Skin Boosters

What it is

Skin boosters are injections of hydrating materials given in small amounts into the upper layers of the skin across an area of the face, neck or hands. Many are based on hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body. They aim to improve the skin's hydration and texture, not to add volume or change the features as fillers do. The doctor decides after an assessment whether the procedure is suitable.

Who may benefit, and why people ask about it

• Dry or dull-looking skin.
• Fine surface lines, such as dehydration lines.
• Uneven skin texture.
• Changes in skin quality in areas such as the neck or hands with age.
• Wanting to improve the look of the skin without changing the features of the face.

These injections can help some people, but they are not suitable for everyone, and they do not treat marked sagging, deep lines or loss of volume.

What the consultation covers

• A review of your health history, including autoimmune conditions, bleeding disorders, blood thinners and any known allergies, including allergy to local anaesthetics.
• Questions about any previous cosmetic injections in the same area, and what type they were if known.
• An assessment of the skin's quality, hydration and texture, and of which area may be treated.
• A discussion of how these injections differ from fillers and other options, and what suits your goal.
• A discussion of realistic expectations; the doctor may suggest a different option or advise against injections.
• An explanation of the risks and the aftercare, followed by informed consent.

Questions you may want to ask the doctor:

• Is this procedure suitable for my skin, or would another option suit me more?
• What is a realistic improvement, and when might it show?
• What side effects are possible, and what should I do if one appears?
• Can these injections be combined with other skin treatments?

What a visit looks like

1. Registration, and review of the health-history and consent forms.
2. Clinical photos may be taken with your consent; they are kept in your medical file only and never published.
3. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic, and a topical numbing cream may be used in some cases.
4. Small amounts are injected at multiple points with a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula, depending on the area and the doctor's judgement.
5. The skin is soothed, aftercare instructions are given, and a follow-up appointment is booked if the doctor considers it necessary.

The number of sessions, their length and the interval between them vary from person to person and are set by the doctor based on the assessment.

Preparation

• Please tell the doctor about all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners and supplements that may make bruising more likely.
• Do not stop any prescribed medicine without speaking to the doctor who prescribed it.
• Please tell the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy; this procedure is usually postponed in these situations as a precaution.
• Please tell the doctor about any history of cold sores if the area is near the mouth.
• If you have an important event coming up, mention the date during the consultation, to allow enough time for bumps and bruising to settle.
• It helps to arrive with clean skin and no make-up on the treatment area.

After the session and possible side effects

Common effects, usually temporary:

• Small bumps at the injection points, which usually settle within a short time.
• Redness, slight swelling or tenderness.
• Minor bruising.

Less common effects:

• Infection or inflammation at the injection site.
• An allergic reaction.
• Small nodules or unevenness in the area.

Rare but serious effects:

• As with any injection under the skin, the injected material can, in rare cases, enter a blood vessel, which may damage the skin and, very rarely, affect vision.

Contact the clinic immediately, or seek urgent medical care, if you feel severe or increasing pain, notice a change in skin colour near the injection site (pale, bluish or dusky), or notice any change in your vision.

Aftercare instructions may include not rubbing or massaging the area, and avoiding make-up, strenuous exercise and intense heat for a period the doctor specifies.

The doctor explains the full list of risks during the consultation.

Limitations

• Results vary from person to person and cannot be predicted precisely in advance.
• Improvement appears gradually and the effect is temporary; the doctor may discuss follow-up sessions to maintain it.
• These injections do not add volume or lift the skin, and they do not replace fillers or other options where there is loss of volume or sagging.
• The result also depends on daily skincare, sun protection and lifestyle.
• The doctor may advise against injections in situations including: infection or inflammation in the area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, some autoimmune conditions, an allergy to the product's components, or expectations the procedure cannot meet.