Aesthetic injections: Everything you need to know about their safety and effectiveness

March 17, 2025
By Ruben Dahan

Are you considering aesthetic injections to reduce wrinkles or redefine contours? These treatments, particularly those based on hyaluronic acid, are enjoying growing success. But between the promise of results and legitimate fears, how do you make sense of it all? Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.

How do aesthetic injections work?

Hyaluronic acid, the star of anti-aging treatments, is a substance naturally present in our skin. As we age, its production diminishes, leading to loss of volume and the appearance of wrinkles. Injections fill these hollows, restoring the skin’s moisture and firmness [3].

The product is injected at different depths depending on the area being treated:

Superficial wrinkles (such as crow’s feet): injection into the upper layers of the skin.
Lip or cheekbone volume: deeper action for a natural effect [3].

Results are visible immediately, and the process usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Safety: Good Practices to Know

Risks Exist, But Are Controlled

Serious complications (necrosis, infection, blindness) are rare – less than 1% of cases according to the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) [4].
They occur mainly when injections are performed :

By non-physicians (45% of complications reported in 2022) [4].
With unapproved products or under dubious hygiene conditions [9] [11].

A recent French study showed that 97% of patients experienced only mild side effects (redness, temporary swelling) when the procedure was performed by a trained physician
[7].

Professional Choice: Your Best Guarantee

Only physicians are legally authorized to perform these injections in France [4] [11].
Their expertise allows :

Avoid blood vessels during injection.
Choose the right concentration of hyaluronic acid for each area.
React immediately in the event of a complication [9].

Efficiency: What can we really expect?

Natural, Personalized Results

Modern hyaluronic acid allows for subtle corrections:

Duration: 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated and metabolism [3] [10].
Adaptability: The product gradually resorbs, allowing you to adjust the result over the course of several sessions [10].

A meta-analysis of 24 studies confirmed that 86% of patients rated results as “very satisfactory” when treatment was well-targeted [5].

3 misconceptions to debunk

“It’s definitive” → False. The effect disappears within a few months, allowing treatment to be corrected or stopped [10].
“Only wrinkles are treated” → False. These injections also reshape facial contours and improve deep hydration.
“It’s only cosmetic” → False. Some oncology patients use it to lessen the visible effects of cancer treatments [6].

How to prepare your session?

Mandatory consultation: Your doctor must assess your medical history and expectations.
Stop taking anticoagulants 48 hours beforehand (on medical advice).
Avoid alcohol 24 hours beforehand to limit bruising [3] [7].

Not happy with a hyaluronic acid injection?

Have you recently opted for a hyaluronic acid injection, but find the result a little too pronounced or simply wish to adjust certain details? Good news: you can easily modulate and refine your treatment with SoftFil® Topilase.

SoftFil® Topilase is an innovative cream specifically designed to adjust, refine or correct the results of a hyaluronic acid injection without the need for new needles. Whether to subtly smooth excessive volume or restore a more natural contour, simply apply this cream locally to achieve the perfect aesthetic balance.

Why choose SoftFil® Topilase?

Non-invasive: without needles or new injections, you modulate gently.
Easy to use: Quick and easy to apply directly to the skin.
Modular results: You retain total control over your appearance.

Discover today how SoftFil® Topilase can help you achieve the ideal aesthetic result with complete peace of mind.

[Order SoftFil® Topilase now] or talk to your aesthetic doctor about fine-tuning your injection!

In conclusion: Moderation is the key

Aesthetic injections offer impressive results when used judiciously. The secret? Light, regular touch-ups rather than radical transformations. Above all, never overlook the practitioner’s experience: always ask to see his or her diploma and license to practice [4] [9].

Next step: Consult our guide “5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before an Injection” to find out more (internal link).