Skinboosters are injectable treatments that utilise hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the skin, to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall quality. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that primarily focus on adding volume and reshaping facial contours, skinboosters deliver smaller particles of HA into the superficial to mid layers of the skin. This helps to hydrate the skin from within, leading to a smoother, more radiant, and supple complexion.
The HA in skinboosters is often non-cross-linked or lightly cross-linked, allowing it to spread more evenly within the skin to provide diffuse hydration rather than localized volume enhancement. Some skinboosters may also contain other beneficial ingredients like amino acids, vitamins, or minerals to further nourish the skin.
A typical skinbooster treatment involves a series of small injections spaced a few weeks apart. The number of sessions recommended can vary depending on the individual’s skin condition and the specific product used, but often includes an initial course of 2-3 treatments followed by maintenance sessions.
Expected Outcome:
The primary benefits and expected outcomes of skinbooster treatments include:
- Improved Skin Hydration: HA attracts and retains water, leading to significantly more hydrated and plump skin. This can reduce the appearance of dryness and dehydration lines.
- Enhanced Skin Elasticity and Firmness: By hydrating the skin and potentially stimulating collagen production over time, skinboosters can improve skin elasticity and firmness, making it feel more resilient.
- Smoother Skin Texture: Increased hydration can lead to a smoother skin surface, reducing the appearance of fine lines, superficial wrinkles, and even mild acne scarring.
- Increased Radiance and Glow: Well-hydrated skin reflects light better, resulting in a more radiant and healthy-looking complexion.
- Improved Skin Tone: Some skinboosters can contribute to a more even skin tone by improving overall skin health and reducing the appearance of dullness.
- Versatile Treatment Areas: Skinboosters are not limited to the face and can be used to improve the skin quality of the neck, décolletage, and hands, areas that often show signs of aging.
- Natural-Looking Results: The results are typically subtle and natural-looking, enhancing the skin’s overall quality rather than dramatically altering facial features.
Side Effects:
Common side effects associated with skinbooster injections are usually mild and temporary, similar to other injectable treatments:
- Redness: The treated area may appear red immediately after the injections. This usually subsides within a few hours to a day.
- Swelling: Mild swelling at the injection sites is common and typically resolves within 1-3 days.
- Bruising: Bruising can occur if small blood vessels are punctured during the injection process. This usually fades within a week.
- Tenderness: The treated areas may feel tender or slightly sore for a day or two.
- Small Bumps: Temporary small bumps or papules may be visible at the injection sites, which usually disappear within a few hours to a couple of days as the product disperses.
- Itching: Mild itching at the injection sites can occur in some individuals.
Potential Complications:
Although rare, more serious complications can occur with skinbooster treatments:
- Infection: As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site. Proper sterile techniques during the procedure are crucial to minimize this risk. Symptoms of infection may include increased redness, pain, swelling, heat, or pus.
- Allergic Reaction: Although hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, allergic reactions to other components in the skinbooster product are possible, though uncommon. Symptoms can range from mild itching and rash to severe reactions like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat.
- Nodules or Granulomas: In rare cases, lumps or granulomas (inflammatory nodules) can form under the skin. These may require medical intervention.
- Vascular Occlusion: While more commonly associated with traditional dermal fillers, accidental injection into a blood vessel is a rare but serious risk with any injectable. This can lead to skin necrosis (tissue death) in the affected area.
- Prolonged Swelling or Bruising: If swelling or bruising persists for more than a week or worsens, it should be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Tyndall Effect: A bluish discoloration under the skin can occur if the product is injected too superficially.