Skin
Phenotypic skin changes are caused by ageing and conditioned by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

• INTRINSIC FACTORS (age, sex, oestrogenic state, etc.)
  These impair the composition and appearance of the dermis, markedly reducing its glycosaminogfycan - essentially hyaluronic acid -concentration.
  Histological studies confirm that the epidermis then experiences substantial density loss and atrophy. The water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum is reduced, resulting in tissue dehydration. The dermal-epidermal junction is then altered and shows signs of weakness.
  
• EXTRINSIC FACTORS (temperature variation, wind, exposure to abrasive products, drugs, light, etc.)
  These factors determine the appearance of wrinkles, and the loss of skin's tonicity and elasticity. The release of free radicals causes breakdown of hyaluronic acid and hence substantial damage to the extracellular matrix and loss of interstitial collagen.

Hyaluronic acid
The skin contains the main supply of hyaluronic acid which is a key component of the extracellular matrix. Its hygroscopic properties give it its water-holding capacity and guarantee the high degree of hydration required by skin tissues. It also has viscoelastic properties which enhance shock absorbing and lubricant action. In effect, hyaluronic acid acts like a molecular sponge.

Due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors (mentioned above) skin loses its hyaluronic acid. There tends to be disruption at the dermal-epidermal junction which leads to epidermal sagging and gives skin its wrinkled appearance.

Solutions:
There are various "anti-ageing" treatments available to meet the growing demand of patients. Management of skin ageing should be considered as an overall process involving a variety of complementary techniques.
Indications will depend on various factors such as the area to be treated,
stage of ageing and skin type.

Mesolift is part of the overall management process

This technique combined with hyaluronic acid-based solutions can compensate poor-quality or loss of endogenous hyaluronic acid. Injected into the dermal-epidermal junction or the superficial dermis, exogenous hyaluronic acid rapidly reaches the dermis. This has the following results :

• recolonisation of the extracellular matrix
• improved skin hydration and elasticity
• disappearance of fine lines resulting in dazzlingly beautiful skin

This treatment is therefore particularly recommended for :
- patients who smoke
- patients with "tired" skin
- patients who have undergone dermabrasion
- patients exposed to sunlight for long periods of time
- post partum patients