by a consultation with Dr Arié Azuelos to determine the aims of the treatment and the areas to be treated, such as the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds or other areas requiring volume or definition. The treatment, although generally not painful, may be preceded by the application of an anaesthetic cream to ensure optimum comfort. The injections are then carried out with precision in the designated areas. The duration of the session varies according to the areas treated, but is usually brief. After the injection, slight redness or swelling may appear, but this usually disappears quickly. Patients can often resume their normal activities immediately after the session. Results are visible immediately and can be adjusted according to the patient’s wishes during follow-up consultations.

The difference between botox and hyaluronic acid

Although both are used to combat the signs of ageing, botox and hyaluronic acid differ in terms of duration, areas treated and results.

Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles, which reduces the dynamic wrinkles formed by facial expressions. Its effects generally last from 4 to 6 months.

Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, provides an immediate filling effect and can also stimulate collagen production in the skin. Results can last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of product used and the area treated.

Mesotherapy injections

In addition to botox and hyaluronic acid, mesotherapy is another popular injection technique in aesthetic medicine. It involves multiple superficial injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones and plant extracts to revitalise and rejuvenate the skin. Mesotherapy is used to treat a variety of skin problems, including skin ageing, loss of radiance and even hair loss. This treatment is appreciated for its less invasive approach and natural results.