Skin Booster

What is it?

A skin booster is a treatment in which a lightly cross-linked, fluid form of hyaluronic acid is distributed through the skin in small amounts. It uses the same active substance as filler; the difference lies in the structure of the gel and in its purpose.

This page is most useful to anyone who confuses three treatments with one another: filler, skin boosters and polynucleotide treatment (popularly called the "youth jab" in Turkey). All three are given by injection and all three are described as being "for the skin", but their aims are different, and choosing the wrong one is the most common cause of disappointment.

The difference lies in how the same substance is processed. The hyaluronic acid used in filler is heavily cross-linked; this allows it to stay at the point where it is placed, hold its shape and create volume. The form used in a skin booster, by contrast, is lightly cross-linked and fluid: it does not stay at one point and give shape, but spreads within the skin and supports its capacity to hold moisture. The result therefore shows not as a change in contour but as a change in the texture of the skin; the aim is a more hydrated, more even-textured appearance. In practice this means something clear: a hollow under the eye, a faint jawline or a cheek that has lost volume will not be corrected with a skin booster. Those concerns are a matter for filler. In the same way, a deep wrinkle will not be smoothed out with this treatment. The treatment is planned not as a single session but as sessions at intervals, and the result is assessed over the series of sessions.

How does it differ from polynucleotide treatment?

Both target skin quality and neither adds volume, which is why they are often confused. The difference is in the substance used. A skin booster is hyaluronic acid and is aimed directly at the skin's capacity to hold moisture. In the treatment popularly called the "youth jab", products containing polynucleotides are used, and the aim is to support the tissue's own response. Which one suits you is decided by the nature of your concern, and some people need neither. There is one more thing that should be said honestly on this page: both treatments are supportive. What largely determines the overall condition of the skin are matters such as sun protection, sleep, diet and smoking; expecting a major change from a treatment carried out without addressing these is not realistic. The treatment does not replace that foundation; it is added on top of it.

1. Distinguishing: whether the concern relates to volume or to tissue quality is established.
2. Application: the fluid form is distributed through the skin in small amounts and over a wide area.
3. Early period: temporary small bumps and redness may appear at the injection points.
4. Session pattern: the treatment continues as sessions at intervals; the result is assessed over the series of sessions.

Treatment Areas

• Facial skin — moisture balance and the appearance of texture
• Neck and upper chest — skin quality
• Backs of the hands — skin texture
• What it cannot do: restoring lost volume
• What it cannot do: filling hollows, defining contours
• What it cannot do: smoothing deep wrinkles, treating pigmentation

Procedure Steps

1. Assessment

   Whether the concern relates to volume or to tissue quality is established. If what you are hoping for is volume or contour, you are told at this stage that this treatment will not get you there.

2. Medical history

   History of allergy, medicines taken, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any active infection at the treatment site are asked about.

3. Preparation

   The area is cleaned with antiseptic; a topical anaesthetic is applied if needed.

4. The procedure

   The fluid form is distributed through the skin in small amounts and over a wide area. The procedure is short.

5. Session plan

   Sessions at intervals are planned. No assessment is made on the basis of a single session.

Duration and Longevity

A skin booster does not produce a lasting result. The hyaluronic acid given is absorbed over time and the effect recedes; if it is to be maintained, the treatment needs to be repeated at intervals. How many sessions are needed, the intervals between them and how long the effect lasts vary with the person and the condition of the skin.

Who is it suitable for?

• Adults aged 18 and over
• People who describe dryness and dullness of the skin
• People with no expectation of volume who are aiming for a change focused on texture
• People who are able to continue with a treatment given in sessions
• People who accept a gradual, limited change

Who is it not suitable for?

• People who want to restore lost volume — this treatment does not add volume
• People who want to fill hollows, define contours or smooth deep wrinkles
• People looking for treatment of pigmentation — that is not what this treatment is for
• People expecting a pronounced result from a single session
• Pregnant and breastfeeding people, people with an active skin infection, and people with a known allergy to hyaluronic acid
• People who expect a major change without addressing basics such as sun protection, sleep, diet and smoking: the treatment does not replace that foundation, it is added on top of it.

Aftercare

• Do not apply make-up to the treated area for the first few hours.
• The small bumps at the injection points settle quickly; do not massage the area.
• Stay away from intense exercise, saunas and steam baths on the first day.
• Keep using sunscreen; it is the most concrete habit that supports the effect of this treatment.
• Keep to the session intervals; irregular sessions reduce the benefit expected from the process.
• If there is an allergic sign such as widespread redness, itching or swelling, contact the clinic.

Possible Side Effects

• Temporary small bumps, redness and tenderness at the injection points
• Small bruises
• Short-lived swelling
• A feeling of tightness lasting a few hours after the treatment
• Rare: infection at the treatment site — sterile conditions are intended to reduce this possibility

Frequently Asked Questions