Causes of skin changes
The skin on our hands can change in condition and appearance for many reasons, including:
- UV exposure and environmental damage
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking
- Pigmentation changes within the skin
- Natural ageing processes
- Reduced collagen levels and skin elasticity
What Are Skin Boosters?
Skin boosters are a type of prescription only treatment products that are introduced to the skin using specialised, clinically guided techniques. The objective of skin boosters is to support hydration and skin quality in the tissues.
Skin boosters come in various formulations, such as:
Polynucleotide-Based Treatments
Polynucleotides contain purified DNA fragments from salmon. When used in clinical aesthetic medicine, these compounds are included in prescription formulations to support hydration and encourage cellular activity.
Amino Acid-Based Treatments
Amino acids are organic compounds that are natural building blocks involved in key biological processes. When used on skin boosters, they aim to support cellular function and tissue hydration.
Synthetic Complex Sugar-Based Treatments
Synthetic complex sugar-based formulations imitate molecules found naturally in human tissues. They play an important role in maintaining hydration. When used in skin boosters, they can support hydration and tissue quality.
Dissolving Agent Prick Test
As a safety precaution, we perform a dissolving agent prick test on patients who have never been administered a dissolving agent before. A small amount of dissolving agent is applied to the forearm to test for adverse reactions. This test is performed if a dissolving agent is required for future treatment adjustments or to manage a rare vascular complication.
Treatment Preparation
Before we commence treatment, your treatment plan will be reviewed again, with each step explained. Throughout your treatment, your registered cosmetic nurse will continue to communicate with you while carefully observing the treated area.
Comfort during Treatment
To support your comfort during the procedure, we may apply a topical numbing agent to the backs of the hands, allowing time for it to take effect. Additionally, during and immediately after treatment, we may apply ice packs to help ensure comfort and minimise the risk of swelling and bruising.
After Treatment
After your treatment, we’ll give you a treatment record outlining the prescription medication used, and the areas treated. You’ll also be given after-care instructions.
Following your treatment, it’s normal to experience redness, bruising, swelling and tenderness; however, individual healing responses vary.
On the following day, redness, swelling and bruising can become more noticeable, particularly for those receiving treatment for the first time.
Typically, these healing responses will settle over the following few days, and after a week, most visible swelling and bruising will have significantly settled. However, in some cases, mild bruising or swelling can persist for a little longer. These variations from individual to individual are considered part of the normal healing response.
Follow-Up
We may request that you send clear photographs of the treated area within a specified timeframe to monitor your recovery. These images allow the clinical team to assess your healing progress and ensure your response remains within expected parameters. You can send these photos via email.
You will also be given after-hours contact information in case you have any concerns outside normal clinic hours.
Risks & Potential Complications
All nonsurgical procedures carry risks, including skin booster treatments. While most individuals don’t experience any serious adverse effects, they can occur and should be noted. Potential side-effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness, infection, changes to surrounding tissue and vascular compromise. In rare situations, more serious complications may occur.
During your consultation, risks and potential complications will be carefully discussed with you by both your cosmetic nurse and prescribing doctor before commencing treatment. This ongoing consultation process supports informed decision making, careful treatment selection and earlier detection of any complications that may arise.
