What is the difference between cross-linked hyaluronic acid and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid?

The differences between cross-linked and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid is a common question that patients ask aesthetic medicine doctors. What are the differences and what are they used for? Let's clarify the doubts.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is an organic chemical compound that is produced by mammals and bacteria. In humans, it is found in many places in the body, but it is most commonly associated with the skin and joints. It is a major component of synovial fluid, which makes hyaluronic acid treatments common in orthopedics.

Regarding the skin, hyaluronic acid is a component of the intercellular matrix of the dermis. Due to its ability to bind water (one molecule of hyaluronic acid can bind up to 250 water molecules!), it is responsible for proper skin hydration and, along with collagen and elastin fibers, maintaining skin firmness.

In what aesthetic medicine procedures is hyaluronic acid used?

Hyaluronic acid is the most widely used substance in aesthetic medicine procedures. It is used to enhance lips, perform mesotherapy treatments, volumetric procedures, and fill wrinkles. It is also used in anti-aging treatments and as an ingredient in specialized cosmetics.

What is the difference between cross-linked and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid?

Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid consists of relatively short chains with a rapid breakdown period. Its half-life in the skin is about 1-2 days, and it is quickly metabolized in the liver into water and carbon dioxide. It has rejuvenating and revitalizing effects, which are desirable in rejuvenating mesotherapy.

This type of hyaluronic acid is injected relatively superficially under the skin during mesotherapy and has moisturizing, rejuvenating, and anti-aging properties. It effectively protects the skin from moisture loss and the formation of wrinkles.

Cross-linked hyaluronic acid differs in that the hyaluronan chains are cross-linked. This modification leads to a longer metabolism period and allows the hyaluronic acid to remain at the injection site for a longer time. This type of hyaluronic acid (or its mixture with non-cross-linked acid) is commonly used for filling wrinkles, volumetric procedures, and deep mesotherapy.

When choosing the right hyaluronic acid for mesotherapy, it is important to understand these differences. Non-cross-linked acid has a shorter duration of action, but any visible "bumps" at the injection site disappear immediately or within a few hours after the procedure. On the other hand, cross-linked hyaluronic acid has a longer and more intense effect, but the visibility at the injection site lasts longer.

It is also important to remember that other factors, such as lifestyle and individual metabolic characteristics of the patient, can influence the outcome and duration of the treatment.

Which hyaluronic acid will you choose?